Licence requirement for container and freight sector

The Ministry of Ports and Aviation informs all concerned parties that any individual or establishment engaged in the business of freight forwarding, non vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC), container terminals, container depots and container freight stations will be required to obtain a licence from the Director of Merchant Shipping to conduct such business.

This is in compliance with the Freight Forwarders and Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers (Licensing) Regulations 2005 and Container Operators' Regulation 2005. (Government Gazette No 1402/19 dated July 22 2005).

The application for such licences must be made as specified in the said regulations on or before September 20, 2005 to the Director of Merchant Shipping, a press release said. Further information could be obtained from the Merchant Shipping Division of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, First Floor, Bristol Building, 43 - 89, York Street, Colombo 01 Tel (011 - 2441293).