New regulatory system for freight forwarders, carrier operators and depot agents

BY HIRAN H. Senewiratne

THE Merchant Shipping Division of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation is in the process of publishing the new regulatory licence system for all freight forwarders, Non vessel owning common carrier operators and container depot agents.

The objective of introducing the licensing mechanism is to regulate the cargo operations in a more responsible and accountable manner for importers and shippers, Director of Merchant Shipping, Shantha Weerakoon said.

He said that they will publish the new regulatory licensing framework very soon and it would be in operational from next year.

He also said that due to mushroom operators in the industry most of the importers and shipping companies played out, which will lose the credibility of the industry to a greater extent.

Under the new licensing system all freight forwarders, Non vessel owning common carrier operators and container depot agents will have to get the licence to operate in the business.

Weerakoon said that all stakeholders in the shipping industry requested them to introduce this new licensing system to prevent mushroom and unscrupulous companies to enter the industry.

Once the licensing system come into play all importers and shippers will not be worried and they could deal without any fear, he said.