KOCHI: It seems that the stand-off between the Customs and the special economic zone (SEZ) authorities over the inspection of cargo at the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam is coming to an end with the Prime Minister’s Office intervening in the issue.The Customs and the SEZ authorities have been at loggerheads ever since the commissioning of the ICTT. The Customs is of the opinion that they should have the permission to inspect transshipment cargo which is not acceptable for the SEZ.The Prime Minister has directed various departments to ensure that procedural issues do not come in the way of the ICTT becoming a global cargo hub, the first of its kind in the country. In a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister’s principal secretary and attended by officials from the departments of Revenue, Commerce and Shipping, many inter-departmental issues were discussed. It was also observed that a user-friendly environment should be provided for growth.It has been decided that the Department of Commerce and the Ministry of Shipping will make all possible efforts to ensure that the first Container Freight Station (CFS) becomes operational by March 1, 2012, and three more proposed CFSs are commissioned shortly afterwards. The Customs will also ensure necessary arrangements. The Department of Revenue has been directed to prepare a proposal within two weeks to provide Customs officers to work on deputation in the SEZ.However, the Centre has not taken any decision providing relaxation for provisions under the cabotage law, which is believed to be a major reason for keeping shipping lines away from the ICTT.“It has been decided to convene a separate meeting to discuss the issues related to cabotage law. The Cabinet will soon look into the matter,” said Union Shipping Secretary K Mohandas.
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