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India Makes Plans for 24-Hour Customs Service – The trade and maritime community of India has been calling for service improvements to reduce cargo backlogs. In response, the Indian government has announced plans for a 24/7 customs clearance service. A four month trial will be piloted at Jawaharlal Nehru, Chennai, Kolkata and Kandla seaports and New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai airports. The program is expected to start August 25th.
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Port of Portland Wants to Cover Terminal Losses – The Port of Portland is proposing to pay their terminal operator, ICTSI Oregon Inc., $4.7 million in order to cover losses incurred by the ongoing labor dispute. Port commissioners will review the payment proposal at a public meeting on Wednesday at the port’s headquarters.
Read more from Oregon Live
India Proposes Relaxation of Cabotage Law – The cabotage law is a provision within the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 that requires Indian-owned and operated vessels to carry cargo between two Indian ports. The Indian shipping ministry is planning on relaxing this law in hopes of attracting containerized cargo from large foreign-owned container lines that transship from India to neighboring transshipment hubs.
Read more from The Hindu
Miami to Expand Foreign Trade Zones – The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the Port of Miami’s application for a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) license. FTZ licenses allow exporters to ship goods without paying U.S. import taxes provided the items are heading from one foreign country to another. This FTZ expansion will make it easier for shippers to operate in Miami-Dade, enhance the county’s status as a Center for International Trade and Commerce and attract more cargo through the port’s facilities.
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