Chittagong customs house operation is going to be divided into two divisions from 1st of July for handling the cargo import and export separately in a bid to gear up the customs formalities. Earlier steps were taken several times to implement the plan in bifurcation of Chittagong customs house, but red tapism and other complications in providing logistic supports, manpower and development of infrastructures delayed the move. Officials said move for bifurcation of the CCH was taken by the National Board of Revenue in line with the budget proposal made in the year 2004.

Sources said increase in traffic of cargoes through Chittagong port and delay in completing customs formalities prompted the government to undertake the plan for separate operation of the customs house that collects huge revenue per year. On many occasions, the traders also demanded for simplification of customs formalities at the port to ensure smooth handling of cargo import and export.

Two commissioners of customs would be appointed in two divisions to run the cargo import and cargo export separately.