Jordan Times
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Government scraps extra duties on imports through Aqaba
AMMAN (JT) — The government decided Tuesday to
exempt importers from paying the extra custom duties and other taxes that
emanated as a result of the higher costs brought by the congestion surcharges
imposed by international shipping lines on goods heading to and from Aqaba.
“The decision, effective as of today, will reduce the cost importers incur and
will consequently help decrease the prices of imported commodities in the local
market,” said Customs Department Director General Mahmoud Qteishat.
Aqaba Port Corporation Director General Saud Srour welcomed the government step
as it will have a positive impact of the importers' business.
The official called on the international shipping companies to abolish the
surcharges altogether as the problem of congestion in Aqaba Port has ended after
concerned authorities took several measures to address it.
Among the key measures was the signing of a two-year contract with the Danish
APM Terminals company to operate and develop the Aqaba Port's containers
terminal.
Last year, international shipping lines increased the charges of carrying goods
to and from Aqaba by $450 on each 20-feet container and $950 on 40-feet
container. This levy came to compensate the shipping companies for the delay and
additional costs incurred due a congestion situation at Aqaba.
The surcharges have raised both the cost of goods and automatically the custom
duties imposed on them.