The authority of Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI) has moved to provide a quicker clearance service for imported goods during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, an official said.
Under the measure, the BSTI offices at sea and land ports are now in operation six days a week except for Friday to ensure a speedy clearance certificate service to importers considering the country’s business interests.
“We are providing clearance certificates to imported goods very swiftly to keep import activities normal and reduce the congestion of containers in ports,” a high official of BSTI told the FE on Sunday.
He said, apart from issuing certificates on imported goods, the BSTI has also been maintaining its usual tasks like collecting samples, submitting test reports and receiving applications for new certificates.
The BSTI offices received 141 samples of imported goods during the last week. Of the total samples, those offices had given clearance certificates to 26 until Thursday last, said the official.
Of the 141 samples, the Chattogram office of BSTI alone received 59 samples and gave clearance certificates to 16.
Among the samples of imported goods submitted to BSTI offices for clearance certificates were mainly milk-powder, infant formula, sugar, fruit juice, fruit cordial, butter, biscuits, sunflower oil, chocolate, instant noodles, soft drinks powder, dextrose monohydrate, skin cream shampoo, ceramic tiles, sanitary ware appliances, ceramic tableware, etc.
The BSTI official said they have strengthened the ongoing surveillance activities apart from the normal routine duties.
He further said they have been carrying out a campaign to create awareness among consumers during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
