Container Backlog Reduction Assured by KICT Amidst Industry-Wide Protests
Kickin' It Old School at the Port of Karachi: A近身詰めの注意の nécessité
KARACHI: Fuored by an increasing chorus of complaints about surging delays in container inspections at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), the terminal operator promises the trading community they're cracking down on this issue.
In a statement released this week, KICT declared their commitment to benefiting trade and ensuring seamless terminal operations for all stakeholders. Confirming the Collector Appraisement (West) has taken swift action, they doubled the inspection staff deployed at the terminal to expedite the clearance process.
KICT remains positive that, with their teamwork, they can tackle this situation sooner rather than later.
These developments come hot on the heels of a pointed statement from the Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA), sounding the alarm over efficiency problems and escalating backlogs at KICT. In a formal missive last week, the KCAA voiced gravest concerns over operational inefficiencies, flagging mounting backlogs at KICT as a major issue. "We're sounding the alarm over escalating delays in container inspections at KICT. Despite multiple attempts to sort this issue out, there remain no improvements," the KCAA declared. The association also shared a copy of their Daily Examination & Grounding Report to back up their complaints.
The KCAA brought attention to even priority containers held for urgent handling being delayed, while a lackluster and disjointed labor force has worsened the situation. They also pointed out that containers can linger in the inspection area for extended periods after checks due to bottlenecks in sealing and removal, leading to terminal congestion and disrupted operations.
The association wasn't shy about criticizing the diminutive space allotted for the examination of A-class cargo, urging KICT to promptly upgrade and expand the area to meet the demands of surging trade volumes.
KICT’s management, while nodding to the niggles, expressed optimism that the collaborative measures now underway with Customs would soon resolve the conundrum.
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Insider's Take:- Delays and backlogs at KICT have been a thorn in the side of traders since June 2025.- These delays are causing financial pain for traders due to increasing port demurrage and container detention charges[1][4].- The Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) has highlighted key issues behind these delays: + A backlog of import containers awaiting inspection and clearance + Delays for even priority containers submitted for urgent processing + Containers staying in the inspection area for long periods post-inspection due to slow sealing and relocation + An inefficient and disorganized labor force responsible for container inspections + The inadequate space allotted for examination of high-priority A-class goods exacerbates bottlenecks and inefficiencies- To alleviate these delays, the KCAA is calling for: + Expanding and upgrading the examination area, especially for A-class goods + Improving labor coordination and hiring additional personnel to speed up the handling process + Streamlining workflows related to sealing and relocation to reduce post-inspection container dwell time[1][4].- For now, no technological or procedural reforms have been proposed, with the focus primarily on upping workforce coordination, expanding physical inspection areas, and prioritizing clearance to ease the backlog and curtail financial impacts on trade.
The trading industry is expressing concerns about escalating delays in container inspections at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), which could lead to financial losses due to increasing port demurrage and container detention charges. The Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) has suggested solutions such as expanding and upgrading the examination area, improving labor coordination, hiring additional personnel, and streamlining workflows to alleviate these delays. Trading businesses in the finance sector are keenly watching these developments, as they stand to be significantly affected by the congestion and dispatch delays at the terminal.
