Maldives Customs Service, on Thursday, requested for shipping agents to submit their certificate of registration as new regulations by the Maldives Transport Authority will bar unregistered agents from operating within the country starting August 17.
According to Customs, shipping agents must register themselves at the Transport Authority before forwarding their proof of registration to the Customs in order to seek its services.
The amendment to the regulations for shipping agents was passed by relevant authorities on July 17. The new guidelines provided a period of one month for shipping agents to register at the Transport Authority before it comes into effect on Monday.
The changes were brought as a result of various agents charging additional fees on shipments, falsely claiming that such payments were imposed by the government.
According to a circular previously released by the Maldives Port Limited (MPL), certain charges such as 'APCR', 'DCHT', Port Congestion Charges and Equipment Imbalance Charges are among those quoted as false fees.
However, an administrative charge of MVR 500 can still be levied for delivery orders in addition to the freight cost.
Violating the regulation can incur a fine of MVR 10,000.
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