Tirupur: The Apparel Export Promotion Council has urged the Union govt to grant demurrage charge waivers on export consignments that could not be moved due to flight disruptions, airspace restrictions, or related operational constraints arising from the escalating tension in West Asia.Dr A Sakthivel, chairman, AEPC, has written to the secretary, Union civil aviation ministry, on the pressing problem arising out of the situation prevailing in the Middle East and West Asia due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict. In his representation, Sakthivel noted that the prevailing situation has significantly disrupted international flight operations, resulting in route restrictions, airspace closures, flight diversions, schedule irregularities and operational constraints at certain overseas airports. “These unforeseen developments have directly impacted the timely movement of export cargo from Indian airports to various international destinations. Export consignments are currently stranded at multiple airport cargo terminals across India. The delays are solely attributable to external and unforeseen factors beyond the control of exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, or air cargo agents,” he said. Under the existing tariff structure of cargo terminal operators, he said, demurrage charges become applicable when cargo remains in terminal facilities beyond the stipulated free period. “However, the present circumstances constitute an exceptional and unavoidable disruption in the global air logistics chain. Imposition of demurrage in such cases will place an undue financial burden on exporters who are already facing shipment delays, contractual uncertainties and market-related challenges,” he noted. Sakthivel has requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to consider issuing suitable instructions to the cargo terminal operators to grant demurrage charge waivers on export consignments that could not be lifted due to flight disruptions, airspace restrictions, or related operational constraints arising from the ongoing international developments.
