Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2023-08-07

Introduction of a new Act to regulate Container Depot Operators

- The Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non‑Vessel Operating Common Carriers, and Container Depot Operators Act, No.10 of 1972 has been amended several times and as per the provisions of the said Act, Container Depot Operators are to be regulated considering as a “Service Provider”. It has been observed that pursuing action in accordance with the aforesaid manner adversely affects on the development of Container Depot Operators on modern‑day trade, shipping, and logistics requirements and their infrastructure facilities. Therefore, the proposal made by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to introduce a new Act with provisions for the regulation and control of business carried on by container depot operators, determination of rates and charges, imposition and collection of rates and charges and to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft a new Bill for the said purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.