LOCAL exporters sending cargo to the US will not have to pay any additional charges for the next six months if their shipment is checked under the container security initiative (CSI) programme at Port Klang.

The decision for the temporary reprieve, made by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, will give Malaysian shippers time to be familiar with US Customs' requirements and to take steps to ensure that their cargo complies fully with the rules. However, boxes that originate from other ports, which are transhipped at Port Klang, would still be subject to the extra movement charges of between RM130 and RM620 levied by Northport and Westport.

Port Klang Authority (PKA) general manager Datin Paduka O.C. Phang said the short-term relief would enable local manufacturers and shippers sending their goods to the US to comply with and be aware of the CSI expectations. "The idea is to ensure that our exporters have a grace period to comply with the requirements. However, once the deadline passes, we will come down hard on shippers that do not meet the conditions.

"This temporary arrangement only applies to export cargo meant for CSI checks. "Boxes that are examined for any other purposes will still be subject to extra movement charges as per Port Klang's published tariffs," added Phang.

Last week. Star Maritime reported that Northport and Westport had begun imposing between RM130 and RM620 for any extra movement required to be done at the terminals, for the US-led CSI checks

The charges, which follow the existing rates approved- by PKA, varies according to the number of moves made and the extent to which a container is scanned and inspected. Several parties including the Port Klang Shipping Agencies Association and Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association, had requested the terminals to do the checks for free because the percentage of boxes to be scanned would only be very minimal. However, port officials had argued that the charge was nothing new and not specifically meant for C51 as the fees were also levied for other extra movement.

Meanwhile, Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) Corporation officials told Singaporean media that PSA, the world's second largest container terminal operator, was currently not charging a security fee. However, it was not known if there were plans to recover security-related costs in future, P&O Ports, the world's third largest container terminal operator by volume, has confirmed it plans to recover security-related costs, according to Asia region executive director Bryan Smith. Hutchison Port Holdings, recently came under fire for a security' surcharge it introduced in Britain.