The Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory
Authority (Sumatra) has stopped implementation of the Electronic Cargo
Tracking Note (ECTN) until further notice.
The Regulator’s decision followed complaints submitted by Tanzania Shipping Agents Association (TASAA) that Tanzania Ports Authority has engaged firm ANTASER BVB to implement the system without consultations with key stakeholders.
TASAA also needed more time to conduct cost–benefit analysis with regard to the proposed system and examine its effect on competitiveness in the region.
According to Sumatra’s ruling on the complaints over the planned system, the Belgian firm ANTASER BVB will be required to withdraw the notice to introduce Electronic Cargo Tracking Note and associated schedule of costs which were uploaded on the firm’s website.
According to Sumatra’s Acting Director General Ahmed Kilima, TPA should instruct the firm ANTASER BVB to use the same website to inform shippers that ECTN has been stopped until further notice.
The transport watchdog has also advised the TPA to consult the Regulator in accordance with the existing regulations and procedures before implementing a new ECTN as the System may introduce additional charges to consumers.
The Regulator also ruled that before it is consulted the TPA should conduct meaningful consultations with all key stakeholders with a view to establishing potential benefits and costs of the envisaged system and assess the relevance of ECTN in the implementation of SOLAS and ISPS code
According to a letter dated September 11, 2013 from Kilima to the TPA Director General, whoever is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal for review in accordance with Sumatra (Complaints and Review) Rules, 2008.
Stakeholders notably importers in the shipping business in the country have been protesting against TPA’s plan to introduce the cargo tracking note before proper consultations.
Tanzania Electronic Cargo Tracking Agency (Tecta) Executive Director Dennis Makoi said that TPA’s top management decision was against international and the country’s cargo shipping, clearing and forwarding regulations.
Makoi said principally the overseeing agency- Tanzania Shipping Agency Association (TASAA) is the only agency with authority to sign contracts on behalf of the government and private firms to implement the system in the country.
According to him, despite TPA being aware of the pending five-year contract signed between TASAA and a French-based firm Phoenix Cargo Security on August 17 last year; they still went ahead to sign a new contract with Antaser Afrique on July 3, this year thus creating tension among stakeholders on the effectiveness of the system especially at the Dar port.
The Regulator’s decision followed complaints submitted by Tanzania Shipping Agents Association (TASAA) that Tanzania Ports Authority has engaged firm ANTASER BVB to implement the system without consultations with key stakeholders.
TASAA also needed more time to conduct cost–benefit analysis with regard to the proposed system and examine its effect on competitiveness in the region.
According to Sumatra’s ruling on the complaints over the planned system, the Belgian firm ANTASER BVB will be required to withdraw the notice to introduce Electronic Cargo Tracking Note and associated schedule of costs which were uploaded on the firm’s website.
According to Sumatra’s Acting Director General Ahmed Kilima, TPA should instruct the firm ANTASER BVB to use the same website to inform shippers that ECTN has been stopped until further notice.
The transport watchdog has also advised the TPA to consult the Regulator in accordance with the existing regulations and procedures before implementing a new ECTN as the System may introduce additional charges to consumers.
The Regulator also ruled that before it is consulted the TPA should conduct meaningful consultations with all key stakeholders with a view to establishing potential benefits and costs of the envisaged system and assess the relevance of ECTN in the implementation of SOLAS and ISPS code
According to a letter dated September 11, 2013 from Kilima to the TPA Director General, whoever is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal for review in accordance with Sumatra (Complaints and Review) Rules, 2008.
Stakeholders notably importers in the shipping business in the country have been protesting against TPA’s plan to introduce the cargo tracking note before proper consultations.
Tanzania Electronic Cargo Tracking Agency (Tecta) Executive Director Dennis Makoi said that TPA’s top management decision was against international and the country’s cargo shipping, clearing and forwarding regulations.
Makoi said principally the overseeing agency- Tanzania Shipping Agency Association (TASAA) is the only agency with authority to sign contracts on behalf of the government and private firms to implement the system in the country.
According to him, despite TPA being aware of the pending five-year contract signed between TASAA and a French-based firm Phoenix Cargo Security on August 17 last year; they still went ahead to sign a new contract with Antaser Afrique on July 3, this year thus creating tension among stakeholders on the effectiveness of the system especially at the Dar port.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
