Shipments of Pakistani rock salt stuck at Chattogram port due to lack of NOC from the Ministry of Industries

PNN News Desk. Chattogram

A shipment of 28 metric tons of rock salt (also known as bit salt) imported from Pakistan has not been cleared by Chattogram Customs House due to the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Industries. As a result, the shipment has remained stuck at the port for nearly two weeks.

Customs sources said the shipment was imported from Pakistan’s “Peak Minerals Private Limited” by a Chattogram-based company, “Warda and Jubair Agro Industries Limited” of Boalkhali. Although a Bill of Entry was submitted on May 4 for clearance, it was stalled due to the lack of the required NOC.

Under the National Salt Policy 2022, importation of salt is not permitted without recommendation or certification of availability from the Ministry of Industries. Import of crude salt is also discouraged except for special needs. The policy has been implemented to protect the local salt industry, according to authorities.

The shipment consists of 1,120 bags containing a total of 28 metric tons of rock salt. According to customs data, the invoice value of the goods is 6,440 US dollars. The shipment is subject to customs duty, VAT, and other taxes amounting to approximately 683,000 Bangladeshi taka.

Customs officials said that previously, some such goods were released as industrial raw materials based on import permits, but since April 23, regulations have been strictly enforced. Now, no salt shipment is being cleared without approval from the Ministry of Industries.

Assistant Commissioner of Chattogram Customs House, Tohida Islam, said that under the National Salt Policy, NOC is mandatory for importing sodium chloride or similar salt products. She added that shipments will be released in accordance with the law once all necessary documents are submitted.

Meanwhile, no official statement has been received from the importer. However, a source said efforts are underway to obtain approval from the Ministry of Industries.

Rock salt or bit salt is used in the food industry, pickles and spice production, herbal and Unani medicine, cosmetics, and various industrial sectors in Bangladesh. Known as “Himalayan pink salt,” it is also popular among health-conscious consumers.

However, due to sufficient domestic salt production, the government has imposed restrictions on such imports to protect local industries. High customs duties are also currently applied on rock salt imports.