FedEx Trade Networks will add a surcharge on shipments from Bangladesh to the European Union (EU) after stricter security standards were introduced.
FedEx's forwarding arm said that as a result of the EU adding Bangladesh to its list of high-risk countries shipments will need to go through new screening measures in addition to those already applied.
As a result, the company will apply additional re-screening charges of $0.15 per kg on shipments heading from Bangladesh to EU destinations and there will be an additional one day transit time until further notice.
On June 1, the EU imposed enhanced security requirements for cargo originating from Bangladesh that stipulates all exports from the country must be screened by x-ray machines and also using explosive detection systems – either an explosive detection dog unit (EDD) or an explosive detection system (EDS).
However, at present Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal airport has neither an EDD or EDS, meaning cargo must be scanned at another destination before it can fly to EU destinations.
Other forwarders have also warned that the new security measures will push up prices and cause delays.
