JNPA SOP meeting with depot operators sees key decisions and clarifications
In a recent meeting with JNPA Chairman Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, and all other stakeholders, it was clarified that the newly released SOP for payment at Empty Container Depots applies solely to depots on JNPA land. For depots outside JNPA jurisdiction, the SOP is advisory and non-binding. Empty Depot Operators, already operating under thin margins, will encounter further pressures if they are not permitted autonomy in handling payments, highlighted a communique.
To safeguard the operational integrity of depots and streamline the payment process, the following SOP will be adopted by all Empty Depot Operators outside JNPA land:
* Only online payments of Handling Charges shall be accepted by all Depot Operating members.
* To address the concerns of transporters, further facilitate trade and avoid complications involved in availing of GST input credit by the Consignee / CHA / Freight Forwarder, the depot operators agreed that they shall issue tax invoice towards the “handling charges” only to the party mentioned on the Shipping Line Delivery Order / Empty Offloading letter.
* To facilitate ease of doing payments directly to the depot operator, it has been proposed that all shipping lines will mention the bank account details of the depot operator on their Delivery Order / Empty Offloading letters so that the respective party can directly make payment to the respective depots to avoid delays in container offloading at member depots.
* Depot will survey the containers and offload only based on shipping lines’ SOP and guidelines.
* Any transporter approaching the yard with an expired Empty Acceptance letter will not be entertained until they get the valid documents from the shipping line. It is as per shipping lines’ SOP.
* Depot members shall implement UPI payments in future for a smooth payments process.
These steps aim to ensure that depot operations continue smoothly, and that the sector’s role in India’s growing logistics needs is recognised.
This SOP, curated by Nhava Sheva Depot Container Association (NSDCA) and other depot associations across India, ensures depots can manage operations effectively while accommodating industry demands and preventing bottlenecks. Depot operators remain committed to upholding the integrity of India’s logistics chain while addressing the pressures caused by the new regulatory environment, said the communique issued by:
* Nhava Sheva Depot Container Association
* Mundra Depot Operators Association
* Cochin Container Depot Operators Association
* Chennai Container Depot Operators Association
* Kolkata Depot Operators Association
* Hazira Depot Operators Association
* Tuticorin Container Yard Association