The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has urged the government to temporarily suspend an order permitting the trans-shipment of Bangladesh export cargo through the Delhi Air Cargo complex, citing logistical and cost concerns. 

In a communication to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC), AEPC highlighted the strain caused by the Red Sea crisis, which has escalated transportation costs for domestic exporters and prompted a shift from sea to air freight.

Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC expressed concern over the daily arrival of 20-30 loaded trucks in Delhi, slowing cargo movement and facilitating undue advantage-taking by airlines. This situation has resulted in soaring air freight rates, processing delays, and severe congestion at the Cargo Terminal of the IGI Airport, making Indian apparel exports less competitive, he said.

AEPC petitioned the CBIC to suspend the implementation of a circular issued on February 7, which expanded the trans-shipment permissions to the Delhi air cargo complex. Previously, such trans-shipments were restricted to the Kolkata Air Cargo complex. Bangladesh's significant presence in the textile sector poses a competitive challenge to India.