Thiruvananthapuram: Export and cargo clearance from the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) cargo complex at Shanghumughom came to a standstill on Tuesday morning following a stir by Customs House Agents and other allied agencies in protest against the hike in warehousing charges of import cargo.

Export of perishables, especially vegetables, and other commodities by flight to various destinations in the Gulf countries and clearance of unaccompanied baggage was affected following the stir.

Hundreds of people who came to clear unaccompanied baggage had to return empty-handed. Fifty tonnes of perishables bought by exporters for the Gulf could also not be exported. Exporters said the country had lost foreign exchange to the tune of Rs.2.5 crores following the stir.

The KSIE decision to hike the charges from April 1 had come in for opposition from exporters and the Agricultural Products and Processed Food Exporters' Association (Appexa).

A KSIE official told The Hindu that the Government-undertaking had hiked the warehousing charges of import cargo by 25 per cent after six years. The decision to hike the charges was intimated well in advance.

Two rounds of talks were held by the KSIE on Tuesday to end the impasse. "We even offered to reduce the hike by 10 per cent. The Customs House Agents have agreed to convey their decision by Wednesday," he said.

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