Freight and Logistics Impact India launches drive to clear long-pending port containers by Oct 31
India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has ordered a high-priority special drive to dispose of unclaimed, uncleared, seized and confiscated cargo at major ports and ICDs/CFS by 31 October 2026. The goal is to free storage space, improve container availability (especially reefers), and ease congestion that has been worsened by West Asia shipping disruptions and vessel schedule issues, particularly at West Coast hubs.
Why it matters: Congestion and container shortages at Indian origin ports can delay sailings, raise demurrage/detention risk, and push up freight costs for LCL/FCL shipments to Canada. First-time importers should build extra buffer into lead times and confirm equipment availability with forwarders until the drive shows results.
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