Trading of 25 fruit importers was halted yesterday after Benapole Customs House authorities suspended their licenses for not paying Tk 10 crore in outstanding revenue.

The 25 organisations were dodging payment for the last four years, Additional Commissioner of Benapole Customs House Dr Neyamul Islam told The Daily Star.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Following the suspension, fruits imported by the organisations got stuck at the country's ports and customs houses, reports our Benapole correspondent.

Confirming the matter, a source at Benapole Customs House last night said eight trucks carrying different fruits, including dates, tomatoes, and pineapples imported from India, remain stranded at Bhomra land port in Satkhira.

Since the importers did not clear the revenue, their licenses for importing fruits have been suspended and the "AIN" of some organisations of C&F agents were locked, the source said.

Until the matter is settled, the importers will not be able to import through any ports, Benapole customs official Dr Neyamul Islam said adding that if the issue is not resolved before the fruits perish, those will be sold at auctions following the relevant rules.