Banned sweetener seized at Ctg Port

Chattogram Customs authorities have seized 4,200 kg of prohibited artificial sweetener Sodium Cyclamate at Chattogram port.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) confirmed the seizure in a notification on Wednesday.

According to NBR sources, Ajaz Trading of Keraniganj, Dhaka, imported 22,088 kg of the product from China in a container declared as “poly aluminum chloride.” 

The consignment was unloaded at Chattogram Port on October 21, but customs authorities suspended its release after receiving suspicious information.

Upon opening the container on November 6, officials found two types of products. Chemical testing at Chattogram Customs laboratory revealed that 17,800 kg of the consignment was declared “poly aluminum chloride,” while the remaining 4,200 kg was identified as artificial sweetener Sodium Cyclamate.

Based on a secret tip-off, Central Intelligence Cell Dhaka, in collaboration with Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department, seized the prohibited artificial sweetener consignment.

Artificial sweetener Sodium Cyclamate is 30 to 50 times sweeter than regular sugar. Consumption of food containing it may lead to cancer, kidney complications and liver disease. 

The government has declared the import of artificial sweetener prohibited to protect public health.

Under the Import Policy Order 2021-2024, the import of artificial sweetener is fully banned. Legal action is being taken under the Customs Act, 2023.

Previously, Chattogram Customs seized two separate consignments totaling 100 tons of artificial sweetener on September 16 and October 28.

AH/SH