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Evaluating Clearance Delays and their Impact on Supply Chain

Efficiency: A Study on Chattogram Port

Muhammad Rejaul Islam Khan

, Md. Ferdausur Rahman

, Farjana Mita

, Md. Golam Morshed

, Md

Abdul Bashir

, Md. Abdul Khaleque Mollah

Faculty of Business Studies. Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Bangladesh

Department of Apparel Manufacturing Management & Technology, Shanto-Mariam University of

Creative Technology, Bangladesh

Department of Business Administration, Uttara University, Bangladesh

Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Malaysia

Assistant Vice President & Head of Branch, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Singra Branch, Natore,

Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100207

Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 20 November 2025; Published: 04 December 2025

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the clearance delays at Chattogram Port and their implications for supply chain

efficiency in Bangladesh, adopting a qualitative research approach supported by case study evidence. As the

country’s principal maritime gateway, Chattogram Port handles over 90% of containerized trade, yet clearance

inefficiencies undermine both cost competitiveness and operational reliability. Primary data was collected

through structured surveys with 10 respondents, including customs officials, C&F agents, and importers, to

capture stakeholder experiences and perceptions regarding clearance processes. Thematic analysis revealed

four dominant issues: manual documentation (cited by 80% of respondents), understaffing at customs and port

authorities (70%), inadequate terminal infrastructure such as shortage of scanners and equipment (60%), and

inefficient customs procedures including excessive physical inspections (50%). Respondents emphasized that

these problems collectively prolong clearance times, disrupt production schedules, raise logistics costs, and

reduce supply chain reliability—particularly for time-sensitive sectors like garments and pharmaceuticals. To

enrich the qualitative findings, secondary evidence from the Time Release Study (TRS) 2022 was integrated as

a case reference, which reported an Average Release Time (ART) of 11 days 6 hours. Stakeholder insights

confirmed that these delays significantly disrupt lead times, increase logistics costs, and reduce reliability

across industries such as garments and pharmaceuticals. The findings also reveal the effectiveness of Pre-

Arrival Processing (PAP), which reduced clearance duration by an average of 43%. The study highlights the

potential benefits of digitization, Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP), workforce capacity building, and infrastructure

investment to mitigate these bottlenecks. By combining qualitative insights with case-based secondary data,

the research underscores that clearance delays at Chattogram Port are not isolated technical problems but

systemic challenges rooted in processes, institutions, and capacity gaps. The study concludes that coordinated

investment in infrastructure, digital customs, workforce training, and PAP adoption is essential. These reforms

will cut delays, boost supply chain performance, and strengthen Bangladesh’s global trade competitiveness.

Keywords: Time Release Study (TRS) 2022, Average Release Time (ART), Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP),

Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Framework

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INTRODUCTION

Over the past ten years, Bangladesh, a fast-rising country with a population of over 170 million, has seen

exceptional economic progress, primarily due to its booming industrial sector and export-oriented economy.

Over 90% of the nation's transactions are carried out via maritime routes, making international trade the

foundation of this expansion (UNCTAD, 2021). Because of this, ports are essential to sustaining the nation's

commercial competitiveness and facilitating the efficient flow of products. Over 90% of Bangladesh's

containerized cargo is handled at Chattogram Port, formerly known as Chittagong Port, which is the main

marine gateway (Chittagong Port Authority, 2022). As a result, the national economy is directly impacted by

this port's operational performance, which has an impact on supply chain dependability, import efficiency, and

export competitiveness.

Despite its strategic significance, Chattogram Port faces persistent challenges that hinder its operational

efficiency. Congestion, vessel delays, and procedural bottlenecks have long plagued the port, resulting in

prolonged turnaround times and increased costs for both importers and exporters. Vessels often wait several

days or even weeks before berthing due to limited handling capacity, infrastructural inadequacies, bureaucratic

hurdles, and labor-related inefficiencies. These challenges have intensified as trade volumes continue to rise,

exceeding the port’s current capacity. Consequently, clearance delays not only inflate logistics costs and disrupt

production schedules but also weaken Bangladesh’s position in global trade competitiveness. In contrast,

regional ports such as Singapore and Colombo record average cargo release times of less than 24 hours,

whereas the average release time at Chattogram Port exceeds 11 days (NBR & WCO, 2022), highlighting a

significant performance gap.

The delays experienced at Chattogram Port have broader implications for Bangladesh’s supply chain

efficiency. According to the Time Release Study (TRS) 2022, the port’s average release time is 11 days, 6

hours, and 23 minutes, while for critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals it exceeds 14 days. Such inefficiencies

disrupt production timelines, increase storage and transportation costs, and undermine the reliability of

logistics operations. These issues are particularly detrimental to export-oriented industries such as the ready-

made garments (RMG) sector, which contributes more than 80 percent of the country’s total export earnings.

Delays in cargo clearance not only affect the timeliness of shipments but also reduce the overall responsiveness

of the supply chain, leading to missed deadlines and financial losses across multiple industries.

Although previous research has acknowledged the operational and procedural inefficiencies at Chattogram

Port, there remains a scarcity of systematic studies that quantify the effects of clearance delays on end-to-end

supply chain performance. Most existing studies tend to identify the causes of delays but rarely examine how

these delays influence key performance indicators such as lead times, logistics costs, and reliability.

Furthermore, few studies have applied structured analytical frameworks, such as the Supply Chain Operations

Reference (SCOR) model, to evaluate the relationship between clearance inefficiencies and supply chain

outcomes. This gap limits the ability of policymakers and port authorities to formulate targeted strategies for

improving performance and reducing trade-related bottlenecks.

This study seeks to address this gap by analyzing the impact of clearance delays at Chattogram Port on

Bangladesh’s overall supply chain efficiency. Through a qualitative approach that incorporates stakeholder

perspectives and case study evidence, the research identifies the operational, infrastructural, and procedural

factors contributing to clearance delays and examines their effects on key supply chain performance

dimensions. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into how inefficiencies at the port level

propagate through the broader logistics network, affecting national trade performance and competitiveness. In

doing so, the study also highlights potential policy interventions and global best practices that could enhance

port performance, reduce clearance times, and strengthen the resilience of Bangladesh’s supply chains in an

increasingly competitive global marketplace.

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LITERATURE REVIEW

Global Perspective on Port Efficiency and Clearance Delays: Over 90% of global trade is facilitated by

ports,

which are essential components of global supply chains (UNCTAD, 2021). Improving lead times, cutting

logistical costs, and raising a country's competitiveness in global trade all depend on effective port operations.

However, ports around the world deal with issues including traffic, manual procedures, and poor infrastructure,

which cause supply chains to be disrupted and cargo clearance to be delayed (Koray et al., 2025; Notteboom,

2006).

Congestion and Delays: A widespread problem that impacts both industrialized and developing nations is port

congestion. According to studies, delays in cargo clearance have a detrimental effect on supply chain efficiency

by raising lead times, logistical costs, and inventory holding expenses (Meersman et al., 2012). For instance,

during the COVID-19 pandemic, delays at the US Port of Los Angeles caused major disruptions in

international supply chains, underscoring the significance of effective port operations (World Bank, 2022). In a

similar vein, congestion at India's Port of Mumbai has been connected to higher shipping costs and lower

export competitiveness (Ghate, P. S. 2025).

Automation and Technology: Automation and the use of information technology (IT) have been found to be

important ways to increase port efficiency. To expedite cargo clearance procedures and cut down on delays,

ports like Singapore and Colombo have installed cutting-edge IT systems, such as electronic data interchange

(EDI) and real-time tracking (Gonçalves, M., & Teixeira, L. 2025). For example, the Port of Singapore's

integrated IT system reduces clearance delays by 30% by enabling importers to electronically submit

documentation (Tsou, M. C. 2025). Leading ports are also implementing cutting-edge technologies like

blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve security, efficiency, and transparency in cargo handling

and risk management (Lu et al., 2016).

Port Efficiency and Supply Chain Performance

The success of the supply chain is directly impacted by port efficiency, especially when it comes to lead times,

costs, and dependability. According to Koray et al. (2025) and Notteboom (2006), effective ports can help

businesses achieve delivery dates and preserve a competitive edge by lowering the time and cost of cargo

movement. Effect on Lead Times: Production timetables may be thrown off and stockouts may result from

delays in cargo clearance at ports. For instance, it has been demonstrated that the apparel industry, which

depends on just-in-time delivery to fulfill export deadlines, suffers when raw material clearance at Chattogram

Port is delayed (Islam et al., 2021). According to a study by Rahman and Hossain (2020), delays at Chattogram

Port lengthened lead times by 15–20%, which caused exporters to lose sales and experience production delays.

Impact on Costs: Demurrage, storage, and transportation expenses are among the logistical costs that are raised

by ineffective port operations. These extra expenses are frequently transferred to customers, making exports

less competitive in international marketplaces (World Bank, 2022). For example, inefficiencies at Chattogram

Port raised logistical costs by 20–25%, making Bangladeshi exports less competitive in global markets,

according to a study by Ahmed and Mahmud (2019). Impact on Reliability: Businesses find it challenging to

efficiently plan and carry out their operations when supply chains are less reliable due to port inefficiencies.

This is especially troublesome for sectors like the pharmaceutical and perishable goods industries that depend

on timely deliveries (Meersman et al., 2012).

For example, delays in the clearance of pharmaceutical raw materials at Chattogram Port have been linked to

shortages of essential medicines in Bangladesh (Karim, S. M. N. 2024; Kabir and Helal, 2021). Similarly,

delays in the clearance of perishable goods, such as fruits and vegetables, have resulted in significant losses for

exporters and importers, further highlighting the need for efficient port operations (Du Plessis, F et al., 2023

Chowdhury et al., 2020). Challenges at Chattogram Port Chattogram Port, the principal seaport of Bangladesh,

faces significant challenges that contribute to clearance delays and supply chain inefficiencies. These

challenges include manual processes, understaffing, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient customs

procedures (Sukanta et al., 2020; NBR and WCO, 2022).

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Manual Processes: Heavy reliance on manual documentation and cargo handling processes is a major

bottleneck at Chattogram Port. According to the Time Release Study (TRS) 2022, importers and customs

brokers consume 75% of the total release time due to delays in document submission and payment processing

(NBR and WCO, 2022). A study by Rahman and Siddique (2019) found that manual processes at Chattogram

Port increased clearance times by 30-40%, compared to ports with automated systems.

Understaffing: Customs and port authorities at Chattogram Port are operating with 50% of the approved

workforce, leading to delays in cargo assessment and examination (NBR and WCO, 2022). This understaffing

has been exacerbated by a lack of investment in training and capacity building for port workers (Ahmed and

Mahmud, 2019).

Inadequate Infrastructure: The port’s infrastructure is insufficient to handle the growing volume of cargo,

resulting in congestion and delays. For example, the shortage of container scanners and gantry cranes has been

identified as a key factor contributing to delays in cargo clearance (Karim, S. M. N. 2024; Kabir and Helal,

2021). A study by Chowdhury et al. (2020) found that the lack of modern equipment at Chattogram Port

increased vessel turnaround times by 20 25%. Inefficient Customs Procedures: Customs clearance processes at

Chattogram Port are often slow and bureaucratic, with a high percentage of physical examinations (15%) due

to inadequate risk profiling (NBR and WCO, 2022). A study by Islam and Rahman (2020) found that

inefficiencies in customs procedures increased clearance times by 10-15%, leading to higher costs for

importers and exporters.

Global Best Practices for Port Efficiency

Several ports around the world have implemented best practices to improve efficiency and reduce clearance

delays. These practices include automation, pre-arrival processing (PAP), and public-private partnerships

(PPPs). These strategies have proven effective in reducing clearance times, enhancing operational efficiency,

and improving supply chain performance.

Automation: Ports such as Singapore and Colombo have implemented advanced IT systems, including

electronic data interchange (EDI) and real-time tracking, to streamline cargo clearance processes and reduce

delays (Alavi-Borazjani et al., 2025; Zhang et al., 2015). For example, the Port of Singapore uses an integrated

IT system that allows importers to submit documentation electronically, reducing clearance times by 30%

(Tsou, M. C. 2025). Emerging technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), are also being

adopted by leading ports to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in cargo handling and risk

management (Lu et al., 2016).

Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP): PAP allows importers to submit documentation and pay duties before the

arrival of goods, reducing clearance times. For example, the implementation of PAP at Chattogram Port has

reduced clearance times by 57% for importers using the system (NBR and WCO, 2022). A study by Lu et al.

(2016) found that PAP reduced clearance times by 40-50% at the Port of Shanghai. This approach not only

reduces delays but also enhances predictability and reliability in supply chain operations.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): PPPs have been used to modernize port infrastructure and improve

operational efficiency. For example, the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka has successfully used PPPs to expand its

container handling capacity and reduce congestion (UNCTAD, 2021). A study by Bashar and Amin (2022)

found that PPPs increased the efficiency of port operations by 20-30% in developing countries. By leveraging

private sector expertise and investment, PPPs can address infrastructure gaps and improve service delivery at

ports.

Challenges in Implementing Best Practices: While these best practices have proven effective, their

implementation in developing countries like Bangladesh faces several challenges. These include limited

funding, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to change (Ahmed and Mahmud, 2019). For example, the

adoption of automation and PAP at Chattogram Port has been hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and a

lack of coordination among stakeholders (Karim, S. M. N. 2024; Kabir and Helal, 2021). Addressing these

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challenges requires strong political will, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment in capacity

building.

Theoretical Discussion

Supply Chain Management Theory

Supply Chain Management (SCM) emphasizes the integration of activities from suppliers to end customers to

ensure smooth flow of goods, information, and finance. Any inefficiency at one node disrupts the entire chain.

Clearance delays at Chattogram Port extend lead times, raise inventory costs, and reduce the ability of firms to

meet export deadlines, thereby weakening competitiveness.

Trade Facilitation Concept

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNCTAD, trade facilitation involves simplifying,

modernizing, and harmonizing export and import processes to reduce time and cost. Efficient customs

clearance is central to this idea. However, Chattogram Port’s reliance on manual documentation, multiple

physical inspections, and bureaucratic bottlenecks contradicts trade facilitation principles, creating high costs

and uncertainty for supply chain actors.

Institutional Theory

Institutional theory emphasizes that organizational practices are shaped by formal rules, bureaucratic norms,

and institutional structures. Clearance delays at Chattogram Port are often linked to bureaucratic inefficiencies,

limited coordination among customs, port authorities, and other agencies, and resistance to automation.

Institutional reforms and stakeholder collaboration are therefore necessary to improve efficiency.

Research Methodology

Research Design The present study adopts a qualitative research design as its core methodological approach.

The rationale for choosing this design is to capture stakeholder perceptions, operational realities, and systemic

challenges underlying clearance delays at Chattogram Port factors that cannot be fully understood through

numerical indicators alone. Unlike a purely quantitative design, which would limit the analysis to statistical

measures of clearance time, the qualitative approach allows for the exploration of themes, patterns, and

institutional bottlenecks as experienced by those directly engaged in port operations. To generate primary

evidence, the study relies on structured surveys with 10 respondents, including customs officials, C&F agents,

and importers. The survey instrument was designed to elicit detailed insights into recurring clearance

challenges, such as manual documentation, staffing adequacy, infrastructural capacity, and customs procedures.

These responses form the foundation of the qualitative dataset, which is later examined through thematic

analysis to identify dominant issues and their implications for supply chain efficiency. The thematic analysis of

the qualitative survey data was integrated with the SCOR framework In addition to primary survey findings,

the research incorporates case study evidence to strengthen and contextualize the analysis. Two types of case

study inputs are considered. The Time Release Study (TRS) 2022, conducted by the NBR and WCO, provides

secondary quantitative figures such as Average Release Time (ART), stakeholder-wise time distribution, and

the impact of Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP). Furthermore, global best practices case studies such as the Port of

Singapore and the Port of Colombo are reviewed to demonstrate how automation, digitization, risk-based

customs clearance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) have successfully reduced congestion and improved

clearance efficiency. These international benchmarks serve as comparative case studies, offering practical

reform pathways for enhancing the performance of Chattogram Port.

Data Collection

In this study, data were collected through primary qualitative surveys, allowing direct insights into respondents’

views and experiences. To strengthen the analysis, these findings were further supported by secondary case

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study evidence. The combination of both sources not only enriches the context of the research but also

enhances the reliability and credibility of its conclusions.

Qualitative Data

The survey design was intended to capture stakeholder experiences, perceptions, and recommendations,

thereby providing insight into the qualitative dimensions of clearance delays. All responses were recorded,

coded, and later analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and categories of inefficiency.

The specifics of the survey are outlined below:

 Respondents: 10 stakeholders including C&F agents, customs officials, and importers.

 Instrument: Structured survey questionnaires containing 5 key questions.

 Focus: Stakeholders were asked about their experiences with manual documentation, staffing levels,

infrastructure adequacy, customs procedures, and other recurring bottlenecks in clearance.

 Nature of Data: Responses were descriptive in nature, highlighting common operational difficulties and

suggested reforms.

The survey questionnaire consisted of five core questions, focusing on:

 The challenges faced due to manual documentation in clearance.

 The effect of understaffing at customs and port authorities.

 Infrastructure-related limitations.

 Inefficiencies in customs procedures and their impact.

 Other recurring problems or bottlenecks encountered during clearance.

Data Analysis

The study employed an integrated analytical approach, combining thematic exploration with a structured

supply chain framework to derive meaningful insights from the qualitative and case study data. The analysis

process consisted of the following key stages:

Thematic Analysis of Survey Responses

The primary qualitative data obtained through structured surveys were examined using thematic analysis. This

involved identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within the data. Key themes such as manual

documentation processes, staffing constraints, infrastructural limitations, and procedural inefficiencies were

coded and categorized to understand the root causes of clearance delays from the perspective of practicing

stakeholders.

Analytical Integration with the SCOR Framework

The emergent themes from the survey data were systematically evaluated using the Supply Chain Operations

Reference (SCOR) model as an analytical lens. This integration allowed for a structured assessment of how the

identified operational challenges impact key supply chain performance dimensions:

 Reliability: Consistency and predictability of clearance processes

 Responsiveness: Speed and agility in cargo release

 Costs: Financial implications of delays and inefficiencies

 Asset Utilization: Efficiency of port infrastructure and resource use

Case Study Analysis

Quantitative data from the Time Release Study (TRS) 2022 were analyzed as supporting case evidence. Key

metrics including Average Release Time (ART), clearance time distribution across process stages, and

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PreArrival Processing (PAP) effectiveness were interpreted to validate and contextualize the themes emerging

from the primary survey data.

Comparative Analysis of Global Best Practices

Case studies of international ports, including Singapore and Colombo, were analyzed to identify transferable

strategies for improving port efficiency. The focus was on understanding how automation, digitalization, and

public-private partnerships have been successfully implemented in comparable contexts to address challenges

similar to those faced at Chattogram Port.

This multi-layered analytical strategy ensured that the findings were grounded in local realities while being

informed by global benchmarks and theoretical frameworks.

Figure 1: Data Analysis Process Flow

Findings and Analysis

Thematic Analysis of Primary Data

The primary qualitative data, gathered through structured surveys with 10 stakeholders, was subjected to

thematic analysis, revealing four dominant themes as summarized given below. The complete set of

anonymized survey responses is provided in Appendices.

Manual Processes:

One of the main reasons for clearance delays, according to 80% of respondents, is manual documentation and

physical file handling. "Each shipment requires physical submission of 12-15 documents, and a single error

means redoing the entire process, adding 2-3 days to the clearing time".

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Understaffing: Insufficient staff at customs and port officials was cited by 70% of participants as a major

obstacle. "Our crew is processing 50% more containers than the sanctioned strength allows, leading to

inevitable delays in cargo examination and release," a port official stated.

Inadequate Infrastructure: A lack of contemporary equipment was mentioned by 60% of respondents. "The

lack of specialist scanners for heavy equipment means we wait 3-4 days for a physical inspection appointment,

thus harming our project timeframes," a capital machinery importer clarified.

Inefficient Customs Procedures: 50% of stakeholders highlighted procedural inefficiencies. A frequent

theme was the high rate of physical inspections and the lack of a robust risk management system. A C&F

Agent explained, “High percentage of physical examinations without proper risk assessment causes

unnecessary delays,” noting that this often adds 1-2 extra days even for compliant shipments.

The key findings are summarized in Table 2, showing main challenges, their frequency, stakeholder quotes, and

impact on the clearance process.

Table 2: Thematic Analysis of Stakeholder Survey Responses

Theme

Frequency

Representative Stakeholder Quotations

Key

Implications

Manual Processes

80%

“Each shipment requires physical

submission of 1215 documents. A single

error means restarting the entire process.”

– Customs

Broker

Increases

processing time;

High error rate

Understaffing

70%

“Our team handles 50% more

containers than sanctioned

strength allows.” – Port Official

Causes

bottlenecks in

cargo

examination and

release

Inadequate Infrastructure

60%

“The lack of specialized scanners means

we wait 3-4 days for physical inspection

slots.” –

Importer

Limits handling

capacity;

Increases dwell

time for

specialized cargo

Inefficient Customs

Procedures

50%

“High percentage of physical

examinations without proper risk

assessment causes unnecessary delays.”-

C&F

Agent

Increases

clearance

uncertainty;

Affects supply

chain reliability

Analysis of Clearance Time Distribution and PAP Impact Using TRS 2022 Case Data

Commodity-wise Clearance Time and PAP Impact

The TRS 2022 data was analyzed as a supporting case study to validate the clearance delays identified in the

stakeholder surveys. This section presents a consolidated analysis of the Average Release Time (ART) across

major commodity groups and evaluates the significant time reduction achieved through Pre-Arrival Processing

(PAP), as summarized in the tables below.

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Table 3: Average Release Time (ART) by Commodity and PAP impact

Commodity

ART without PAP (Days:

Hours:

Min)

Key Challenges

ART with

PAP (Days:

Hours:

Min)

Reduction

Achieved

ART

Pharmaceuticals

14:05:49

High rate of physical

inspections and delays in

testing/certification

(aligned with ‘Inefficient

Procedures’ theme)

08:05:49

45%

Garments

Raw Materials

09:23:34

Manual documentation

delays and payment

processing issues (aligned

with ‘Manual Processes’

theme).

05:12:34

43%

Capital

Machinery

12:01:14

Inadequate infrastructure

for handling and inspecting

large items (aligned with

‘Inadequate Infrastructure’

theme).

07:01:14

42%

Food Items

11:22:57

Limited cold storage

facilities and procedural

bottlenecks (aligned with

‘Inadequate Infrastructure’

and ‘Inefficient

Customs Procedures’

themes).

06:02:57

44%

This table compares clearance efficiency at Chattogram Port, highlighting major delays across commodities

and time savings from Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP). Pharmaceuticals have the longest Average Release Time

(over 14 days) due to inspections, while garments raw materials are shortest (9 days) but still face manual

delays. PAP cuts clearance times by 42–45%, saving 4–6 days per shipment, with pharmaceuticals benefiting

most (6 days saved). The data confirms stakeholder survey findings, linking operational challenges to actual

performance and proving PAP’s role in improving port efficiency.

Figure 2: Average Release Time (ART) by Commodity at Chattogram Port

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Figure 3: Impact of PAP on Clearance Times

Time Allocation Across Clearance Stages

The TRS 2022 data shows importers and brokers consume 75% of clearance time, primarily for manual

documentation and payments, validating the survey’s main bottleneck. In contrast, Customs (8%) and other

agencies (2%) have minimal shares, proving core delays occur before official checks. This highlights that the

primary inefficiency lies not with authorities, but with pre-submission processes, underscoring the urgent need

for front-end digitization to reduce these manual dependencies.

Table 4: Time Allocation across Clearance Stages

Figure 4: Clearance Stage-wise Time Consumption

Clearance Stages

Percentage of Total Release Time

Key Activities

Importers and Customs

Brokers

75%

Document submission, payment

processing, coordination with customs

and port authorities.

Port Operations

14%

Cargo handling, shed management,

equipment operation.

Customs Verification

Document verification, risk

assessment, physical inspections.

Other Government

Agencies (OGAs)

Testing and certification of goods.

Impact of Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) on

ART

14.09

12.02

11.38

9.39

8.09

7.02

6.38

5.21

GARMENTS RAW

MATERIALS

PHARMACEUTICALS

CAPITAL MACHINERY

FOOD ITEMS

ART with PAP (Days) ART without PAP (Days)

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Integrated Analysis through the SCOR Framework

The identified themes from the qualitative survey and TRS case data were systematically evaluated using

the SCOR model to assess their impact on supply chain performance, creating a direct alignment between

stakeholder experiences and theoretical framework.

Reliability Impact

Qualitative Evidence: Survey respondents consistently reported unpredictable clearance times, with 80%

citing manual processes causing 2-3 days variation per shipment.

SCOR Alignment:

 Unreliable lead times affecting delivery performance metrics

 Inconsistent processing times disrupting supply chain planning

 High variability in clearance durations (9-14 days across commodities)

Direct Correlation: The ‘Manual Processes’ and ‘Inefficient Customs Procedures’ themes directly impact

SCOR’s reliability dimension, making supply chain planning highly uncertain.

Responsiveness Impact

Qualitative Evidence: 70% of stakeholders highlighted understaffing-related delays, while importers reported

3-4 day waits for physical inspections due to equipment shortages.

SCOR Alignment:

 Extended response times (11+ days ART vs global 1-2 days)

 Slow reaction to market demands and customer requirements

 Delayed order fulfillment cycles

Direct Correlation: ‘Understaffing’ and ‘Inadequate Infrastructure’ themes directly reduce supply chain

responsiveness, preventing quick adaptation to market changes.

Costs Impact

Qualitative Evidence: Stakeholders reported significant cost escalations through demurrage charges, storage

fees, and manual processing overheads.

SCOR Alignment:

Total logistics costs increased by 20-25% (Ahmed and Mahmud, 2019)

 Higher inventory carrying costs due to extended dwell times

 Increased operational costs from manual documentation

Direct Correlation: All four thematic challenges contribute to increased supply chain costs, validating

stakeholder cost concerns through SCOR’s cost metrics.

Asset Utilization Impact

Qualitative Evidence: 60% of respondents cited poor equipment utilization, with specialized scanners

operating beyond capacity and infrastructure constraints limiting throughput.

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SCOR Alignment:

 Suboptimal utilization of port infrastructure and equipment

 Congestion reducing asset efficiency

 Inadequate handling capacity for growing cargo volumes

Direct Correlation: The ‘Inadequate Infrastructure’ theme directly correlates with poor asset utilization

metrics in the SCOR framework.

Integrated SCOR-Performance Dashboard

The alignment reveals that Chattogram Port’s clearance delays create a cascading effect across all SCOR

performance attributes:

 Reliability compromised by manual processes and procedural inefficiencies

 Responsiveness hampered by understaffing and infrastructure gaps

 Costs escalated across all supply chain activities

 Assets underutilized due to operational bottlenecks

This integrated analysis demonstrates that qualitative stakeholder experiences quantitatively translate into

measurable SCOR performance deficiencies, providing a comprehensive framework for targeted interventions

and performance improvement strategies.

The SCOR framework has effectively validated stakeholder perspectives while providing a structured approach

to quantifying the impact of clearance delays on overall supply chain performance.

Comparative Benchmarking with Global Case Studies

A comparison with global best practices highlights the performance gap and potential solutions for Chattogram

Port.

 The Port of Singapore, with its fully digitalized and automated processes, achieves an ART of

under 24 hours. This contrasts sharply with Chattogram’s manual systems, underscoring the

potential impact of addressing the ‘Manual Processes’ theme.

 The Port of Colombo has successfully used Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to expand capacity

and improve efficiency, offering a model to address the ‘Inadequate Infrastructure’ challenges

identified at Chattogram Port.

Table 5: Port Performance Comparison

Port

ART (Days)

Key Features

Chattogram

Port

11.26

Manual processes, Understaffing, Inadequate infrastructure, Inefficient

custom procedures.

Port of Singapore

1-2

Advanced automation, Digital pre-arrival processing (PAP).

Port of Colombo

3-4

Public-private partnerships (PPPs), Integrated IT systems, Real time cargo

monitoring.

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Figure 5: Comparison of ART at Chattogram Port with Global Benchmarks

Note: Chattogram Port’s ART (11:06:23) is significantly higher than the Port of Singapore (1-2 days) and the

Port of Colombo (3-4 days).

The comparison highlights the significant gap between Chattogram Port’s performance and global benchmarks,

underscoring the need for process improvements and infrastructure upgrades.

DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Interpretation of Findings: A Reflective Synthesis

This research reveals that clearance delays at Chattogram Port are more complex than they initially appear. The

connection between the qualitative data and case study’s data experiences tells a compelling story.

The 75%-time consumption by importers and brokers - a key finding from the TRS data - directly confirms

what stakeholders described in surveys. When 80% of respondents identified manual documentation as the

main problem, they were explaining why this 75% figure exists. Customs brokers' detailed accounts of

"submitting 12-15 physical documents per shipment" and "restarting the entire process for single errors" give

human context to these numbers.

The 43% reduction through PAP demonstrates the potential that stakeholders themselves recognized. The

survey showed that procedural inefficiencies weren't just about speed but about predictability - a concern

raised by 50% of respondents. The extreme delays in pharmaceuticals (14+ days) exemplify this, where

qualitative responses described how testing bottlenecks created uncertainties that numbers alone couldn't

capture.

The integration of both data types reveals a vicious cycle. Manual processes cause delays that overwhelm

understaffed teams (reported by 70%) and strain inadequate infrastructure (noted by 60%), leading to more

inspections and paperwork. The qualitative stories transform statistics into actionable insights, showing not just

what is happening but why it matters to real businesses.

Critical Analysis of Findings in Relation to Existing Literature

This results both support and contradict previous research. Ahmed and Mahmud's (2019) estimates of a 20–

25% rise in logistics costs are consistent with my research, which shows that infrastructure constraints are not

the primary reason for this. Instead, it draws attention to the fact that inefficiencies in the private sector's

submission and documentation procedures constitute a significant—and hitherto overlooked—factor in the

overall delay.

Due to thorough testing and inspections, which validate stakeholder allegations of protracted certification

processes, pharmaceuticals experience the largest delays (14+ days). My qualitative data, however, highlights a

neglected aspect: a series of delays that compound rather than merely increase the overall clearance time are

caused by a lack of collaboration between several regulatory organizations.

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According to UNCTAD (2021) reports, Chattogram's performance disparity is even more pronounced when

compared to global benchmarks. My research indicates that Chattogram's changes have been piecemeal, which

explains why PAP shows impressive results (43% reduction) but is still underutilized, whereas Singapore and

Colombo gained their efficiency through systematic modernization.

Scholarly Reflection on Research Methodology and Validity

There were advantages and disadvantages to conducting this study when port reforms were in progress. I was

able to gather real-time effectiveness data because the date corresponded with PAP implementation, but

stakeholders were cautious in their reactions. I used triangulation using survey data, the TRS case study, and

international benchmarks to guarantee validity. It was a conscious choice to concentrate on ten stakeholders,

giving depth precedence over breadth. In hindsight, adding shipping line officials would have given more

insight into the effects of vessel operations. Nonetheless, the coherence between my qualitative themes and the

quantitative data from TRS indicates that the main conclusions are sound. When stakeholders brought up

recent advancements, the limitations of using TRS 2022 data became clear. Real-time tracking, as opposed to

retrospective analysis, would be advantageous for future studies. Nevertheless, even with small modifications,

the patterns found are probably still present.

Personal Reflection and Theoretical Contribution

The gap between the goals of policy and the realities on the ground caught my attention throughout this

investigation. The success of PAP shows that there is technology for efficiency benefits, but institutional

inertia, talent gaps, and misaligned incentives are invisible impediments to adoption.

By showing how organizational practices in developing economies are influenced by capacity limits and

informal norms in addition to formal regulations, this work advances institutional theory. The discovery that

just 8% of time is spent on customs verification contradicts popular belief and implies that reform initiatives

have been misguided.

A new method for port studies that captures the operational impact of inefficiencies as well as the human

experience is provided by the merging of qualitative narratives with SCOR measurements. Other logistics hubs

in underdeveloped nations could benefit from this methodological advancement.

Generalization and Practical Implications

While focused on Chattogram, my findings likely apply to other ports in similar contexts. The centrality of

documentation processes and fragmented coordination appear to be universal challenges in developing

economies, though their specific manifestations may vary.

The dramatic effectiveness of PAP suggests a strategic insight: digitizing front-end processes may yield greater

returns than infrastructure investments in the short term. This doesn't diminish the need for infrastructure

development but suggests a sequencing strategy digital transformation first, followed by physical capacity

expansion.

For policymakers, my research indicates that process reengineering may be more urgent than capital

investment. The 75%-time allocation to importer/broker activities represents low-hanging fruit that could be

addressed through relatively inexpensive digital solutions.

This research has transformed my understanding of supply chain efficiency—from viewing it as a technical

challenge to recognizing it as a complex socio-technical system where human factors, institutional

arrangements, and technology interact in ways that require holistic solutions rather than silver bullets.

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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study set out to investigate clearance delays at Chattogram Port and their impact on supply chain

efficiency through a qualitative-dominant, case-study-supported approach. The research reveals several critical

findings that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the port's operational challenges. Manual

documentation processes emerged as the fundamental bottleneck, with 80% of stakeholders identifying this as

the core challenge, a fact corroborated by TRS data showing 75% of clearance time is consumed by importer

and broker activities. This issue is exacerbated by severe understaffing, reported by 70% of respondents, and

inadequate infrastructure, noted by 60%, which together create a vicious cycle of inefficiency. The study also

found significant commodity-specific variations, where pharmaceuticals experience the longest delays of over

14 days due to testing requirements, while garments raw materials show relatively faster clearance despite

documentation challenges. Conversely, Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) demonstrates remarkable effectiveness

by reducing clearance times by 43% on average, offering a proven pathway for improvement.

Theoretical and Practical Implications

This research makes several significant contributions to the supply chain management literature. It successfully

adapts the SCOR framework to port efficiency analysis in developing economies, demonstrating its

applicability beyond traditional manufacturing contexts. Furthermore, the study offers a methodological

innovation by integrating qualitative stakeholder perspectives with quantitative case data, thereby providing a

robust template for future port efficiency studies. Theoretically, it extends institutional theory by revealing how

organizational practices within these economies are shaped not only by formal rules but also by pervasive

informal capacity constraints.

Practical Implications:

The findings offer immediate and actionable insights for policymakers and port authorities. Given that 75% of

time is allocated to importer and broker activities, the clear short-term priority should be to focus on process

digitization rather than infrastructure investment. The proven effectiveness of the Port Activity Program (PAP)

establishes a solid business case for rolling out such digital systems to all commodity groups. Furthermore, the

identified commodity-specific delay patterns enable targeted and high-impact interventions, particularly for

critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and capital machinery.

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