The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia has asked to postpone the introduction of new rules that tighten control over cargo transportation. As explained by the head of the CCI, Sergei Katyrin, complying with these requirements will require large expenses from forwarding companies and carriers, especially from representatives of small and medium-sized businesses.
We are talking about amendments to the law «On Transport and Forwarding Activities». The bill obliges companies to check the cargo being transported, which is only possible with the help of expensive equipment, such as an introscope frame for cargo inspection. The cost of one such device starts from 300 million rubles, and Russian analogues are not yet produced. To seamlessly perform the work, one company will need at least 2–3 such devices.
In addition to the frames themselves, forwarders will have to organize warehouses where this equipment will be installed. Access roads, parking areas for trucks and personnel will also be required to ensure inspection. These costs may increase the cost of transportation, which means that goods for end consumers will also become more expensive.
The CCI proposes to give companies more time to prepare, as well as think about mechanisms for compensating costs for small and medium-sized businesses. This will avoid serious problems for the market and not create additional difficulties for businesses.