Customs administrations and port state authorities must continue to facilitate the cross-border movement of vital medical supplies. Credit: International Maritime Organization.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have requested ports and customs to maintain the supply of essential goods amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and WCO Secretary General Dr Kunio Mikuriya issued a joint statement to ask customs administrations and port state authorities to maintain a proactive approach to ensure that the supply of goods is not disturbed.

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The statement added that many ports are closed and have denied entry to ships to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Such restrictions can lead to negative social and economic effects as it may hinder the supply of necessary goods.

The joint statement reported: “It is critical that customs administrations and port state authorities continue to facilitate the cross-border movement of vital medical supplies and equipment, critical agricultural products and other goods to help minimise the overall impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on economies and societies.”

The statement added that it is important that there should be communication, coordination and cooperation between ships, port facilities and customs administrations.

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The joint statement follows the increased demand for the movement of supplies, medicines and medical equipment across different borders.

Last month, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) issued new Covid-19 guidance for the shipping industry to prevent the spread of the virus.

The document offers advice on managing port entry restrictions and provides practical protective measures against Covid-19 for seafarers.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US issued a new directive to extend the ‘no sail order’ for all cruise ships to prevent the spread of Covid-19.