The increased security of Chinese shipments at Chennai Port, which handles various cargoes including vehicles, automotive parts, fertilizers and petroleum products, could disrupt the supply chains.

Although the government does not yet issue an official order, customs officers there have instructed importers not to allow goods coming from China to exit the port without being checked, three sources said.

Usually shipments are subject only to random searches and not to compulsory screening.

According to a senior industry executive, pharmaceutical consignments are also stuck at Chennai and other ports and at an airport, and drug companies have been told their shipments will be released after close inspection of each container, down to the drum.

The Chennai Customs Brokers' Association, a logistics company trading body, told its members on Tuesday to anticipate some delays as it had received an internal customs department order to keep all shipments originating from China.

Maritime Business World