The Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce yesterday called for a State investigation into shipping agents and representatives of foreign line carriers whom it says have increasingly been char­ging consumers, importers and busines­ses local fees in US dollars despite a “severe” foreign exchange shortage.In a release yesterday, the chamber said that stakeholders were becoming concerned over such entities charging local admi­n­istrative and amendment fees in US dollars, even as the Trinidad and Tobago dollar remains the legal tender of the country.The chamber said it was understood that international ocean freight charges paid directly to foreign line carriers may be legiti­mately charged in US dollars due to international shipping conventions.However, it said local administrative charges, documentation fees, delivery order fees, and amendment fees within T&T are being invoiced in foreign currency, or converted at rates significantly higher than those recognised by the Central Bank.“This practice places an unfair and unreasonable burden on local businesses and consumers already struggling with severe foreign exchange shortages,” the chamber wrote.Noting the Exchequer and Audit Act and advisories from the Central Bank on the illegality of unauthorised trading or procurement of foreign currency outside approved channels, it called the use of exchange rates exceeding those permitted under local law a cause for concern.“It is therefore alarming that some local shipping agents are effectively requiring customers to source US$ at inflated rates or are themselves converting US$ invoices at rates substantially above those publicly issued by the Central Bank (as high as TT$8 per US$),” it said.The chamber called for the public to question why local administrative services are being charged in US dollars, why local companies are imposing these exchange rates, and why consignees are being penalised for manifest or documentation amendments that may stem from errors at times made by shipping agents.Questions about fairness, transparencyIt said excessive amendment fees are currently being imposed by some agents, noting what it said were several documented cases where consignees are being charged amendment fees as high as US$255 to correct information submitted to the Customs and Excise Division. These fees, it noted, are not imposed by the division.“Yet private shipping agents continue to impose exorbitant administrative charges for amendments that may require only minimal clerical adjustments. Also, shipping agents are charging consignees for wrong seal amendments that may be a result of foreign Customs inspection whilst in their custody at transshipment points.“These practices raise important questions about fairness, transparency, consumer protection, and regulatory oversight within the shipping and logistics sector,” it said.The chamber further called upon the ministries of Trade and Industry and Finance, Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Consumer Affairs Division, Customs and Excise Division and relevant business chambers and trade associations to “urgently investigate”.It called for guidance from these bodies on whether local shipping administrative charges may legally be invoiced in US dollars; whether exchange rates above official banking rates are lawful; and whether amendment fees currently imposed by shipping agents are reasonable, justified or regulated.“The shipping and logistics industry plays a vital role in Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. However, transparency, accountability, and compliance with local laws must remain paramount,” the chamber said.The Express reached out to the Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago for a comment yesterday afternoon, but no immediate response was received.