Chattogram Customs authorities have seized 39 metric tonnes of artificial sweetener imported from China under a false declaration. According to a statement issued by the customs authority on Monday, a Dhaka-based firm named SP Traders imported the goods declaring them as polyaluminium chloride. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed that the shipment contained 24 tonnes of polyaluminium chloride and 39 tonnes of sodium cyclamate or synthetic sweetener, the latter being a prohibited import item. Customs authorities said the importer brought the chemical sweetener through false declaration and that legal action is being taken over the incident. The import of sodium cyclamate is banned in Bangladesh due to its negative effects on public health.
