CHATTOGRAM, Oct 21, 2025 (BSS) - Three containers containing a total of 60,480 kg of sodium cyclamate were confiscated at the Chatogram port. 

The dutiable value of these products is Tk 2 crore, with a duty rate of 61.80 percent. Sodium cyclamate is an artificial sweetener that is 30-50 times sweeter than regular sugar.
 
Unscrupulous traders are incorporating sugarcane into various food products such as desserts, bakery items, ice cream, beverages, juices, chocolates, condensed milk, and baby food. This poses a serious health risk to the public, leading to kidney and complex diseases, including cancer. 

The consignment was seized following confidential information and collaboration between the Central Intelligence Cell, Customs Intelligence, and Investigation Department. 

The shipment was imported from China by HP International  as Soda Ash Light located at Motijheel Jiban Bima Bhaban in Dhaka on August 16 under a false declaration.
 
The consignment arrived at the Golden Container Depot in City Gate, Chattogram for unloading. However, the Custom House suspended the unloading activities based on confidential information. 

On September 16, a physical examination and sample collection took place in the presence of representatives from various organizations. The samples were then sent for chemical testing to the Nano Technology Center of Dhaka University, the lab of Khulna University of Science and Technology, and the Custom House lab. 

All three labs confirmed the product as sodium cyclamate. To prevent sugar misuse, the government has prohibited the import of this product. Sugar sodium cyclamate has now been included in the list of prohibited items in the Import Policy Order 2021-24. 

Deputy Commissioner of the Customs House, HM Kabir, stated that the sugar sodium cyclamate has been seized under the Customs Act 2023, and legal action against those involved is currently in progress.