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Category: Pakistan Customs

Pakistan Customs updates covering trade regulations, import-export policies, enforcement actions, and customs procedures at ports and border stations.

  • Pakistan Customs launches automated scanning of imported consignments

    Pakistan Customs launches automated scanning of imported consignments

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has launched a new automated scanning facility for containerized import consignments of industrial raw materials for speedy clearance, a statement said on Wednesday.

    The new system has been introduced in WeBOC system. The introduction of Non-Intrusive Inspection System by Customs was a long awaited initiative aimed at replacing physical inspection of cargo and reducing the dwell time at ports by using the latest scanning technology in line with international best practices.

    The Karachi Port and Port Qasim have Customs scanning facilities installed with the assistance of Japanese Government under JICA program in addition to the scanners of the terminal operators.

    The Blue channel will be part of the Risk Management System (RMS) through which Customs will be able to select the consignments of containerized cargo based on RMS by using computer program targeting the suspected shipments. The system shall operate without human intervention which is designed to be based on the risk profiling and risk parameters.

    The scheme is envisaged to reduce the physical examination of goods which is time consuming and costlier besides causing port congestion. The program has been implemented initially at KICT, SAPT terminals of Karachi port and at QICT, Port Qasim with effect from 19th April, 2021 for industrial raw materials and drastic reduction in clearance time of such consignments has been observed.

    The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommends the scanning of suspected cargo at ports and border stations for security of supply chain under its (SAFE) Security and Facilitation Framework and Kyoto Convention.

    By implementing the Blue channel, Pakistan Customs will not only be able to ensure security of supply chain but also ensure correct declaration of goods and secure legitimate payment of duty and taxes by the importers.

    This technological intervention will support in facilitating the trade by reducing the clearance time, saving cost, and decreasing port congestion leaving positive impact on overall cargo dwell time.  The program will go a long way in modernization of Customs procedures in Pakistan.

  • Ministry imposes ban on import of conventional syringes

    Ministry imposes ban on import of conventional syringes

    ISLAMABAD: The ministry of commerce on Friday imposed ban on import of conventional syringes with immediate as the government had already granted incentives on import of auto disable syringes through latest amendment to relevant laws.

    The ministry of commerce issued SRO 483(I)/2021 dated April 16, 2021 to amend Import Policy Order, 2020.

    Through the notification a ban has been imposed on import of conventional syringes including 2 ml, 2.5 ml, 3 ml and 5 ml.

    Prior to this through Tax Laws (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, the government had allowed sales tax exemption on import of auto disable syringes including with needles and without needles.

    Further, the import of raw materials for the manufacturers of auto disable syringes was also granted sales tax exemption.

  • FBR reinstates customs officials of Peshawar collectorate

    FBR reinstates customs officials of Peshawar collectorate

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday reinstated six customs officials into services, who were suspended for violating government service rules.

    The following BS-16 officers of Model Customs Collectorate (Enforcement and Compliance), Peshawar, who were placed under suspension dated August 11, 2020 have been reinstated into services with immediate effect and until further orders:

    1. Mazhar Elahi, Superintendent, MCC, (E&C), Peshawar

    2. Syed Nazim Ali Shah, Inspector, MCC, (E&C), Peshawar

    3. Afaaq Hussain, Inspector, MCC, (E&C), Peshawar

    4. Shah Fahad, Inspector, MCC, (E&C), Peshawar

    5. Zafar Ali, Inspector, MCC, (E&C), Peshawar

    6. Farhad Khan, Inspector MCC, (E&C), Peshawar

    The FBR said that suspension period from 11.08.2020 to-date is treated as spent on duty.

  • Duty rebate payment to textile sector increases by over 100pc

    Duty rebate payment to textile sector increases by over 100pc

    ISLAMABAD: The payment of customs duty rebate to textile sector increased by over 100 percent during tax year 2020, which shows the commitment of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to facilitate the most import sector for resolving liquidity issues.

    (more…)
  • President signs Pakistan Single Window Act

    President signs Pakistan Single Window Act

    ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday signed the Pakistan Single Window Act, 2021, a statement said.

    Under the Pakistan Single Window Act, an independent institution having a Governing Council and Secretariat, would be established for the facilitation of national and international trade.

    The new law will provide a coordinated one-window system to facilitate exports, imports and transit trade.

    Establishment of an independent institution besides reducing the cost of doing business will also help ease cross border trade and transportation of goods.

    The institution will also help in timely processing of data and bring about improvement in the provision of quality services.

    The President also signed Senate Secretariat Services (Amendment), Act 2021.

    Under the Senate Secretariat Services (Amendment) Act 2021, signed into law by the President under article 75 of the Constitution, the BS-17 appointments in Senate Secretariat will be made through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

    However, the Senate Secretariat would be authorized to make appointments in BS-1 to BS-16.

    Direct appointments in BS-18 in Senate Secretariat have been done away with. The absorption of officers, posted in Senate Secretariat on deputation, has also been prohibited under the new law.

  • Gwadar free zone becomes operational as Pakistan Customs clears first consignment

    Gwadar free zone becomes operational as Pakistan Customs clears first consignment

    ISLAMABAD: Gwadar Free Zone has become practically operational with the first consignment clearance by Pakistan Customs, a statement said on Wednesday.

    According to the statement, Pakistan Customs has facilitated the clearance of the first import cum export consignment by M/s. HK Sun Corporation limited, which will be further processed in Gwadar Free Zone established under China CPEC and later on items will be exported from Pakistan.

    The first consignment consisting of metal scrap was processed and cleared by the Model Customs Collectorate, (A&F) West, Karachi and goods reached Gwadar Free Zone regulated by Model Customs Collectorate Gwadar.

    More shipments of raw material of the same company are under way to Pakistan which will be further used in manufacturing of goods to be exported.

    M/s. HK Sun Corporation is the first enterprise which has started manufacturing and processing activity in the free zone followed by other investors to contribute in the development of first ever free zone of country established in Gwadar Baluchistan under CPEC.

    According to the concession agreement signed between China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), the development and operation of Gwadar free zone is being performed by COPHC.

    The planned development period is from 2015 to 2030, which is divided into four phases.

    With import of the current consignment, the Gwadar Free Zone has practically become operational leading to the development of other economic zones under CPEC in Pakistan.

    The free zone will integrate and strengthen the linkage of industries between China and Pakistan. The free zone is positioned as economic development engine of Gwadar aiming to transform international trade logistics hub under CPEC.

    The project will create employment opportunities for local population; and will play a role of catalyst for economic growth and development of country.

    Federal Board of Revenue is committed to achieve the vision of Prime Minister and is taking such landmark steps to facilitate and provide support for swift clearance of Free Zone Cargo to prevent any possibility of loss or hardship to the export industry.

    Such steps shall boost exports and will result in trade facilitation by ensuring competitiveness of our exported goods in international markets.

  • FBR removes additional customs duty on import of auto disable syringes

    FBR removes additional customs duty on import of auto disable syringes

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has removed additional customs duty on import of auto disable syringes with or without needles.

    The FBR issued SRO 367(I)/2021 dated March 30, 2021 and amended the SRO 572(I)/2020 dated June 30, 2020.

    According to the latest notification the additional customs duty shall not be collected on the import of auto disable syringes with or without needles under PCT codes 9018.3110, 9018.3120 up to June 30, 2021.

    Similarly, the additional customs duty is also not leviable on import of tubular metal needles under PCT code 9018.3200 and rubber gaskets under PCT 4016.9310 imported by sales tax registered manufacturers of auto disable syringes up to June 30, 2021.

    Prior to this through Tax Laws (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, the import of auto disable syringes with or without needles were allowed sales tax exemption.

    Similarly, import of raw materials for the manufacturers of auto disable syringes including tubular metal needles and rubber gaskets were allowed sales tax exemption.

  • FBR chairman inaugurates head office of Pakistan Single Window

    FBR chairman inaugurates head office of Pakistan Single Window

    ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Javed Ghani, Chiarman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday inaugurated the head office of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) Company.

     On the occasion, Chairman FBR lauded efforts of Pakistan Customs to roll out Pakistan Singe Window (PSW) System almost a year before its deadline of June, 2022 set under World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. He also appreciated Customs for reducing the project cost from initial estimates of USD 163 million to USD 67 million through indigenous development effort.

    The Prime Minister had tasked Customs to complete this highly transformational project for reducing time, cost and complication while ensuring better compliances with cross border trade regulations. To ensure that this new system is timely implemented and sustainably maintained, the PSW Company has been operationalized by FBR.

    The PSW Company is now enabling the Government of Pakistan to maintain complete ownership of this mission critical system of strategic national importance as it would handle entire cross border trade, related logistics and financial transactions.

    Member Customs Operation S.M Tariq Huda stated on the occasion that Customs Administration was leveraging its expertise in automation for PSW to support a wide array of other public and private sector entities involved in regulation of imports, exports & transit trade. The ongoing digitization of related public sector entities under this project will substantially improve their efficiency.

    PSW is instrumental for Pakistan to become a preferred route for international transit and transshipment besides it will help integrate upcoming national, regional and global single window systems. PSW will boost exports, help attract FDI and enable better integration into global value chains. It will also serve as the Trade Information Portal of Pakistan.

  • FBR transfers BS-21 officers of Pakistan Customs

    FBR transfers BS-21 officers of Pakistan Customs

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday notified transfer and postings of BS-21 officers of Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) with immediate effect.

    The FBR notified transfers of following officers:

    01. Dr. Zulfikar Ali Chaudhary (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) has been transferred and posted as Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement (Central), Lahore from the post of Director General, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi.

    02. Faiz Ahmad (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) has been transferred and posted as Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement & Facilitation (Central), Lahore from the post of Chief Collector Customs Enforcement (Central), Lahore.

    03. Dr. Fareed Iqbal Qureshi (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) has been transferred and posted as Director General, Directorate General of Training & Research from the post of (Customs), Karachi Chief Collector Customs Appraisement and Facilitation (Central), Lahore.

    04. Muhammad Iqbal Bhawana (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) has been transferred and posted as Director General, Directorate General of Law & Prosecution, Islamabad from the post of Collector, Collectorate of Customs (Adjudication-II), Karachi.

    05. Ms. Shahnaz Maqbool (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) has been transferred and posted as Director General, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi from the post of Member, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad.

    06. Ms. Seema Raza Bokhari (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-21) has been transferred and posted as Director General, Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit & Internal Audit, (Stationed at Islamabad) from the post of Member, Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad.

    The FBR said that the officers who are drawing performance allowance prior to issuance of this notification shall continue to draw this allowance on the new place of posting.

  • FBR notifies promotion of customs officers to BS-19

    FBR notifies promotion of customs officers to BS-19

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday announced promotion of officers of Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) from BS-18 to the posts of Additional Collectors of Customs (BS-19) on regular basis with immediate effect.

    Following officers have been promoted to BS-19:

    01. Asma Bashir

    02. Khaldun Ul Haq

    03. Muhammad Moazzam Raza

    04. Ali Waheed Khan

    05. Amanullah

    06. Syed Babar Ali Shah

    07. Fazli Shakoor

    08. Asim Rehman

    09. Muhammad Faisal

    10. Shams-ur-Rehman

    11. Falik Shair

    12. Yawar Nawaz

    13. Mahwish Shah

    The FBR said that the officers who are already working in BS-19 on OPS basis will actualize their promotion against these posts. Posting / Transfer orders of the remaining officers will be notified separately.

    The officer appearing at Serial No. 10 will actualize his promotion from the date he returns from deputation and joins FBR.

    The Officers who were drawing performance allowance prior to issuance of this notification shall continue to draw the allowance on their promotion.