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Category: Trade & Industry

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  • Karachi Chamber urges PM to honor genuine taxpayers

    Karachi Chamber urges PM to honor genuine taxpayers

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to honor genuine taxpayers instead saying all the countrymen as tax thieves.

    Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Siraj Kassam Teli and President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, while disagreeing to PM Imran Khan’s remarks wherein he accuses everyone for not paying taxes across the board, appealed to make public the city-wise tax collection so that everyone could know which city is paying what taxes and which isn’t and running away from the national obligation.

    In a statement issued, Chairman BMG and President KCCI said that although there are gaps in the taxation system but that cannot be made the reason to call all the countrymen tax thieves hence, the Prime Minister Imran Khan may please amend his statement.

    They said: “The Prime Minister talks a lot about Change and Justice but it is a matter of grave concern and a sheer injustice to the taxpayers when our Prime Minister claims that nobody wants to pay taxes. The loyal taxpayers contribute billions of rupees each year which are being utilized to run the government yet they (the taxpayers) are being discouraged as they stand at the same array where the tax thieves and evaders were standing.”

    Referring to a press conference by Advisor Finance Hafeez Shaikh and Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi held to respond to Small Traders’ reservations along with a recent data of the FBR, they said that as per FBR statistics, the small traders of Karachi paid tax of Rs30 billion while the traders from Lahore paid a mere amount of just Rs567.7 million and the situation in other cities was much worse.

    Hence, Chairman BMG and President KCCI urged the Prime Minister Imran Khan, Advisor Finance Hafeez Shaikh, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar and Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi to publicize the city-wise data of all other taxes including the Income Tax, Sales Tax, Custom Duty and Federal Excise Duty in detail so that the ground realities could be revealed.

    “We believe that the actual contribution of Karachi, which is the economic hub of the country contributing 70 percent revenue to the national exchequer, has to be publicized without any excuse of being the port city with a precise breakup of tax collection from the ports and dry ports along with details of the imported items belonging to which city and the consignee, besides carrying detailed fragmented tax collection from the head offices of corporate entities and their branches located in all parts of the country which would surely present the actual city-wise contribution”, they suggested.

    Siraj Teli and Agha Shahab further said, “We agree that many individuals and corporate entities from different areas of the country may not be paying their taxes to the level they should but that doesn’t mean that nobody was paying taxes. It is highly unfair to give such statement as it creates a false impression. Realistically, there are millions of individuals and corporate entities who are paying all their taxes. The FBR and Ministry of Finance should be told to get those individuals first who are paying zero tax instead of furthering squeezing the existing tax payers.”

    They hoped that the Prime Minister Imran Khan would soon issues strict directives to the Ministry of Finance and the FBR to compile city-wise data of tax collection and the same will also be publicized at the earliest.

  • Sales tax refund promises annoy value added textile industry

    Sales tax refund promises annoy value added textile industry

    KARACHI: The value added textile industry has expressed its displeasure over government’s repeated promises of clearing sales tax refunds.

    The government made promises for the past several months to clearing pending sales tax refunds but failed to honor, said Jawed Bilwani, Chief Coordinator of the Value Added Textile Export Sector said on Tuesday in a joint press conference at Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) House.

    He said that the value added industry was facing serious liquidity problems due to stuck up refunds.

    The prime minister assured the business community to resolve the issue of refunds completely through a new mechanism. Besides, Hafeez Shaikh, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue and Syed Shabbar Zaidi, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also promised the refunds would be issued when exporters would file their goods declarations.

    Instead tall claims the situation has further aggravated, Bilwani said.

    He said that around 40 percent of the industry was facing immense liquidity problems. “This resulted in closure of factories,” he added.

    For the past pending sales tax refunds, the government issued bonds, which were never encahsed, he said.

    For the past four months the government was repeatedly assuring to resolve the issue, he said, adding that nothing was done in this regard.

    He said that on the one side the government was endeavoring to increase the exports but on the other side it was silent on the issue of refunds.

  • FBR proposed imposing additional sales tax on failure to implement CNIC condition

    FBR proposed imposing additional sales tax on failure to implement CNIC condition

    KARACHI: SITE Association of Industry on Monday proposed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to imposed additional sales tax as the government failed to implement condition of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

    Instead of disallowing proportionate input tax for sales made without CNICs, alternate is recommended for sales made without submission of CNIC to increase the further tax at 5 percent of sales till December 31, 2019, 7.5 percent of further sales till March 31, 2020 and further tax at 10 percent of sales till June 30, 2020.

    The SITE Association of Industry proposed new formula to end the deadlock between Government and traders on the condition of production of CNIC on sales and purchase of goods by the Federal Board of Revenue.

    Chairman of Taxation Committee of the Association Saud Mehmood has suggested that input tax inadmissibility against sales made without CNIC should be replaced with progressive increase in rate of further sales tax.

    He said that the FBR has not been able to successfully implement the CNIC condition due to the complex nature of disallowing input against sales made without CNIC which is difficult for sellers as well.

    Because of the complex nature of this condition, sales tax registered sellers have made CNIC submission the only option whereas legislation allows for sales without CNIC as well.

    Saud further said that in order to make implementation of CNIC submission smooth, SITE Association of Industry strongly recommends that input tax inadmissibility be replaced with progressive increase in further tax. “Progressive increase in further tax will make the transition smooth. Moreover, it will be in line with the existing system of charging further tax of 3 percent of sales made to non-filers,” he added.

    SITE Association of Industry believes in the documentation of the economy. When submission of CNIC is mandatory for availing a mobile connection then there is no reason to shy away from submitting CNIC for purchases above PKR 50,000/-.

    “We feel that more than the requirement of CNIC, the sudden imposition is one of the causes of the stiff resistance being faced by FBR. A gradual and progressive implementation of further sales tax on sales without CNIC will make the whole process more palatable.”

    Related Posts

    CNIC condition on sales tax transactions deferred till January 2020, traders claim

    Opposition to CNIC condition because of misunderstanding: State Bank

  • Business community resents detaining export containers ahead of political dharna

    Business community resents detaining export containers ahead of political dharna

    KARACHI: Business community has resented the government move to detain export containers ahead of political rally and Dharna (sit-in) and said it will result in massive trade loss.

    Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chairman Pakistan Apparel Forum stated that the country’s politics must not affect the trade and exports of Pakistan all the exports and cargo containers must not be detained.

    All the containers already detained by the Government must immediately be released without any delays to avoid fiscal and trade losses.

    While expressing deep concern over seizure of huge number of containers loaded with export consignments in Punjab province, Bilwani said that these cargo containers, reportedly detained for the purpose to block all roads heading towards Islamabad to prevent political elements and their supporters from entering into the federal capital city where they want to stage sit-in but the authorities have ignored the fact that most of these containers were loaded with export consignments.

    If export containers not released, this will lead to cancellation of precious orders which will not only be a great loss to the exporters but also the nation in the current crucial times.

    The government must realize that any loss to business people will also have a severe impact on the economic performance of the country.

    He added that the situation would also send a very negative signal abroad when the export consignments would not be delivered to the buyers as per commitment whereas the local markets might also experience severe shortage of numerous goods and commodities. In view of tense situation, transporters were unwilling to carry goods to the upcountry.

    Bilwani was of the view that instead of engaging exporter’s containers and disturbing business activities, the Federal and Provincial governments should purchase their own damaged / defected containers to block all roads in the best interest of our nation’s export and economy.

    It is the responsibility of every Pakistani citizen including those who are in the Government or in the Opposition not to disturb the country’s exports and ensure that export containers enroute to Karachi and further abroad must not be hold or detained in the national interest.

  • FPCCI hopes improved ease of doing business to encourage foreign investment

    FPCCI hopes improved ease of doing business to encourage foreign investment

    KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hoped that improvement in ease of doing business in Pakistan will encourage foreign investment into the country.

    Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President FPCCI in a statement issued on Friday congratulated Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and his team for improvement of Pakistan’s ranking from 136 to 108 in Ease of Doing Business 2020 report issued by World Bank.

    The report indicated that the World Bank and others institutions has started recognition of Pakistan’s Business reforms.

    He added that the improving of Pakistan in Ease of Doing Business will definitely pave the way in encouraging the international investors to make substantial investment in Pakistan as most of the international investors make decisions of investment on the basis of this report.

    The President FPCCI said that the Present Government has achieved another milestone of their manifesto i.e. to bring Pakistan into top investment destinations.

    He hoped that the continuous reforms of the Government will bring Pakistan into top 80 countries next year. He added that Pakistan’s ranking had improved in six indicators i.e. starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, paying taxes and trading across borders which made Pakistan in top ten business reformer countries.

    This will also facilitate the other countries to investment in CPEC related projects which will connect South Asia with Central Asia and Europe.

    He suggested the government to make similar incentives/reforms in Baluchistan and KPK as the World Bank report has only covered two main provinces Punjab and Sindh.

    Inclusion of these provinces will help in their economic development.

    He further added that improvement in ranking will improve the business environment and overall economy become visible because of the reforms introduced by the government which will focus on the mandate of ensuring well being of masses and providing quality education and health to all segment of society.

  • FBR criticized for delaying sales tax refunds under FASTER module

    FBR criticized for delaying sales tax refunds under FASTER module

    KARACHI: Business community has criticized Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for delaying release of sales tax refunds under newly launched Fully Automated Sales Tax e-Refunds (FASTER) module.

    Suleman Chawla, President of SITE Association of Industry, while expressing deep concerns over the poor performance of the recently launched Fully Automated Sales Tax e-Refunds (FASTER) module, stated on Friday that FBR claimed of processing payments of Sales Tax Refunds within 72 hours through FASTER module but the ground reality was totally contrary to this claim as many exporters have not received anything.

    He pointed out that many exporters have not received outstanding refunds for July 2019 which was really worrisome and too disappointing for the Business and Industrial Community as the FASTER module was launched with a commitment to release refunds within 72 hours but it was not happening at all, which has intensified the hardships for exporters who are finding it almost impossible to stay afloat due to delays in release of refund claims and rescission of SRO 1125(I)/2011 dated 31.12.2011, which allowed zero-rating of inputs of five export-oriented sectors.

    “It was a matter of grave concern that a system titled FASTER for processing refund claims within 72 hours, has actually made the entire process too messy and cumbersome while the FBR officers in Islamabad were also totally unaware and confused because of the so-called FASTER system hence, it should be remained as SLOWER”, he criticized.

    President SAI said that it has been a month since the first tranche was processed via FASTER module but many exporters have not received funds, creating severe liquidity crunch for the exporters from five export-oriented industries which clearly indicates that FASTER system has failed miserably to improve the situation in fact it has made the refunds process more cumbersome and slower.

    He was fairly optimistic that keeping in view the government’s resolve towards ensuring the Ease of Doing Business, the decision makers would pay attention to this serious issue and order the concerned department to improve FASTER’s performance which would certainly be warmly welcomed by business community of Karachi but also by all other stakeholders from across the country.

    He appealed to the Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Chairman, FBR to personally intervene for immediate release of pending claims so that exporters could meet their export contracts.

  • Lack of banking channel hindering Pak-Iran trade potential: Iranian envoy

    Lack of banking channel hindering Pak-Iran trade potential: Iranian envoy

    KARACHI: Consul General of Iran Ahmad Mohammadi has said that there is a huge potential to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations between Iran and Pakistan in a variety of subjects but there are also some difficulties hindering smooth trade between the two brotherly countries that need to be addressed, of which the lack of proper banking channel remains at the top.

    Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Iranian Consul General, while acknowledging the official trade volume highlighted by President KCCI, said that all these trade figures were correct but the actual trade volume was much higher as a lot of indirect trade was going on between the two countries because of lack of banking channel.

    “We, at the Iranian Consulate, are very serious towards resolving all the issues so that the bilateral trade and economic relations could be strengthened”, he added.

    General Secretary Businessmen Group AQ Khalil, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, Senior Vice President Arshad Islam, Vice President Shahid Ismail and KCCI Managing Committee Members along with Commercial Attaché Mehmood Haji Yousufi Pour and Commercial Counsellor Amir Mehdi Amir Jaffary attended the meeting.

    Iranian Consul General further stated that one of the most important action for increasing the existing bilateral trade was business communities’ participation in numerous exhibitions being staged either in Iran or Pakistan.

    “Almost two-and-a-half years ago, we staged Iran’s Solo Trade Exhibition here in Karachi which was very successful, bringing the business communities more close to each other. More such exhibitions must take place either in Karachi or in Tehran or any other city of Iran that would surely pave way for much improved trade ties”, he added.

    Referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visits to Iran particularly his meeting with the Iranian President, Ahmad Mohammadi stated that both leaders have expressed their intention to further improve trade and economic ties between the two brotherly countries hence, the trade volume was likely to increase in the days to come.

    He informed that the Iranian Consulate will be receiving two separate delegations in near future from Iran Chamber of Commerce which will be attending an event in Karachi being organized by Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry while another delegation from Tehran Chamber of Commerce will also be here to attend the Build Asia Exhibition.

    “We are trying to receive more delegations from Tehran Chamber so that they could hold negotiations with their Pakistani brothers to seek ways and means of how to improve bilateral relations.”

    While congratulating the new team at KCCI, Iranian Consul General hoped that during their tenure, KCCI Office Bearers will make efforts to improve trade relations with Iran by sending delegations and participating in numerous exhibitions in Iran. “The Iranian Consulate and KCCI have continuously maintained good relations. I and my colleagues firmly believe that KCCI is our second home in Karachi”, he added.

    Earlier, President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, while welcoming the Iranian Consul General, stated that despite being brotherly countries, trade remains low hence, Pakistan and Iran must make collective efforts to explore new avenues. It has always been KCCI’s struggle to promote bilateral trade and the Chamber has a very positive approach towards improving trade ties particularly with neighboring countries.

    He pointed out that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran was much less than the potential as Pakistan exports stood at a mere $330.2 million while the imports were around $1.247 billion during 2018.

    Agha Shahab noted that the negotiations on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are underway as both the countries have shared their desire of upgrading Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for which initial drafts have already been shared while the State Bank of Pakistan has also shared draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for signing its Banking Paying Arrangement (BPA) with Iran’s Iranian Bank Markazi Jomhouri. Both countries have already signed MoU through which channels would be opened in the central banks of both the countries for trade transactions that would reduce the usage of dollar account for Letter of Credit (LC) clearance.

    He hoped that the desperately needed proper banking channel between Pakistan and Iran becomes a reality soon which would surely boost the existing trade ties.

    He was of the opinion that abundant opportunities were available in the Iranian dairy, livestock, meat and beverages sectors for Pakistani traders and investors while Pakistan can also take benefit of Iran’s petrochemical sector.

    Agha Shahab underscored the need to sort out infrastructural constraints to enhance bilateral trade via Quetta-Taftan land route whereas regular operation of ECO container train will lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between the two countries.

    While underscoring the need for a realistic approach, President KCCI said that KCCI was keen to strengthen trade ties with their counterparts in Iran.

    “We want to strengthen ties and establish strong connection with Tehran Chamber of Commerce & Industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a view to improve cooperation between both Chambers. We would also like to send a trade delegation to explore new avenues for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two brotherly countries”, he added.

  • SBP urged to direct banks for accepting sales tax refund bonds

    SBP urged to direct banks for accepting sales tax refund bonds

    KARACHI: The business community has urged State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to issue directives to banks for accepting sales tax refund bonds in order to ease hardship in liquidity issues, especially for the exports.

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in this regard wrote a letter to SBP Governor Reza Baqir and apprised him about the government papers, which were issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) against the stuck up refunds, but despite inclusion in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 the banks were not accepting those.

    Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, President, KCCI in the letter said that due to liquidity crunch the exporters had no option but to curtail their production and were trying to maintain their share in the existing international market.

    “The situation has worsened to such an extent that our exporters simply cannot explore any new market to raise the exports due to lack of funds which, if not timely addressed, is likely to have a negative impact on Pakistan’s economy which is already under immense pressure and is struggling hard to narrow the current account deficit.”

    He said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued Bonds to the claimants and as per provisions of section 67-A of the Sales Tax Act-1990, these bonds shall be traded freely in the Country’s secondary markets and they will be accepted by the banks as Collateral.

    “However, despite specific directions in the relevant Act, these bonds are neither being traded freely in the market nor being accepted by the banks, creating severe liquidity problems for the exporters who are unable to finish their export orders, hence the situation was likely to shrink the overall exports and may also result in further depreciation of the desperately Foreign Exchange reserves of the country which requires Governor State Bank’s indulgence.”

    He stressed that the State Bank has to ensure compliance of the statutory provisions as soon as possible. “Almost a month has passed so far but no relief has been provided to minimize the grievances being faced by the exporters.”

    He was of the opinion that the exporters were already going through the toughest time due to ‘Creative Destruction’ which has made many Pakistani products obsolete in the international markets whereas they are terribly suffering due to high cost of doing business, stagnant industrial activities, the highest ever inflation and many other issues particularly the stuck up refund claims that needs to be resolved and the claimants must get their legitimate refunds on top priority.

  • FPCCI hopes Pak-China FTA Phase II to be instrumental for bilateral trade

    FPCCI hopes Pak-China FTA Phase II to be instrumental for bilateral trade

    KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hoped that the second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be instrumental in enhancing the bilateral trade to its optimum potential.

    FPCC president Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai in a statement on Saturday appreciated the strenuous efforts made by the Prime Minister and his team in preparation of long awaited China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) – II in consultation and consensus of all the stakeholders and making it operational w.e.f. December 1, 2019 which will witness Chinese investment in all sector.

    The FPCCI Chief hoped that the CPFTA-II would be instrumental in enhancing the bilateral trade to its optimum potential, exploring the new areas of joint ventures, transfer of Chinese technology to Pakistan as it had thin industrial based as compared to China, broadening and protecting indigenous industries and improving Pakistan’s trade balance with its counterpart.

    He recalled that under FTA Part-I Pakistan had benefitted to the tune of only 4 percent whereas rest was derived by the China.

    While commenting on the statement of the Advisor to the PM on Commerce, Textile, Industries and Production and Investment published in some section of newspapers, he clarified that FPCCI has always advocated / supported the decisions of the government in the best interest of Business Community and flourishing of business environment to make Pakistan economically stable and sound.

    Being apex body of trade & industry of Pakistan FPCCI has all the capability and expertise to contribute in government efforts in expansion of all economic sectors such as manufacturing, investment, export etc. He said that the FPCCI status and its role should not be undermined as it has representation all members of trade and industry on its board across the country.

    He also hailed the efforts of the government in the development plan of Balochistan and KPK under CPEC which will definitely eradicate their economic issues particularly unemployment and poverty and will bring least developed rural areas of Balochistan and KPK at par with the other part of Pakistan.

  • Business community demands Pakistan Customs to launch Authorized Economic Operator certification

    Business community demands Pakistan Customs to launch Authorized Economic Operator certification

    KARACHI: The business community has demanded Pakistan Customs of launching Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) certification program, which will enable business and industrial units to become trustworthy member of international supply chain.

    In view of its significance and importance, it is imperative that Pakistan Customs, being member of the World Customs Organizations, should immediately launch the AEO Certification program without further delays to rank among the countries having fully operational AEO program.

    AEO certificate will enable the business and industrial entities to become the trustful member of international supply chains and to comply high security standards.

    This was stated by Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Focal Person, Authorized Economic Operators’ Stakeholders Group notified by Pakistan Customs & Chairman Pakistan Apparel Forum.

    Exchanging views in the first meeting of Authorized Economic Operators’ Stakeholders Group held on Wednesday at the PHMA House Karachi, he articulated that Pakistan Custom is envisaging a robust taxpayers facilitation program in their supply chain according to International Standards.

    Many countries have successfully introduced such programs under “Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs). Under the anticipated AEO program for Pakistan, eligible businesses will be recognized as credible clients and they will accrue various benefits, nationally and internationally, in accordance with their AEO status. AEO Stakeholders group will seek inputs and recommendations from the business and industrial community of Pakistan to successfully launch the AEO program from Pakistan.

    In a presentation to the AEO Stakeholders’ Group, Saeed Akram, Collector (Customs) briefed that the Pakistan Customs is the member of World Customs Organization which comprise of 182 members divided into six regions and responsible for processing of 98 percent of the international trade.

    The Customs role has been evolved and transformed from the Revenue Collection to Economic Development and Security with focus on Supply Chain.

    One of the pillars of WCO’s Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate global trade (SAFE) which is a partnership / cooperation program between customs and trade aiming to secure and facilitate global supply chain security through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).

    According to the World Customs Organization (WCO), an authorized economic operator (AEO) is a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards.

    Authorized Economic Operators include inter alia manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses and distributors.

    AEO is a voluntary program wherein any economic actor in the international supply chain having dealing with the Customs can participate. Currently, AEO program is operational in 83 countries while under-developed in 18 countries which includes Pakistan.

    To launch AEO program in Pakistan, the Government has introduced Section 212A of Customs Act, 1969 and also drafted Rules.

    The ECC has also approved summary for introduction of AEO in Pakistan and timeframe for launch of AEO/MRA is communicated to WCO while discussions with Business Community initiated to Finalize Recommendations.

    In another presentation, Sheeraz Ahmed, Additional Collector (Customs) highlighted that Comprehensive AEO Program has been conceived covering all sector directly dealing in international trade, mainly the exporters and importers.

    Proposed Benefits on AEO Certifications are Speedy green channel and high level of facilitation in imports / export consignments, thereby ensuing shorter cargo release time – Priority Placement, Assessment & Examination and Scanning on priority by giving front line of treatment, Facility of Direct Port Delivery (DPD) and/ or Direct Port Entry(DPE): Facility of self -sealing of export goods, Facility of deferred payment of duty/taxes, Automated disbursal of drawback amount within 72 hours of the clearance of export GD, 50 percent reduction in the quantum of required Bank Guarantee,

    Speedy completion of valuation, classification disputes/Investigations – issuance of special rulings, 24/7 clearances on request, if required, at all sea ports and airports, Single point of assistance to AEOs through designated relationship officer in relation to legitimate concerns, Access cards for hassle free entry to Custom Houses, terminals, off-dock terminals and dry ports.

    Benefits under consideration are account-based processing rather than transaction-by-transaction clearance of accounts; Low documentary and data requirements; Choice of location for control/clearance of goods at the premises of the authorized economic operator or another place authorized by customs; Faster clearance at transit points and fewer checks en-route; Prior notification and treatment in case of selection for physical controls; Priority use of non-intrusive inspection techniques when examination is required; Reduction of applicable fees or charges for AEOs; Deferred payment of duties, taxes, fees, and charges or periodic payment of duties/taxes; Tax privileges to be granted by speedier processing of tax refunds, drawback, and other permissions/authorizations; Extended Customs services beyond normal working hours; Priority response to request for rulings from Customs authorities; Eligibility for self-audit or reduced audit programmes etc.