Lahore, January 29, 2026 — Pakistan Customs has announced that importers submitting correct and complete declarations will be given priority for placement in the Green Channel, enabling faster clearance without physical examination.
Collector of Customs (Appraisement) Umar Shafiq stated that facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring transparency remain the core objectives of ongoing reforms in Pakistan Customs. He emphasized that while facilitation is being enhanced for compliant importers, strict legal action will be taken in cases involving deliberate misdeclaration or bad intent.
The remarks were made during a meeting with members of the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where customs-related issues and operational challenges were discussed. The session was attended by LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, members of the LCCI Executive Committee, Deputy Collector Mehak Majid, and Assistant Director Shehzad Khokhar.
Umar Shafiq said that importers who submit accurate declarations will be preferred for the Green Channel to ensure swift clearance without examination. He noted that the faceless assessment system has significantly improved transparency and reduced malpractices in valuation and clearance procedures.
In his address, LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol appreciated the improved coordination between Pakistan Customs and the Lahore Chamber, describing it as a positive step toward resolving practical issues faced by traders. He also acknowledged the successful implementation of the faceless assessment system, stating that it has helped curb irregularities and eliminate practices such as speed money.
However, Saigol expressed concern that the recent self-clearance policy could adversely affect small and medium-sized importers, many of whom lack in-house customs expertise. He urged authorities to review the policy and raised additional concerns related to sampling procedures, inconsistent application of HS codes across cities, delays in appraisal, FIRs arising from assessment disputes, and the need to allow corrections for minor clerical errors.
Responding to the concerns, Collector Umar Shafiq clarified that the only restriction under the self-clearance policy is that clearing agents are not permitted to use an importer’s user ID, as this poses potential risks for importers. He assured participants that unnecessary delays in examination are unacceptable and that examiners have been directed to record observations in writing to avoid holding cases without justification.
He further stated that examination and clearance times at Lahore Dry Port have improved significantly under the new directives. On sampling procedures, he said importers have the right to seek details regarding the purpose, quantity, and location of samples and must be provided a written receipt.
Umar Shafiq reaffirmed Pakistan Customs’ commitment to fully facilitate honest importers and maintain an efficient, transparent clearance system.