Karachi – August 29, 2025 – The All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) and Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) have expressed strong satisfaction with the introduction of the Faceless Customs Clearance system, calling it a milestone in modernizing trade procedures.
APCAA Chairman Arshad Khurshid and KCAA President Muhammad Aamir praised the initiative in a joint statement, noting that it enhances transparency, fairness, and operational efficiency in the customs process. They highlighted that the system is aligned with the Prime Minister’s broader reform agenda, which aims to establish a technology-driven and merit-based framework for customs operations.
The associations emphasized that the faceless mechanism ensures cargo clearance strictly on a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis, thereby eliminating discrimination and fostering uniformity in assessments. This approach, they said, represents a shift toward a more accountable and facilitative customs environment that benefits traders and agents alike.
During a consultative session chaired by Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement-South) Wajid Ali, representatives acknowledged the progress achieved but also pointed out operational challenges, including delays in assessment and clearance. They urged the authorities to ensure seamless processing to maintain confidence among customs stakeholders.
In response, the Chief Collector announced measures to improve efficiency, including appointing Assistant Collectors as focal persons in each Collectorate to resolve assessment delays and ensuring no second review is rejected without a proper hearing. Plans are also underway to establish a facilitation center at Custom House to support agents and address non-assessment issues.
Khurshid and Aamir concluded that with these proactive steps, customs operations are set to become more streamlined, ensuring a modern, trade-friendly system that serves both the business community and customs agents effectively.