In a bid to tighten regulatory oversight and prevent unauthorized movement of goods, Pakistan Customs has barred customs agents from removing goods from Export Processing Zones (EPZ) without a proper authority letter issued by the relevant investor or importer.
The directive came through Public Notice No. 01, issued by the Model Customs Collectorate of Exports, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, specifically addressing procedures at the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). The notice emphasized that investors or importers operating within the EPZ, or their authorized customs agents, must now obtain a formal authorization letter from their designated customs bonded carrier. This document must then be submitted to the Deputy or Assistant Collector (Sealing/De-Sealing), MCC Preventive at Customs House, Karachi.
The newly introduced requirement ensures that only authorized carriers can remove consignments from the port to KEPZ, thereby plugging a potential gap in the logistics chain that may be misused for unlawful diversion or undocumented movement of goods.
According to the collectorate, this is a temporary measure that will remain in force until the EPZ system is upgraded to support a new digital utility. This upcoming feature in the KEPZ module of the WeBOC system will allow the EPZA to input the name of a bonded carrier based on the investor’s or authorized agent’s recommendation while generating No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Once implemented, the NOCs will be visible on the bonded carrier’s WeBOC interface, streamlining the process and enhancing transparency.
The initiative reflects Pakistan Customs’ increasing reliance on automation and traceability to manage EPZ operations, aiming to strike a balance between trade facilitation and regulatory enforcement. Customs officials have clarified that until the software enhancement is fully functional, strict adherence to this interim requirement is mandatory.
Stakeholders within the EPZ, particularly importers, customs agents, and bonded carriers, have been advised to align with the new compliance protocols to avoid clearance delays or penalties. This step by customs authorities underscores their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of export processing operations across all EPZ zones in the country.