Business community consultations held to improve clearance, refunds, and EFS efficiency
The Chief Collector Customs (Exports), Mohsin Rafiq, has stated that authorities are actively considering positive reforms aimed at further facilitating exporters through improvements in the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS).
He emphasized that the customs department is committed to ensuring maximum ease for the business community by streamlining procedures and removing operational bottlenecks.
Speaking at an interactive session held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he said that concrete steps are being planned to speed up the clearance of export consignments and ensure timely processing of duty drawback claims.
He added that a dedicated committee has already been formed to review the existing EFS framework and develop a forward-looking roadmap after consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
The Chief Collector highlighted that the objective is to make the Export Facilitation Scheme more transparent, efficient, and business-friendly.
He also underlined the importance of continuous engagement with the private sector to identify practical challenges faced by exporters and resolve them through policy adjustments.
Representatives of the business community, including LCCI leadership and senior industry stakeholders, attended the session and shared their concerns regarding procedural delays and regulatory inconsistencies.
They noted that while recent extensions in raw material utilization timelines under EFS are helpful, several operational issues still need attention.
Industry representatives pointed out challenges such as inconsistent HS code interpretations at different ports, delays in Letter of Credit approvals, and lengthy processes for production capacity assessments.
They also stressed the need for a single-window digital system to simplify approvals and reduce documentation burdens, particularly for SMEs.
In response, Mohsin Rafiq assured that all proposals from the business community would be carefully reviewed.
He reiterated that customs authorities are focused on building a more efficient export environment that supports industrial growth and enhances Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
He further stated that the recommendations emerging from ongoing consultations would play a key role in shaping future EFS reforms aimed at boosting exports and improving overall trade facilitation.
