FBR says customs clearance time has fallen to 20.57 hours, with 83% of consignments cleared within 48 hours, as it pledges targeted measures to address traders’ concerns.
Islamabad, October 29, 2026: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system, clarifying that the relocation of the Central Appraising Unit (CAU) to Islamabad is a permanent step in customs modernisation and will not be reversed.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the FBR said the reform aims to reduce discretionary powers, minimise direct interaction between taxpayers and customs officials, and ensure transparent, system-driven assessment decisions.
READ MORE: FBR may arrest tax filers, non-filers over concealed income in Tax Year 2027
The board clarified that only the assessment function would move to Islamabad, while physical examination of consignments and port operations would continue in Karachi. Traders can still approach their respective Karachi collectorates to resolve operational matters.
Responding to concerns raised by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) over clearance delays, valuation disputes and laboratory referrals, the FBR said the figures cited largely reflected the initial implementation period and did not account for subsequent improvements.
According to the board, average customs clearance time has declined from 40.2 hours to 20.57 hours, while 83% of consignments are now cleared within 48 hours.
The FBR also stressed that customs valuation remains governed by Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969. Digital assessment does not permit arbitrary increases in declared values, and officers must follow prescribed valuation methods and record reasons where required.
To address operational bottlenecks, the board plans dedicated backlog-clearance arrangements for Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) and export-oriented consignments, alongside green-channel facilitation for Authorised Economic Operators and compliant importers.
Proposed service timelines include 24 hours for assessment and first review, 48 hours for second review, 24 hours for examination after grounding, and 72 hours for laboratory results. Automatic escalation mechanisms are also planned to improve accountability.
The FBR said provisional release under Section 81 of the Customs Act would be facilitated wherever legally applicable.
The board has urged trade bodies to encourage timely filing of Goods Declarations before vessel arrival, allowing advance assessment and reducing port delays and demurrage costs.
It has also invited APTMA and other trade organisations to submit verifiable cases, including relevant Goods Declaration numbers, to investigate reported delays, valuation disputes and classification errors.
The FBR said operational issues would be addressed through targeted improvements without compromising the core objectives of faceless assessment, transparency and accountable customs administration.
READ MORE: FBR warns taxpayers of 12% or KIBOR+3% default surcharge in Tax Year 2027