Karachi, December 14, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the launch of the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) System, which will be operational from December 15, 2024, in Karachi. This initiative, part of the FBR’s Transformation Plan approved by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, aims to revolutionize the customs assessment process.
According to the FBR, all import goods declarations filed after 12:00 AM in the Appraisement Collectorates of Karachi will be directed to the newly established Central Appraising Unit (CAU) for assessment. The CAU, located at the South Asia Pakistan Terminal in Karachi, was set up in accordance with CGO No.6 of 2024, recently issued by the FBR.
The introduction of the FCA System is expected to bring significant improvements to the Customs department’s operations. By reducing clearance times and increasing efficiency and transparency in assessments, the system will facilitate trade and enhance the overall customs experience.
Following the successful implementation of this system in Karachi, the FBR plans to extend it to upcountry ports and border stations. The appraisement function of Customs will be relocated outside the Customs Collectorates, and all necessary arrangements have already been finalized. The CAU has been equipped with a sanitized environment for appraisers and principal appraisers, with 55 officers already posted to ensure smooth operations.
To enhance productivity and ensure accountability, an incentive-based performance management mechanism has been introduced for customs appraising officers stationed at the CAU. This system rewards officers who demonstrate diligence and integrity in their duties, fostering a culture of responsibility and efficiency.
In addition, the FBR has revamped the eligibility criteria and licensing regime for Customs Clearing Agents. A new points-based scoring system will be implemented to ensure accuracy and quality in declarations. Agents providing honest and accurate descriptions, values, and origins of goods will earn higher scores, improving their profiles. Conversely, agents who fail to meet the required standards will lose points, and repeated underperformance could lead to license cancellations.
The FCA System marks a critical step towards modernizing Pakistan’s customs processes, ensuring transparency, and fostering a trade-friendly environment.