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Tag: WeBOC

  • Pakistan Customs launches automated scanning of imported consignments

    Pakistan Customs launches automated scanning of imported consignments

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has launched a new automated scanning facility for containerized import consignments of industrial raw materials for speedy clearance, a statement said on Wednesday.

    The new system has been introduced in WeBOC system. The introduction of Non-Intrusive Inspection System by Customs was a long awaited initiative aimed at replacing physical inspection of cargo and reducing the dwell time at ports by using the latest scanning technology in line with international best practices.

    The Karachi Port and Port Qasim have Customs scanning facilities installed with the assistance of Japanese Government under JICA program in addition to the scanners of the terminal operators.

    The Blue channel will be part of the Risk Management System (RMS) through which Customs will be able to select the consignments of containerized cargo based on RMS by using computer program targeting the suspected shipments. The system shall operate without human intervention which is designed to be based on the risk profiling and risk parameters.

    The scheme is envisaged to reduce the physical examination of goods which is time consuming and costlier besides causing port congestion. The program has been implemented initially at KICT, SAPT terminals of Karachi port and at QICT, Port Qasim with effect from 19th April, 2021 for industrial raw materials and drastic reduction in clearance time of such consignments has been observed.

    The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommends the scanning of suspected cargo at ports and border stations for security of supply chain under its (SAFE) Security and Facilitation Framework and Kyoto Convention.

    By implementing the Blue channel, Pakistan Customs will not only be able to ensure security of supply chain but also ensure correct declaration of goods and secure legitimate payment of duty and taxes by the importers.

    This technological intervention will support in facilitating the trade by reducing the clearance time, saving cost, and decreasing port congestion leaving positive impact on overall cargo dwell time.  The program will go a long way in modernization of Customs procedures in Pakistan.

  • Customs reluctant to give WeBOC access to ANF

    Customs reluctant to give WeBOC access to ANF

    KARACHI: Brigadier Syed Waqar Haider Rizvi, Force Commander Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) said that the force has not direct access to export related documents on Customs online system i.e. WeBOC, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

    He said that ANF does not require any sort of undertaking or affidavit from a clearing agent or exporter. “If somebody from the terminal operators demands such a document then it is not under the instruction of ANF,” he said while talking to office bearers of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

    While responding to the issues raised by participants of the meeting, said that it is high time to put combined efforts into the development of the economy in Pakistan.

    He further informed that drug smuggling is a transnational crime. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Customs, Coast Guards, ANF and other departments are working under their authorities. “We do not receive BL, invoice, or other documents, and Customs are reluctant to permit us access to the WeBOC system,” he added.

    Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President of FPCCI while welcoming Brigadier Syed Waqar Haider Rizvi, Force Commander Anti Narcotic Force Karachi stated that repacking of the exported goods after examination caused delays, cost and confidence of the buyers.

    The President FPCCI also appreciated the working of the force especially during the lockdown due to COVID-19. He added that the problems of the trade to the extent of 70 – 80 percent have been solved due to cooperation of the force officials.

    However there are still some problems being faced by the trade and industry such as repacking of the export cargo after examination by ANF.

    The export cargo after examination is usually stuffed and the worthy factory packing is disturbed due to which there are complaints from the buyers that the packing of the goods is not satisfactory.

    There is a need of updating the information of precursor chemicals within the ANF staff working at ports. This may be achieved with joint sessions of ANF and stakeholders.

    There should be a fixed time period by the ANF for breaking the seal of the container so that the clearing agent may line himself up for examination accordingly. This will also save the exporter from shutting out of his containers by the shipping agents and could be exported in time.

    The meeting was attended by Athar Sultan Chawla, Arif Jeeva Vice Presidents, Muhammad Ayub in charge of the port control unit Anti-Narcotics Force Khurram Ijaz, Waseem Vohra former Vice Presidents and Shabbir Mansha,

    Convener FPCCI Committee on Customs. Meeting was concluded with the presentation of FPCCI crest to the Brigadier Syed Waqar Haider Rizvi, Force Commander Anti Narcotic Force Karachi.

  • Procedure for importers registration for customs clearance

    Procedure for importers registration for customs clearance

    KARACHI: Commercial and non-commercial importers are required to get registered with Pakistan’s online WeBOC system for clearance of consignments.

    In order to access the online Customs portal WeBOC, the person would first have to register themselves with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

    WEBOC EXTERNAL USER REGISTRATION FORM

    NTN Number *

    STRN *

    Business Name *

    Business Address *

    Contact Person Name *

    Contact Person CNIC *

    Phone Number 1 *

    Phone Number 2

    Fax Number

    Cell Number *

    Contact Person Email id *

    Bank Name

    Branch City

    Branch Name

    Account Number

    License Number

    Collectorate

    Warehouse (In case of Warehouse )

    Shipping Line Type (In case of Shipping Line )

    Location (In case of Terminal Operator)

    Documents Requires incase of Sub Type :

    Commercial

    1. Copies of CNIC’s of Proprietor

    2. Copy of NTN duly verifiable form www.fbr.gov.pk

    3. Copy of STRN duly verifiable from www.fbr.gov.pk

    Non-Commercial

    1. Copies of CNIC’s of Partners

    2. Copy of NTN duly verifiable form www.fbr.gov.pk

    3. Copy of STRN duly verifiable from www.fbr.gov.pk

    4. Copy of Current Airway Bill

    Embassy

    1. Copies of CNIC’s/Passport of the authorized person

    2. Copy of NTN duly verifiable form www.fbr.gov.pk

    3. Authority letter from Head of Embassy

    Trust

    1. Copies of CNIC’s of Managing Trustee and other trustee

    2. Copy of NTN duly verifiable form www.fbr.gov.pk

    3. Copy of Trust Deed

    Government Department

    1. Copies of CNIC’s of directors

    2. Copy of NTN duly verifiable form www.fbr.gov.pk

    3. Copy of STRN duly verifiable from www.fbr.gov.pk

    Undertaking as per format on judicial paper of Rs100/-

    PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION

    1. Submission of application to Deputy/Assistant Collector WeBOC User-ID Section, along with supportive/required documents

    2. Personal appearance of applicant before Deputy / Assistant Collector User-ID Section with original CNIC.

    3. Process of taking digital picture and thumb impression of the applicant upon personal appearance.

    4. Visit of the Business premises (wherever required)

    5. Acceptance/Rejection of Application.

    6. Creation of User-ID in case of acceptance of application

    7. Issuance of Login-ID and automatic sending of computer generated password to the applicant through email.

  • E-payment made mandatory for duty, taxes above Rs one million for customs clearance

    E-payment made mandatory for duty, taxes above Rs one million for customs clearance

    KARACHI: Pakistan Customs has announced that payment of duty and taxes above Rs one million will only be made electronically (Alternate Deliver Channels).

    According to an announcement on Saturday, consignments through WeBOC system will be cleared on e-payment of duty and taxes above Rs one million. The payment threshold shall apply from January 15, 2021.

    Pakistan Customs said that Payment System is a modern way of collecting tax payments through internet. Banks, Taxpayers, Withholding Agents and e-Intermediaries are beneficiaries of this system. Taxpayers can create their electronic payments from anywhere and can also schedule their payments to be credited to Government of Pakistan (GoP) accounts on any future dates.

    Payment System decreases the workload on Bank staff. Payments made through PAYSYS are instantly communicated to electronic systems of FBR and Banks. It’s very easy to use this system and generate various informative reports for daily branch level operations. Payment System provides you electronic payment documents in hard copy as well as electronic copy in PDF format for subsequent utilization.

    Following are the E-Payment System overview in general terms:

     Round-the-clock facility is being provided to importers / exporters to pay Customs Duties, taxes and other dues electronically from their bank accounts through internet banking and automated teller machines (ATM) for clearance of consignments through WeBOC system.

     Trader/Clearing Agent shall login to WeBOC system for filing of Goods Declaration in WeBOC.

     Trader/Clearing Agent will click on the “Submit” button of Goods Declaration. Upon click on the Submit button system will display the Goods Declaration Payment Information Screen to Trader/Clearing Agent.

     In the drop down menu for Payment Mode, the Trader/Clearing Agent shall select the Payment Mode of “E-Payment” and click on the “Submit” button. Upon click on the submit button, WeBOC system will submit the GD successfully and display the link “Pay duty and taxes via 1Link”.

     Trader/Clearing Agent will click on the above link and WeBOC system will generate a unique 20 digit Payment Slip ID (PSID). The system will display the duty and taxes breakup along with PSID.

     The trader shall login to the online banking system of his bank through computer or mobile phone or visit ATM facility. The bill payment screen of the bank shall reflect “FBR” as biller. The trader shall click the option “FBR”. The bank / ATM screen shall require the trader to enter PSID generated by WeBOC system.

     By entering PSID, the payment details shall be visible to the trader for approval of the payment of duty & taxes. Upon confirmation, the bank account of trader shall be debited and a message of successful transaction shall be visible on the screen.

     WeBOC system will accordingly process the Goods Declaration filed by the trader.

     For any subsequent payment of dues in relation to the processing of Goods Declaration as a result of any reassessment made by Customs, the trader shall click “Payment Management” from his WeBOC home screen and click the link “Pay duty and taxes via 1Link”. A sub menu “Payment against GD” shall be opened. Upon clicking the same, a new screen shall appear in which option will be available to search GD against which payment is require to be made. Upon clicking the specific GD, the system will provide “Generate PSID” option. Upon clicking the same, a new unique PSID shall be generated which can be utilized by the trader to pay duty / taxes in the same manner.

     On the basis of unique transaction ID issued by the SBP/BSC, WeBOC will issue e-CPR to importer / tax payer through WeBOC System.

  • NBP makes payment realization mandatory for goods clearance; FPCCI fears delays

    NBP makes payment realization mandatory for goods clearance; FPCCI fears delays

    KARACHI: Payment realization against financial instruments has been made mandatory for clearance of imported goods from August 10, 2020.

    In this regard National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has issued necessary instructions to its branches receiving duty and taxes, customs clearing agents and other stakeholders.

    While referring to Federal Treasury Rules, the NBP said that it had observed the custom authorized branches of the bank after the introduction of WeBOC system were not adhering to the rules and Goods Declarations (GDs) were being issued against collection of clearing instruments.

    “A further clarification regarding the issue has also been take from State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and the central bank had also advised to enforce Federal Treasury Rule 79 (1) (a),” the bank said.

    The NBP issued instructions to all its branches to ensure that only preliminary acknowledgement of the receipt of the cheque / payment order should be given on the prescribed form at the time of receipt of clearing instrument. “Posting in WeBOC and issuance of GD will be subject to clearing.”

    Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in a statement on Saturday expressed its concerns over the instructions issued by the NBP and said it would cause unnecessary delays for clearance of consignments and also increase cost in terms of port charges.

    Chairman of FPCCI’s Committee on Customs Shabbir Mansha said that for the past 70 years a system for payment of duty and taxes was operational.

    The sudden change in procedure will cause delay of consignment clearance and business community will pay additional charges for procedural delays.

    He surprised over the implementation of revised procedure especially at a time when trade was badly hampered due to COVID pandemic.

    “The payment procedure will affect international trade and a bulk of containers will be stuck up at ports,” he added.

    He said that the revised procedure was not practical because fluctuation in exchange rate was routine matter in the country. He said that importer make payment through financial instrument on the basis of prevailing of exchange rate and as per revised procedure the on the date of payment realization the exchange rate may be vary on the date of submission of the financial instrument. “In such a scenario the customs authorities will demand payment order for the exchange rate differential amount, he added.

    He lamented that in revised scenario the importer would face huge demurrage and detention charges despite duty and taxes paid through payment order.

    The FPCCI urged Prime Minister of Pakistan and State Bank of Pakistan to intervene into the matter and defer the implementation of revised payment mechanism.

  • IR officers to get information of importers through online customs system

    IR officers to get information of importers through online customs system

    KARACHI: The officers of Inland Revenue to access online system of customs clearance for monitoring of withholding tax collected from importers.

    The sources in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said that the Collectors of Customs of Sea Ports/Dry Ports are obliged to collect withholding tax on imports as per prescribed rates.

    In the case of goods/equipments imported through Airways, each Collector is obliged to collect tax at the time of clearance. Statements are to be filed on monthly basis.

    Tax under this section is collected from all, except from the imports by Government or exempt entities on the basis of certificate issued by a Commissioner.

    The sources said that Large Taxpayers Units (LTUs) and Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) have access to WeBOC – the online customs clearance system – for accessing the documents filed by importers for determination of withholding tax at import stage.

    According to official documents for monitoring of withholding taxes, said that the authorized officer of each RTO should coordinate with Customs authorities, hold macro analysis of imports by Government, by other agencies, those treated exempt, and perform the system audit of imports, if required.

    The exemptions allowed to the imports made by exempt entities, the cases where Commissioner issued exemption certificates or SRO based exemptions were allowed; need to be examined to ascertain their admissibility.

    Categorization of imports, as provided in the online system should be strictly enforced by the Customs authorities. Concerned RTO should coordinate the matter accordingly.

    A centralized web based system has been introduced for issuance of certificates by the Commissioners and creation of a centralized Database.

    On-line verification of certificates by the concerned authorities will form part of it. This is necessary for ascertaining the genuineness of exemption certificates.
    PRAL should send the data received from NBP/Customs House to each RTO on daily basis.

    Tax collected as per Customs data and tax actually deposited in NBP and reported through CAP should be reconciled by PRAL on monthly basis with the RTO as part of normal exercise for reconciliation of revenue. Discrepancies should be reported to concerned Collector/ PRAL for reconciliation.

    A comprehensive scheme of allotting tax numbers is in place. All importers should essentially have a Tax Registration Number that is either NTN or Free Tax Number (FTN) and no import should be allowed without a valid tax number.

  • Customs stops goods removal from EPZ without authority

    Customs stops goods removal from EPZ without authority

    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.

    (more…)
  • FBR increases goods declaration processing charges by 100 percent

    FBR increases goods declaration processing charges by 100 percent

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has increased services charges by 100 percent for processing each goods declaration (GD) through customs computerized system.

    The FBR issued SRO 637(I)/2019 to amend its previous SRO 1053(I)/2011 dated November 16, 2011 and enhanced the service charges to Rs500 from Rs250 for processing each GD under the Pakistan Customs Computerized System.

    On May 07, 2013 another SRO 388(I)/2013 was issued to levy Rs24,000 per GD as service charges for processing of US and NATO led ISAF cargo under Web Based One Customs (WeBOC).

    The said service charges shall be increased 10 percent annually and for this purpose the date of commencement as mentioned in the Customs General Order 10 of 2012 shall be reckoned as reference date.

  • NBP provides online exchange rate facility to Pakistan Customs

    NBP provides online exchange rate facility to Pakistan Customs

    KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is receiving real time exchange rate from National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) for determination of customs valuation.

    FBR has decided to electronically link customs automated system WeBOC with the Treasury and Capital Markets Group of the National Bank of Pakistan so that the daily exchange rate of major currencies are uploaded into WeBOC directly as soon as the same are notified.

    Settlement of payments for Pakistan’s International Trade, like other countries, is done in international currencies. Value of imported goods is converted to Pak Rupees, using latest exchange rate of major currencies notified by the Treasury of the National Bank of Pakistan.

    As per current procedure, Exchange rate for various currencies is procured from Treasury and Capital Markets Group office of National Bank of Pakistan by Pakistan Customs on daily basis either manually or by downloading the same from National Bank of Pakistan website.

    It is then fed manually into the Customs automated system WeBOC for utilization in assessment of value of imports for calculating duties and taxes.

    In order to further enhance the efficiency of this operation, FBR has decided to electronically link customs automated system WeBOC with the Treasury and Capital Markets Group of the National Bank of Pakistan so that the daily exchange rate of major currencies are uploaded into WeBOC directly as soon as the same are notified.

    Necessary instructions have been issued to Director (Reforms & Automation), Karachi for development and deployment of required module in close consultation with National Bank of Pakistan on top priority basis. It is expected that this reform initiative will improve the efficiency and transparency of the process, and will also preclude any possibility of errors/omission.

  • Pakistan Customs launches swift consignment clearance system to improve ease of doing business

    Pakistan Customs launches swift consignment clearance system to improve ease of doing business

    KARACHI: Pakistan Customs on Monday launched the swift consignment clearance software for improving ease of doing business and trading across the border indices of the country.

    The system namely ‘WeBOC Global’ was inaugurated by Member Customs Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha at Custom house, Karachi.

    He introduced the key features of the newly developed ICT system which was attended by a large number of the senior officers of Pakistan Custom and members of the WeBOC-Glo Project team.

    The new version of Customs clearance system was deployed at early in the morning May 13, 2019 which has immediately replaced the previous version of WeBOC clearance system.

    This will be a modern and technologically advanced version of WeBOC which is an end to end automated online goods clearance system home grown by Pakistan Customs in 2011.

    With the introduction of new WeBOC system, the Custom clearance system of Pakistan will enter into the club of modern, upgraded and technologically advanced Custom clearance system of the world, the Member said.

    The WeBOC-Glo in addition to new modules and functionalities will be plugging the deficiencies of earlier clearance system pointed out during the course of time in internal reviews and ICT Gap Analysis by the World Bank.

    Components of Release 1.0 of the WeBOC-Glo were introduced by Iftikhar Ahmad, Collector/Convener of the project which included 13 modules and functionalities.

    The major modules included:

    (1) the Development of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with Terminal Operators for Export LCL Cargo, which will reduce dwell time at ports

    (2) the Quota Management of Bulk Export Cargo, which will facilitate auto debiting of assigned quota,

    (3) the establishment of IT interface with Ministry of Foreign Affairs for automation of Exemption Certificates,

    (4) the availability of WeBOC Glo on Chrome and Edge to provide convenience to users,

    (5) the enhanced Security Features, to safeguard the User IDs and relevant data of importers /exporters,

    (6) the unified Screens for MIS Officers, to ensure speedy processing,

    (7) the search engine for TARIFF and relevant SROs to empower users in Tariff and import/export policy information for correct filling and assessment of GDs,

    (8) the update on Containers Status, to allow traders the facility to keep track of containers,

    (9) Improved User Interface, aimed at making the system more user friendly and less time consuming and

    (10) the Glo Insight which strengthens the statistical Scrutiny and monitoring of Customs transactions through business intelligence and data analysis tools for informed decisions making.

    In addition to above, the WeBOC-Glo will be instrumental in closure of old Customs clearance system by automating areas that had remained outside its scope so far.

    (1) the Export Processing Zone, whose import and export clearance along with the role and functions of EPZA have been automated for the first time,

    (2) the GD Filing Without NTN, which will facilitate individual importers, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) promoting e-Commerce in Pakistan,

    (3) the Exceptional GD Filing, which caters to all scenarios where auto clearance were held up due to peculiar taxation regimes on items or specific orders of superior courts.

    The team has been further instructed by Dr Agha to plan launch of Release-2of WeBOC Glo by the first week of July, 2019.

    The Release-2 will include further important modules like DTRE, Bulk Exports and Exports through Courier.

    With the development of these modules all the processes related to export will be fully automated which will definitely facilitate export sectors.

    Release-2 will also include E-Auction Module, for auction of confiscated goods in line with modern concepts of Auction.

    Oil imports contribute the major share in Imports Bill. All the processes like Import, storage, transportation and transit of Oil will also be covered in Release-2 Similarly PCA Entity based Audit module will also be part of it, which will dramatically enhance money trial analysis and be handy in detection of money laundering.

    Initial work has already been done on these modules and they are under different stages of development.

    Some less important modules will be launched in Release-3 by Mid September which will complete automation of all the Customs processes under WeBOC-Glo.

    Earlier, Dr Jawwad Agha conceived the idea of up gradation and functionally advanced new Customs system and had put in place a two tier setup, the WeBOC-Glo Domain team and Oversight and Approval Team, in December, 2018.

    In view of highly technical nature of the task officers having vast professional experience and well grounded in automated work environment were grouped together.

    The team lead by Collector Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad (project team leader) included: Additional Collectors Shafqat Niazi, Sanaullah Abro, Ms Mona Mehfooz, Ali Zaman Gardezi and Deputy Collector Ms Nausheen Riaz Khan.

    The project team leader said that packed and strict timeline was given to undertake the Businesses Process Re-Engineering (BPR), development of new modules and functionalities of the WeBOC Glo.

    He added that the project team had to put in long hours on weekend, over and above their regular work assignments, to meet the deadlines, while Agha continuously monitored the progress and provided his full support to project team. Within short time of four months, WeBOC-Glo project team under guidance of oversight and Approval team, consisting of senior officers of Customs succeeded in accomplishing the task of development of 13 different modules and functionalities of new version.

    User Acceptance Tests (UATs) with relevant stakeholders have been completed too. The PRAL’s Business Analysis and software Development Units provided able resource support and remained instrumental in the achievement.

    With the launch of the WeBOC-Glo, the Customs department moves further ahead as the leading public sector organization mag use of modern technology for hassle free public service delivery.

    The system ensures transparency, efficiency, professionalism and further reduces the interaction with taxpayer besides providing tech ability for future integration with artificial intelligence for RMS analysis.