KARACHI: Collector MCC Appraisement East, Manzoor Memon has directed the Customs formation to restrict the appearance of unauthorized persons to represent any Custom house agent, importer, exporter, business house or firm to transact business.
It may be mentioned here that such unauthorized persons are known as ‘consultants’ and they have developed nexus with corrupt officials and serve the interests of unscrupulous elements causing loss to the exchequer. Sources said that R&D East has been advised to arrest such persons and lodge FIR against them.
The collector Appraisement East has launched a wide-spread crackdown against such elements and has warned that if any official/officer was found to have entertained any person without authorization, the official will be held responsible for consequences if any mis-declaration/violation of law is detected at subsequent stage/audit.
It has been notified that any licensed Custom House agent appearing before an officer of customs, will be asked by the officer to produce authority from the actual licensee to transact business on his behalf.
Similarly, in case the principal opts to transact business without using a licensed agent, he may authorize an employee or representative to transact business generally and the appropriate officer may refuse to entertain such an employee or representative unless an authority, duly signed by the principal, is produced by him.
The Collectorate observed that frequent instances have come to notice that unauthorized persons keep appearing before the appropriate officers to transact business and there is nothing on record to identify their role.
In order to curb this practice, all officers are advised to ensure that unauthorized persons do not appear to represent any Custom-house agent, importer, exporter, business house or firm to transact business.
The reviewing authorities are directed to enter the identity i.e. name of the representative and his work permit number or CNIC, as the case may be, in the system while finalizing any review or any other matter concerning Customs.
In case of self clearance, only the authorized person for that specific G.D shall be entertained, where importer has uploaded the authorization and no one else shall be entertained. In case, it is found that the official/officer has entertained any person without authorization letter uploaded in the system, he/she shall be held responsible for consequences if any mis-declaration/violation of law is detected at subsequent stage/audit.
Any other visitors to the official/officer for other matters other than pursuing the Goods Declaration, shall have to approach the reception desk and reception shall let the visitor meet the officer after seeking his/her approval. The reception officer shall maintain a serially numbered register wherein visitors name, CNIC and cell number shall be recorded, and shall submit the same to D.V (HQ) on daily basis.