KARACHI: Pakistan Customs is all set to implement WeBOC Module in Export Processing Zone (EPZ), as all the stakeholders have consented automation of the process and transportation of goods between container terminals and the zone in bonded carriers.
The implementation of WeBOC module for EPZ consignments and all transportation of goods through bonded carriers would eliminate enroute pilferage of EPZ cargo, plug revenue leakage and facilitate Export Processing Zone (EPZ) stakeholders including investors.
A meeting of all EPZ stakeholders including investors, Customs agents was held at Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA), wherein the participants were informed about the benefits of automation.
Deputy Collector EPZ Ali Aijaz, Principal Appraisers EPZ Shafiullah and Abdul Razzak, Deputy Director Rehan Akram, GM Engineering EPZ Nasir Hidayat, Appraising Officer Zahid Arain, Senior Vice Chairman Trade Facilitation Committee FPCCI Abdullah Sheikh along with Weboc Project Team attended the meeting.
It may be mentioned here that Directorate of Reforms & Automation under the supervision of Director Reforms & Automation Wajid Ali had prepared the WeBOC module for EPZ a year ago, but its implementation was stayed by the Court, as certain EPZ investors had approached the Court submitting their reservations.
The investors obtained stay order due to their grievances and reservations regarding implementation of Weboc module and transportation of cargo through bonded carriers, as bonded carriers demand higher freight rates for removal of cargo.
Since then, Chief Collector Enforcement Manzoor Memon had been trying to reach an out-of-court settlement, so that the WeBOC module could be implemented. Chief Collector Manzoor Memon had asked Collector Exports Port Qasim Saifuddin Junejo to pursue the issue for a settlement. Now, all stakeholders have agreed to settle the issue and go ahead with the automation.
Under WeBOC module all removal of cargo will be done through bonded carriers to curtail smuggling and enroute pilferage. Deputy Collector WeBOC Automation ensured the investors that all issues would be resolved mutually, and in the larger interest of trade & industry and to encourage exports, all grey areas had been identified, which would be addressed to discourage smuggling.
Representative of Bonded Carriers Association Shams Burney said SRO No. 413/2012 defined transit rules, which suggested transportation of all cargo through bonded carriers for safe transportation. Burney said it was a good initiative and would help eliminate enroute pilferage and revenue evasion.