KARACHI: Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) has urged the authorities including Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and ministries to take appropriate measures towards the trade facilitation in view of ongoing lockdown situation in the country due to outbreak of novel coronavirus (covid-19).
KCAA urged the authorities of FBR to extend time limit and condone the fine/penalty for delay in late filing of Goods Declaration (GD) up to 30 days instead of 10 days, imposed under clause 47.A of Section 156 of the Custom Act 1969 as a gesture to support & facilitate the trade.
General Secretary KCCA Muhammad Aamir said in view of the foregoing situation, it would be near impossible for traders/custom agents to submit Duty / Taxes on time.
KCAA also requested the Member Customs (Policy) FBR and higher authorities of Pakistan Customs to issue necessary directions to the Ports / Terminals as well as Shipping Companies for the waiver of Port Demurrage & Container Rents for the at least 30 days.
KCAA mentioned that 2nd Review will be entertained by the concerned AC/DC on telephone, hence members are requested to contact their respective AC/DC over the telephone for 2nd review. However, in case of any issue pertaining to reviews by the concerned AC/DC members are advised to contact any Office Bearers of KCAA in order to resolve their problems.
KCAA has proposed to the customs that since the WeBOC system is working online but hard copy of FTA certificate needs to be submitted over the counter for verification in this regard members are advised to submit scanned FTA and On-Line Verification while filing the goods declaration, so that it may be processed without visiting custom house FTA Counters.
KCAA is making efforts regarding online payments at Terminals & submission of all required documents electronically through Email of Customs Agents.
KCAA’s Members and trade / business community appreciated the efforts made by Karachi Customs Agents Association, especially Mr. Khurram Ijaz (Vice President) of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry recognized and highly acknowledged the working of KCAA and assured their full cooperation on behalf of FPCCI for the facilitation of trade in wake of ongoing lockdown country’s situation.
It may be mentioned here KCAA delegation headed by President Yahya Muhammad alongwith General Secretary Muhammad Aamir & Joint Secretary Zahid Bashir Chaudhary had a meeting with the Commissioner Karachi and discussed the ongoing situation & business transactions pertaining to clearance of import & export consignments during the lockdown period.
It was assured by the Commissioner Karachi that all possible considerations will be extended to the Customs Agents community.