KARACHI: In order to facilitate the trade, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the time for filing of goods declaration (GD) from the existing 10 days of arrival of goods to further 15 days (total 25 days) for all IGMs filed between 17th March and 7th April, 2020.
Although the collectorates of customs across Pakistan are operating normally. However, on account of the ongoing lockdown by provincial governments to address the pending pandemic of COVID-19, the importers and clearing agents are facing hardship in filing of goods declaration (GD) within the time limit prescribed under Customs Act, 1969.
The consequent penalty on this account is causing undue hardship to the traders as the circumstances for late filing are beyond their control.
Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) had also approached FBR for extension in said timeline for filing of goods declaration (GD).
Vice President FPCCI Khurram Aijaz thanked Member Customs Javed Ghani for accepting the proposal of Karachi Customs Agents Association.
Mian Anjum Nisar President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry informed that the FPCCI Help Desk working under Vice President Mr. Khurram Ijaz take up the issue of time limit for filing of goods declaration with the FBR and succeeded to get extension in time limit for filing of goods declaration. The FPCCI Help Desk is engaged working 24 hours to resolve the problems of traders and industrialist during the prevailing pandemic Covid-19. Time limit for filing of goods declaration from the existing 10 days has been extended to further 15 days (total 25 days) under section 79(1) of the Custom Act, 1969 for all IGMs filed between March 17, 2020 to April 7, 2020.
The importers and clearing agents were facing hardship in filing of goods declaration in the prevailing situation and the penalty up to Rs.100,000 has been waived off for the period increase their cost of doing business and subsequently increases the price of the goods.
He further stated that under present condition the trade and industry is approaching FPCCI Help Desk to resolve their issues concerning to the exports and supply of essential goods, medical equipment and kits, sanitizers etc. The FPCCI is well aware the problems being faced by exporters, importers, clearing agents, shipping lines, Indenters etc. and the FPCCI help desk is committed will leave no stone unturned in resolving trade and industry issues. FPCCI help desk is also consulting with other organizations to resolve the issues of the other stakeholders related to these agents and sectors.
Mian Anjum Nisar President FPCCI also appreciated the services extended by FBR and Customs Collectors under pandemic condition and working day and night to facilitate the business community of Pakistan.