KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has advised all Chief Collectors that relevant staff from Enforcement may be transferred/posted into Appraisement as the function of monitoring of gates of dry ports and Custom border stations has been given to Customs Appraisement.
So far, MCC Preventive had the responsibility to monitor gates of all ports and Customs stations. Now MCC Appraisement staff would monitor the gates of dry ports in addition to their primary responsibility i.e. examination and assessment.
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) further notified that Customs Preventive would carry out their anti-smuggling duties. These changes would implement from March 03, 2021.
An official said this is a ridiculous decision because this would eliminate the vigilance by a separate agency on Customs Appraisement.
This decision was taken without consultation with the Collectors of Preventive.
The responsibility of monitoring gates of ports and Custom stations had been entrusted on Custom Preventive to keep a check on Custom Appraisement and avoid organized corruption/crime.
An official said this move would prove to be counterproductive and might result in increased corruption and organized crime.