KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is imposing stringent measures on transit cargo to curb smuggling in the garb of transit trade. Most of Afghan transit cargo is replaced/pilfered during the transit or smuggled back into Pakistan through the border.
According to new amendments proposed in the Customs Rules, after filing of GD, a minimum of 25% consignments of transit goods shall be selected for scanning and a minimum 10% for examination by the Risk Management System (RMS), while those consignments cleared by RMS shall be forwarded to the respective terminal operator for delivery and to the sealing officer for sealing
Member Customs – Operations Zeba Hai has issued the proposed amendments vide SRO 1396(I)/2023 and SRO 1395(I)/2023 on Tuesday. The proposed amendments will come into force in two days.
Moreover, the bonded carrier or customs agent, filing the GD, shall be required to submit bank guarantee with the customs to cover the leviable duty and taxes in the GD for customs security. The GD will be assessed by the Customs Computerized System (CCS) or assessing officer on the pattern of GDs filed for local home consumption.
The authorized customs agents, brokers or transport operators in Pakistan shall furnish financial security in the form of bank guarantee for goods destined for Afghanistan valid for at least one year and encashable in Pakistan, for guaranteeing the fulfillment of any obligation arising out of customs transit operations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The amount of bank guarantee for transit operations shall be determined by system on the basis of the assessment done by Customs Computerized System or assessing officer at the office of departure so that it covers all import levies.
Besides, Ministry of Commerce has restricted import of fabrics under HS code:5208,5209,5407,5512,5513,5514,5515,5516,5603,5801,5804,5901,5903,6001,6004,6005,6006; Tyres; black tea, cosmetics and toiletries, nuts and fruits, vacuum flask and home appliances (CBUs).
However, these restrictions shall not apply to transit cargo already arrived at Pakistan’s ports. The cargo at high seas shall have the option for re-export upon arrival. These restrictions will also not apply on foreign grant-in-aid to Afghanistan.