LAHORE: A meeting was held on February 19, 2024, between the Chief Collector Customs (Appraisement), Punjab, and the representatives of Pakistan Automobile Spare Parts Importers & Dealers Association (PASPIDA) to address the issues and challenges faced by the traders in filing and clearing TP consignments.
The meeting, which was held at the office of the Chief Collector Customs in Lahore, was attended by Muhammad Sadiq, Chief Collector Customs Appraisement (Punjab) and NAZIA SALEEM, Additional Collector/S.A to Chief Collector Appraisement (Punjab) among others.
Meeting focused on the following topics:
The delay and difficulty in declaring and amending TP consignments in the WeBOC system, which had been raised earlier in a meeting with the Member Customs (Operations) on February 17, 2024. The Chief Collector assured the traders that the matter would be resolved soon and that the TP processes would be simplified to ensure ease of doing business.
The problem of cargo movement from Port Qasim to Karachi port through inter-port movement, which prevented the traders from filing TP for their consignments. The Chief Collector advised the traders to mention Port Qasim as both the port of delivery and the port of discharge to avoid this issue. He also contacted the Collector of Customs Port Qasim to look into the issue of ICM/BL amendments to facilitate the smooth flow of TP to upcountry dryports.
The levy of infrastructure cess on the cargo movement by rail, which increased the cost of doing business at dryports. The Chief Collector suggested that the trade bodies should pursue the exemption of this levy actively. He also said that the TP issues of MICT, DP World, and NLC would be looked into by the concerned Collectorate in the view of trade facilitation perspective.
The transparency and efficiency of the clearance process at dryports, which was hampered by maladministration and corruption. The Chief Collector declared a zero-tolerance policy towards such practices and urged the traders to report any instances of irregularities or harassment.
The benefits and requirements of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, which would enable the traders to enjoy hassle-free and legitimate business. The Chief Collector emphasized the importance of meeting the parameters given in the AEO rules to avail this facility. The association appreciated the idea of AEO and expressed their interest in applying for it.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from both sides and a hope for better cooperation and coordination in the future.