KARACHI: In a move aimed at streamlining and centralizing operations, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued SRO 1637(I)/2024, which redefines the structure and jurisdictions of Customs departments in Pakistan.
As per the new notification, the Appraisement department will remain the sole collectorate, while all other departments have been reclassified as Directorates. This restructuring is part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency and coordination within the Customs framework.
Chairman of the FBR, Rashid Mehmood Langrial, with the assistance of sensitive agencies, has spearheaded these changes.
The enforcement mechanisms have been consolidated under a single Director General based in Islamabad, replacing the previous structure of four chief collectors.
This centralized approach assigns the Director General the responsibility for overseeing all operations related to the flow of smuggled goods.
Additionally, the Input Output Co-efficient Organization (IOCO), which is focused on export-related activities, has been merged with the Directorate of Exports. This merger is expected to streamline export processes and improve oversight.
The Directorate General Airports will now have overarching responsibility for all airports in the country. The Director of Karachi Airport will specifically oversee operations across the entire Sindh region.
Importantly, the reorganization has not disturbed any existing cadres. The comprehensive General Order (CGO) outlining the detailed implications of these changes is expected to be released next week, along with a notification specifying the new jurisdiction of Customs Intelligence.
These steps reflect the FBR’s commitment to modernizing its operations and enhancing the effectiveness of customs enforcement across Pakistan.
SRO 1637(I)2024 18-10-2024 Jurisdiction of Collectorates