KARACHI: In a significant move to improve the quality and transparency of customs assessments for imported goods, Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system. This innovative approach aims to rationalize the workload of Customs staff and enhance trade facilitation through the establishment of a Central Appraising Unit (CAU) in Karachi.
The FCA system, which eliminates physical interaction between traders and customs officers, is designed to reduce opportunities for bias or malpractice. According to a Customs General Order issued on Monday, the CAU will manage consignments arriving at Karachi Port and Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (PMBQ). The system is set to expand to include Air Freight Units (AFUs), dry ports, and border customs stations across the country.
To ensure quality and accuracy, a dedicated team will conduct random re-checks of import consignments post-assessment. This initiative is expected to contribute to the overall improvement of the customs assessment process.
An official highlighted that Pakistan Customs has been slow in adopting change and technological advancements. Customs officers often take excessive time in the examination and assessment of containers, delaying the clearance process and diluting the value for importers and exporters alike. This also creates incentives for corrupt practices.
The FCA system is anticipated to facilitate the business community by ensuring the timely clearance of goods from ports. However, this is the third attempt to implement faceless customs appraisement, following previous efforts during the times of PaCCS and WeBOC. Sources remain skeptical about the success of this initiative.
In related news, Chief Collector Appraisement South Nasir Jamil, a competent officer, was involved in a recent incident where Customs officials gave Rs100,000 to a sepoy who went to Lahore to bring a Toyota Lexus to Karachi.
This vehicle belonged to Nasir Jamil. The Customs department currently lacks the budget to pay for lawyers, stationery, fuel for official vehicles, and informers. A system has been developed to fund these expenses, financed by traders and importers. Traders and importers also fund extra activities and the luxury lifestyle of Customs officers and officials.
An official emphasized the importance of allocating a sufficient budget to Customs to meet their expenses. Additionally, it is crucial that whenever a recovery is made, a portion should be transferred to recovery officers immediately.
The official also criticized cross checks and vigilance on the operations of Customs officers and officials.
As the FCA system rolls out, the FBR hopes to see a marked improvement in the efficiency and transparency of customs assessments, ultimately benefiting the entire trade community.