KARACHI: The Directorate of Transit Trade has rolled out new guidelines to enhance the transportation of transit, transshipment, and Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) cargo. Effective from January 1, 2025, these regulations, prepared by Director Transit Trade Agha Saeed and Additional Director Moin Afzal and their team, are set to ensure secure and smooth transit under customs escort.
Outward Movement of Transit and Transshipment Cargo
Once the relevant Goods Declaration (GD) type is cleared and assigned to a bonded carrier, the vehicles will move in convoys of no more than 15, under customs escort. The in-charge inspector at the on-dock terminal will assign a unique serial number to each convoy for record-keeping and recognition.
Convoy Details
Each convoy will carry a “Convoy Transport Note” signed by the inspector in charge, detailing the driver’s name, cell number, container number, vehicle registration, and other key information. Sepoys assigned by the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) will accompany the convoy to ensure its integrity.
For cargo transshipment from Off Dock Terminals (ODTs), tracking devices will be installed, and procedures as per Office Order No. 94/2024 will be followed. The cargo will then join the main convoy at the on-dock terminal.
Convoys will be formed within customs bonded premises before departure, ensuring all details are cataloged and tracking devices are activated. Forward transit and transshipment cargo will move independently to prevent mixing.
Monitoring and Reporting
Convoy Transport Notes will be issued in triplicate, with one copy kept as an office record and two copies handed to the sepoys. Any issues during transit will be reported to the Control Room of the Directorate of Transit or the relevant Collectorate of Enforcement.
Reverse Transit Cargo to Karachi/Wagha
For reverse transit cargo from Chaman, Torkham, and Ghulam Khan to Karachi/Wagha, Convoy Transport Notes will be prepared for each vehicle. Sepoys will escort the convoy, ensuring its integrity throughout the journey. Upon arrival at Wagha Karachi, the convoy transport note will be handed over to the designated receiving officer.
Movement Within En-Route Enforcement Collectorates
Upon reaching the jurisdiction’s endpoint, cargo will be transferred to the next En-route Enforcement Collectorate, which will issue a fresh transport note. Any discrepancies will be reported to the Control Room of the Directorate of Transit Trade or the Deputy Collector in charge.
These measures aim to streamline cargo movement, ensuring security and efficiency in transit processes. The new SOPs promise a hassle-free and well-regulated transportation system for Pakistan’s key transit routes.