KARACHI: In a significant move to streamline customs procedures, improve transparency, and expedite the clearance of goods, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan has announced the establishment of a Centralized Examination Unit (CEU) in Karachi.
The new initiative, outlined in Customs General Order No. 01 of 2025, aims to modernize the customs examination process and enhance trade facilitation across the country.
The CEU, which will be located at a designated place in Karachi, is set to revolutionize the way customs examinations are conducted. The unit will be responsible for handling consignments arriving at all terminals of the Karachi Port, with plans to expand its operations to other customs stations at Port Qasim and nationwide in subsequent phases.
1. Location and Staffing: The CEU will be established at a location in Karachi, to be notified by the Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South), Karachi. Deputy and Assistant Collectors will be posted to the CEU to resolve system-related and operational issues. Appraisers (Examination) will also be stationed at the CEU as per operational requirements.
2. Randomized Allocation of Examiners: To ensure fairness and transparency, the Customs Computerized System (CCS) will randomly allocate Appraisers (Examination) to specific port terminals or off-dock terminals (ODTs) for three days, with the possibility of extension to one week based on operational needs. Containers and LCL consignments will also be randomly assigned to examiners by the CCS.
3. Timely Examinations: All examinations are expected to be completed on the same day. Any pending examinations must be finalized by the same examiner the following day. If documents are called for but not uploaded on the same day, the CCS will reallocate the examination to another available examiner the next day.
4. Compliance with Customs Laws: The examination of Goods Declarations (GDs) will be conducted in accordance with the Customs Act, 1969, Valuation Rulings, Customs General Orders, Public Notices, and other applicable laws and regulations. The CEU will ensure that all examinations are carried out in compliance with the latest directives from the FBR and Chief Collectors.
5. Technology Integration: Appraisers (Examination) will be equipped with tablets and body cameras, which will be integrated with the CCS for real-time monitoring and uploading of examination reports. A Central Control Room will oversee the body camera footage, which will be stored for a minimum of three months for future reference.
6. Re-examination Requests: Importers or customs agents requesting re-examinations will need approval from the Additional Collector of the concerned Collectorate. The CEU will then carry out the requested re-examinations.
7. Post-Examination Actions: All post-examination actions will be performed in line with Customs General Order No. 06 of 2024. The respective Collectorates of Customs – Appraisement will continue to handle port terminal/ODT coordination, monitoring, supervision, and auction-related matters.
8. Vigilance and Anti-Evasion Measures: The Collector Headquarters-Appraisement (South), Karachi, will have complete visibility of GDs processed through the CEU to ensure necessary vigilance and anti-evasion actions are taken.
The introduction of the CEU marks a significant step towards modernizing Pakistan’s customs procedures. By centralizing the examination process, the government aims to reduce delays, enhance transparency, and improve the overall efficiency of customs operations. The use of advanced technology, such as body cameras and real-time monitoring, is expected to minimize human error and reduce the risk of corruption.
The CEU’s phased rollout, starting with Karachi and eventually expanding to other ports and customs stations across the country, reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating trade and improving the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
The establishment of the Centralized Examination Unit (CEU) is a landmark initiative by the Federal Board of Revenue to bring transparency, efficiency, and modernization to Pakistan’s customs procedures. With the integration of advanced technology and a focus on compliance with customs laws, the CEU is expected to significantly enhance trade facilitation and reduce the time and cost associated with customs clearance.
As the CEU becomes operational, stakeholders in the trade and logistics sectors are optimistic about the positive impact it will have on Pakistan’s trade environment, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.