KARACHI: More than 100 transshipment (TP) containers destined for upcountry industrial zones remain stranded at Karachi’s container terminals, trapped in what importers are calling an illegal blanket examination drive that violates established customs protocols.
Industry sources confirm that despite undergoing mandatory scanning, multiple consignments have been arbitrarily diverted to physical examination, causing severe operational disruptions, mounting demurrages, and supply chain bottlenecks.
Customs rules dictate that only 2% of transshipment consignments require physical examination, with the remaining 98% cleared through scanning. However, a directive issued on February 27, 2026 by Deputy Collector of Customs Examination Syed Imtiaz Hussain has effectively mandated 100% scanning for all TP containers, and in practice, importers allege this has translated into indiscriminate physical examination even after scanning is complete.
“Multiple consignments are being unnecessarily subjected to examination despite completion of scanning,” reads a representation submitted to the Chief Collector of Customs by TCL Industries, one of the affected parties. “This practice is not only causing severe delays, congestion, and financial losses, but also creating a perception that a new trend of unnecessary examination is being introduced at terminals in violation of transshipment rules.”
A copy of the disputed notification issued by Mr. Imtiaz Hussain and addressed to the CEO of Karachi International Container Terminal Limited directs that “all Transshipment (TP) containers going to upcountry destinations shall invariably be scanned.”
Importers argue that the wording has been misinterpreted by examination staff, who now hold all scanned containers for physical inspection, defeating the very purpose of mechanized clearance.
In one instance, 12 containers were duly scanned and cleared through the scanning process. Immediately afterward, they were shifted to examination, where two containers were marked—resulting in the holding of all 12 at KICT. TP No. KAPW-TP-168732 remains stuck with BL No. A90260208836.
A second consignment of 19 containers met the same fate: completely scanned, then abruptly shifted to examination, where they have remained grounded at KGTL for two days.
Three additional consignments totaling nine containers were assigned to the Scanning Officer immediately after TP submission and cess payment—yet they too now await examination.
“We are not opposed to legitimate examination,” said a senior representative of the All Pakistan Customs Agent Association. “If customs has intelligence regarding wrongdoing, specific consignments may be stopped and examined. But blocking consignments across the board is not right. Importers are facing demurrages and detention charges, and delays are mounting.”
Importers demand that if consignments are blocked for examination, the process should be fast-tracked and completed within 24 hours. Currently, containers remain grounded for days without examination schedules, while terminal charges accrue.
Perhaps most troubling for trade is the fact that consignments have already been assessed and issued “out of charge” status—the final customs clearance—yet remain physically blocked at terminals due to the examination standoff.
The representation has been copied to the All Pakistan Customs Agent Association, Karachi, and the President of the Lahore Customs Agent Association, indicating growing industry-wide concern.
“We request you to kindly look into the matter on urgent basis, review the grounds of examination, and direct for immediate release or expedite the process, so that further losses and operational disruption may be avoided,” the TCL Industries appeal states.
As of press time, no response has been received from the Collector’s office, and containers remain stranded—with demurrage clocks ticking and supply chains hanging in the balance.