KARACHI, Pakistan: The Collectorate of Customs Appraisement at Port Muhammad Bin Qasim has issued a detailed operating procedure for a newly designated customs-port operated by M/s. Fast Track Projects and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., according to an official order published Aug. 4.
The facility, situated on 10 acres at the National Warehouse and Industrial Zone along Port Bin Qasim Main Road, was declared a customs-port for import and export cargo clearance through a Federal Board of Revenue notification issued July 20.
The standing order requires the terminal operator to maintain a $500,000 security guarantee in Pakistani rupees that customs authorities can seize for any violations of the Customs Act, 1969, or related rules.
The terminal must be equipped with firefighting systems, anti-theft and anti-burglary devices, closed-circuit television cameras and fixed observation posts at gates. A fully equipped control room must operate around the clock for monitoring and surveillance, the order states.
Under the new procedures, all container movements between Qasim International Containers Terminal and the Fast Track facility must be processed through the Customs WebOC electronic data interchange system and transported exclusively by registered bonded carriers.
All cargo containers must be scanned at port terminals before being sent to the facility with scanning reports attached for customs review.
The order outlines procedures for verifying container seals and weights upon arrival. Any discrepancies must be reported to customs authorities, and affected containers cannot be moved from the premises without permission.
De-sealing and de-stuffing of containers must occur in the presence of both a terminal representative and a customs officer, who will tally package numbers and weights. Any discrepancies found during the process require a jointly signed report submitted to the supervising assistant or deputy collector.
For exports, the order requires consolidation of consignments after customs formalities are completed, with all goods declarations linked through electronic data interchange. Consolidated containers must be weighed, sealed and transported to marine terminals through customs bonded vehicles.
Deliveries of imported goods can only occur based on customs release messages received through the WeBOC system, with gate staff verifying each release through system identification credentials.
The terminal operator is responsible for the safe custody of containers and cargo from the point of vessel discharge through final clearance, according to the order.
Any conflict between the standing order procedures and the Customs Act, 1969, or related rules will be resolved in favor of the statutory provisions, the order states.
Copies of the order were distributed to the Federal Board of Revenue, customs collectors, port operators including QICT and DP World, and trade associations including the Karachi Customs Clearing Agents Association and local chambers of commerce.