In a significant move to boost trade efficiency and transparency, the Pakistan Customs has implemented sweeping reforms at all dry ports across the country. The key change ensures that all examination procedures for goods can now be completed within a single day, a measure designed to eliminate costly delays and opportunities for corruption.
Key Reforms Announced at LCCI Meeting
Chief Collector Customs Naveed Elahi detailed the new measures during a meeting with business leaders at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He stated that the government has substantially increased the number of examination staff deployed at dry ports. This manpower boost is the primary driver behind the new one-day clearance guarantee.
Elahi further revealed that advanced scanning equipment has been installed at all ports, checkpoints, and border stations. This technology allows for complete and accurate inspection of consignments, improving the speed and reliability of transit trade while maintaining strict security protocols.
Comprehensive Strategy Against Malpractice
Beyond physical infrastructure, authorities are developing a multi-pronged strategy to tackle systemic issues. A major focus is preventing the misuse of the Export Finance Scheme and Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs). Additionally, specific steps are being taken to ensure goods are not damaged during the physical checking process, addressing a long-standing concern of traders.
The heart of the transparency drive is the full implementation of the faceless assessment mechanism. This digital system removes the direct, and often manipulable, interaction between customs officials and importers during the goods valuation process.
Business Community Applauds Changes
The reforms were warmly welcomed by the business community present at the LCCI. LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol commended the steps, stating they enhance business confidence and actively discourage illegal valuation practices and bribery.
"With this system in place, those who used to interfere in valuation or offered bribes for early assessment have been permanently blocked," Saigol declared, confirming that initial teething problems with the faceless system "have now been resolved."
To build on this progress, the LCCI President proposed two key institutions:
- A dedicated complaint cell at the Lahore Dry Port for immediate redressal of issues.
- A dispute resolution committee, with LCCI participation, to ensure swift and effective resolution of importers' problems.
The collective measures signal a determined push by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to modernize customs procedures, facilitate legitimate trade, and create a hostile environment for corruption within Pakistan's critical port infrastructure.
