KARACHI: Afghan Transit Trade Director General Ashraf Ali has directed the officials concerned to strictly monitor import and clearance of chemicals.
The director general issued the directive during a meeting, which was attended by additional directors, deputy/assistant directors, principal appraisers and examiners and discussed affairs of the Afghan Transit Trade.
Dangerous chemicals, which can be used in the manufacturing of explosive are prone to be mis-declared as dyes and other non-dangerous chemicals. Dangerous chemicals, which are prone to be transported to Afghanistan through the transit trade include acetyic anhydride, ammonium nitrate, toluene carbide, red phosphorous and potassium chlorite.
Ashraf Ali has advised the staff to keep strict vigilance on the import and clearance of above-mentioned chemicals particularly those consignments imported by persons other than the regular importers including manufacturers and traders/suppliers.
The dramatic growth in chemicals production and trade has raised concern about the potential risks posed by hazardous chemicals. Countries lacking adequate infrastructure and capacity to monitor the import and use of these chemicals are particularly vulnerable.
