ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) comprising 30 office-bearers & executive committee members, headed by APCAA Chairman Syed Shams Ahmed Burney, met Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa on Friday at the FBR House and discussed key customs clearance issues faced by the clearing agents.
Some core issues that came under discussion were related to transparency in clearance through customs’ computerised system, WEBOC, issues related to dry ports and bonded carrier.
According to the association, there are many grey areas in the clearance system resulting in increased cost of doing business. Moreover, the appraising group in WEBOC clearance system is also increasing the cost of importers.
APCCA Senior Vice Chairman Chaudhry Amjad while talking to FBR officials pointed out that the role of principal appraisers at dry ports was contrary to the rules. He said that all FIRs being lodged against the bonded carriers were unconditionally contrary to the principles of criminal jurisprudence.
The FBR chairman patiently listened to the problems of the association members and promised to convene a follow-up meeting in Karachi for necessary action.
