KARACHI: Pakistan Customs should introduce a “one-window system” for the enhancement of imports and exports, where all operations would be performed under one roof.
This was stated by Habibullah A. Latif, General Secretary Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA) during an exclusive interview with Customs Today at his office.
PIFFA General Secretary further said that customs operations in foreign countries including Middle East are under one roof and importers and exporters get clearance of their goods within two hours.
“Despite adequate resources, there is a lack of willingness in Customs Department in order to introduce more advanced methodology for the convenience of importers, exporters and other stakeholders”, Habibullah added.
He further informed that PIFFA has introduced a “Multi-Model Transportation” system in which freight forwarders are using different means of transportation to deliver the goods to the final destination.
Responding to a query, General Secretary PIFFA asserted that due to sluggishness of Customs officials in examining and assessing the goods, terminal operators take full advantage of the said situation.
“The members of PIFFA are trying to settle all the issues with the authorities concerned in order to ensure more facilitation for stakeholders”, he added.
On the occasion, Habibullah A Latif demanded of the government to declare Saturday as a “working day” so that National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) at Customs House can collect the tax levy and sea & dry ports can also continue operations normally on Saturday.
“The executive body of PIFFA has already forwarded its recommendation in this regard to the National Trade & Transport Facilitation Committee (NTTFC) — a standing committee established by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan to simplify trade and transport procedures — but no action has yet been taken”, he asserted.
He further said that now it’s up to the government to implement the PIFFA proposal for enhancement of revenues.
