ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is playing vital role in the establishment of National Single Window (NSW) under Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). In this regard, FBR is also working closely with donors for the establishment of the same by the stipulated time period. Therefore, Pakistan is at far better position with regard to the implementation of trade facilitation measures.
TFA focuses on addressing inefficiencies in international trade procedures and making them transparent with a view to reduce trade costs. Pakistan ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in October 2015 and came into force in February last year, after two-third members (110) of the WTO ratified the agreement.
A source at FBR told Customs Today that TFA was flexible in nature, member countries had to classify the TFA provisions into categories, depending on the assessment of their national capacity to implement these provisions.
“As per procedure definitive dates for implementation of Category B commitment have been notified in February 2018. The initiatives under TFA includes establishment of Inquiry points, Opportunity to Comment on Information before Entry into Force, Use of International Standards and Electronic Payments of Tax and duties” the source maintained.
The source said that Commerce Ministry had conducted extensive stakeholder’s consultations to devise comprehensive work plan to implement the initiatives. Ministry of Commerce is implementing the initiatives under the TFA in collaboration with federal and provincial authorities including, but not limited to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Communications.
In the result of FBR’s leading role, most of the measures will be completed by 2019 except the establishment of National Single Window (NSW), which will be completed by 2022 while articles related to freedom of transit will be implemented by 2023.
