ISLAMABAD: Due to good performance of the Pakistan Customs, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) received only eight complaints out of total 60,000 Goods Declarations (GDs) pertaining to the Pak-Afghan Transit Trade during the last two years.
“Although Afghan Transit Trade has been a problematic area, yet the FBR has taken multiple steps in coordination with the relevant stakeholders in order to streamline the operational aspects over the past few years,” Sources at the FBR told Customs Today.
Measures taken by the FBR include re-negotiation of APTTA 2010, introduction of Pakistan Customs automated system (WeBOC) for processing of Afghan transit cargo as well as usage of risk management systems for clearance and selection of cargo meant for examination.
“Moreover, FBR also took steps like reduction in the scanning of Afghan transit cargo from 100% to 20% and clearance of 85% to 90% of Afghan transit cargo on the same day and establishing electronic data interchange between Pakistan Customs and Afghan Customs for real time exchange of data for this purpose” the source added.
To a question regarding disposition off of the eight complaints received by FBR, the source added that the said complaints were received in FBR, Directorate General of Transit Trade (DGTT) and the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) pertaining to Afghan transit trade.
However, out of eight complaints, three complaints were filed with the FTO which were investigated and the FTO did not find any maladministration on part of the department. Therefore they were disposed off in favour of the department accordingly.
Similarly, the source said that the remaining five complaints were filed with the FBR/DGTT. Complaints regarding delay in auction, transporters strike and hiring of private persons/lampoons were investigated and addressed to the satisfaction of the complainant.
Regarding complaint of non-cleared cargo belonging to US Army/ NATO/ ISAF at Karachi ports, the source said that a Joint Inspection Team (JIT) had been constituted by the Ministry of Defense for inspection of the said cargo and its subsequent disposal.
Another complaint regarding monopoly by Insurance Companies in issuance of guarantees was scrutinized by DGTT and its report along with proposals was under consideration in the FBR.
