LAHORE: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sought extension of free period at port terminals from chairman, Karachi Port Trust, chairman, Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and other authorities.
The FBR referred to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry’s (FPCCI) representation March 30, 2020 on the subject of free period for importers.
According to FBR, Pakistan is currently facing a great challenge to address the issue of spread of COVID-19 (corona virus).
As a result of lock down and restriction of movement of people/vehicles, the time duration for lifting the cargo from the ports is exceeding the free time as allowed to the importers under normal course of business.
Given the current situation and to facilitate trade, it is requested that demurrage and detention charges may not be charged from the importers for a period of 15 days in addition to the free time already allowed by the port authorities.
