KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a comprehensive monitoring framework for terminal operators operating at sea ports, off-dock terminals, dry ports, and land border stations.
Through Customs General Order (CGO) No. 07 of 2025, issued on July 11, the FBR has directed all relevant collectorates to conduct strict inspections and ensure that terminal operators meet the mandatory criteria set under the Customs Rules, 2001. This action aims to enforce the minimum operational requirements for those managing terminal activities under the Customs Computerized System (CCS).
As outlined in Rule 548 of the Customs Rules, 2001, all terminal operators conducting operations under the CCS must comply with the standards defined in Rule 554. These requirements cover areas such as physical infrastructure, security systems, IT integration, examination facilities, and proper documentation protocols. Importantly, off-dock terminal operators must also adhere to the additional stipulations detailed in the FBR’s guidelines dated July 30, 2024, under Rule 554A.
To maintain oversight and accountability, the FBR has mandated a biannual inspection cycle. Each terminal—whether a sea port, off-dock terminal, dry port, or land border station—will be reviewed every six months by the relevant Regulatory Collectorate. The inspection report must detail the availability and condition of each specified requirement.
If any deficiencies are identified, the concerned terminal operator will be officially notified and given 15 days to resolve the issues and submit a compliance report. Failure to meet the standards or respond within the deadline may result in suspension or cancellation of their registration under Rule 553 of the Customs Rules, 2001, and Section 155F of the Customs Act, 1969.
Restoration of registration will only be considered once the terminal operator has fulfilled all the compliance obligations to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Collectorate.
The FBR has also made it mandatory for the Regulatory Collectorate to submit a consolidated compliance report on each terminal operator to the Board every six months, ensuring that oversight remains ongoing and comprehensive.
This initiative underscores FBR’s commitment to improving governance, standardizing operations, and minimizing revenue leakage across Pakistan’s trade infrastructure.
