ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ensure that all international airlines submit their cargo manifests directly into the Customs WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) system.
The instruction aims to plug critical loopholes that have enabled manipulation, unauthorized clearances, and cargo pilferage by organized networks. The FTO noted that airports remain highly vulnerable points where illegal goods clearance threatens both revenue and cargo security.
Following its investigation, the FTO called for urgent implementation of stronger controls, including:
Direct retrieval and independent verification of airline manifests and off-load data, eliminating reliance on intermediaries.
Automatic red-flagging of any off-loaded consignment cleared without a corresponding Goods Declaration (GD).
Full integration of all cargo handling systems with WeBOC to blocIk future manipulation and illicit activity.
The directive forms part of broader efforts to enhance transparency and reduce fraud within the cargo clearance chain.
