MULTAN: The Directorate of Transit Trade (HQ) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the tracking and monitoring of bonded cargo. While this new SOP, governed by the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules 2023, aims to bolster the security and efficiency of bonded cargo movements, it has sparked significant operational challenges and legal concerns for Multan Customs and stakeholders, particularly those dealing with the Dry Port and KEPZ consignments.
A major issue has emerged with the tracking company for KEPZ consignments, M/s. NLC Smart Solutions, which has failed to install Container Security Devices (CSDs) on containers, opting only for Prime Mover Devices (PMDs) on the bonded carrier vehicles.
This oversight directly contravenes Rule 1118 of the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules 2023, which mandates that both vehicles and containers must be equipped with tracking devices.
The absence of CSDs compromises the security of bonded cargo, undermining the legal framework designed to ensure secure and efficient cargo movement, as PMDs alone do not meet the required technical specifications under Rule 1097(3).
The SOP issued on December 27, 2024, includes a provision that allows for the installation of CSDs “as and when the same are made available. However, this provision is in direct conflict with Rule 1124, which permits interim arrangements for no more than 90 days in emergency situations.
The resulting operational inefficiencies have been evident, as KEPZ consignments have been transported in convoys, leading to significant delays and logistical issues. Over 800 KEPZ-bound containers are currently halted at ports, causing widespread disruptions and raising concerns among investors.
For Multan Customs, this situation is especially critical, as the Dry Port and the KEPZ area serve as vital transit points for bonded cargo. The lack of proper tracking devices not only endangers the integrity of the cargo but also affects the overall efficiency of the customs clearance process. The delays and bottlenecks at these key locations have disrupted trade and hindered the smooth flow of goods, impacting both local and international business operations.
In light of these pressing issues, it is imperative that the Directorate of Transit Trade takes immediate action to ensure full compliance with all legal and operational requirements. The tracking company M/s. NLC Smart Solutions, must be directed to address the deficiencies in their tracking system, including the installation of both PMDs and CSDs, as stipulated by the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules 2023. Prompt resolution of these issues is crucial to ensure the timely and secure clearance of bonded cargo, particularly for consignments bound for KEPZ and the Dry Port in Multan.
Failure to address these concerns could lead to prolonged operational disruptions, diminished investor confidence, and a breakdown of the tracking system’s effectiveness, which could severely impact the efficiency and security of cargo movements across the regio.
