ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs and International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical co-operation for the implementation of Air cargo XML and Advance Passenger Information (API) standards. In this regard a ceremony was held at a hotel here, which was attended by Nasir Masroor Ahmed, Director General, Directorate General of Reforms and Automation (Customs) FBR, Tariq Huda, Collector of Customs Preventive, S M Muneer, TDAP Chief and other customs and IATA officials.
The MoU was signed by Abdul Majid Yousfani, Director, Directorate General of Reforms and Automation, Pakistan Customs and Nathalie Herbelles, Assistant Director Airport, Passenger, Cargo & Security, Asia Pacific IATA. Implementation of the standards will enable Pakistan Customs to further modernise its functions to facilitate trade and enhance its enforcement capacity.
Speaking on the occasion, Nathalie highlighted the details of the Cargo XML and API systems. She congratulated Pakistan Customs for implementing IATA Cargo XML and API standards. Meanwhile, Abdul Majid Yousfani elaborated technical aspects of both Cargo XML and API. He said that development of the software was scheduled to be kicked off from October 2015 and pilot testing of the programme would commence from December 2015.
Moreover, he said that the complete roll out of the EDT standards would gradually be commenced by 2016. He said that Pakistan Customs was also working closely with China Customs and Afghan Customs for development of Electronic Data Interface to generate more revenue and curb the menace of smuggling and under invoicing.
Tariq Huda, in his welcome address, emphasised the commitment of Pakistan Customs to work for the betterment of the country. He said that development of Cargo XML facility would reduce dwell time of the cargo imported through air shipment that would lead to reduced cost of doing business. He said that API system would provide passengers’ information before their arrival that would forestall risks and enable Pakistan Customs to provide better facilitation to the passengers. The event was attended by the diplomats, businessmen and others.
