KARACHI: Pakistan Customs is working toward a major milestone in trade facilitation by aiming to clear 80 percent of import consignments through the green channel system, a move that promises to significantly reduce clearance times and enhance business confidence.
These views were expressed by Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South Wajid Ali during a meeting with office bearers of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI.
Chief Collector Wajid Ali revealed that at present around 57 percent of cargo is being processed through the green channel. This system, he explained, reflects international best practices where Customs authorities prioritize post-clearance audits rather than physically holding consignments at ports. Such an approach allows faster cargo movement, minimizes congestion, and ensures compliance without compromising regulatory oversight.
He highlighted that by encouraging greater trader compliance and continuously improving customs procedures, Pakistan Customs could realistically raise the green channel clearance rate to 80 percent. Achieving this benchmark would not only align Pakistan with global trade standards but also make the country’s ports more competitive within the region.
The meeting, attended by KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Chairman of the Customs & Valuation Subcommittee Arif Lakhani, former presidents, and managing committee members, focused on identifying barriers faced by the business community. The Chief Collector assured participants that issues in the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system would be addressed promptly, making the platform more efficient and transparent.
Wajid Ali further announced the reinstatement of the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system to ensure timely processing and confirmed that warehousing extension requests would now be handled digitally, without the need for physical verification. This policy shift, he said, will save time, reduce delays, and cut unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Addressing concerns about misconduct, he pledged to introduce a strict accountability mechanism where appraising officers will be reviewed monthly. High performers will be acknowledged, while disciplinary action will be taken against those involved in misconduct. He also emphasized improving the hearing process at the Assistant and Deputy Collector levels to minimize hardships faced by traders.
Responding to queries about port congestion, the Chief Collector clarified that no backlog exists at South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT), Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT), and Port Qasim, with only Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) facing some delays. He assured the KCCI that pending consignments would be cleared weekly, reiterating his strong resolve to streamline operations.
With the expansion of the green channel system, Pakistan Customs aims to create a more transparent, efficient, and trader-friendly environment, reinforcing its commitment to supporting economic growth through seamless trade facilitation.
