KARACHI: Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has recently announced the discontinuation of manual certification for prior-shipment inspection (PSI) for customs clearance, starting from May 22, 2023.
This move, in line with the Import Policy Order, 2022, aims to streamline the import process and enhance efficiency through automation.
According to a circular issued by PSW, the import of pesticides is subject to PSI certification by pre-shipment certification companies designated by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP). Previously, the PSI certification and its endorsement by the DPP were done manually. However, PSW, in collaboration with the DPP and PSI companies, has now automated this process through data integration.
The newly developed PSW module, currently undergoing a pilot run, facilitates the electronic endorsement of PSI certification. Traders are now required to associate their PSI report with the Single Declaration (SD) during filing, eliminating the need for physical copies of certifications. The PSI companies will share the certification with PSW through Electronic Data Exchange (EDI), making it readily available to traders.
Additionally, DPP officers will issue endorsement certificates electronically through the PSW system. Traders can easily access and print/download these certificates for record-keeping purposes.
PSW has already conducted training and awareness sessions for traders, DPP, and PSI certification companies to ensure a smooth transition. With the successful completion of the pilot run, the manual endorsement of PSI certification will be discontinued starting from May 22, 2023.
The discontinuation of manual certification for PSI by PSW marks a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and transparency in customs clearance processes. Traders can now enjoy the benefits of automation, eliminating the need for physical documentation and simplifying the import process. The move aligns with the government’s commitment to digitization and streamlining trade operations for the benefit of businesses in Pakistan.
