KARACHI: Directorate of Web Based One Customs (WeBOC) has confirmed that only automated system should be used for clearance of goods, sources disclosed.
The instructions have been issued following reports that the Preventive Staff posted at off-dock terminals and AFU have been demanding hard copies of import documents for the clearance of consignments, sources added
FBR has installed hassle-free automated system at all Customs stations to facilitate trade. But the new requirement of producing hard copies of documents was creating difficulties for traders.
Despite past experience that clearance on hard copies may lead to unauthorised removal of consignments, preventive staff demanded the same from importers/clearing agents for gate out activity.
Similarly, staff at off-dock terminals made production of hard copies of Goods Declarations (GDs), a necessary condition for payment of charges and release of consignments from terminals.
When contacted, official sources said that the office of Director, Web Based One Customs (WeBOC), has taken strict action to avert said practices, saying that instructions were made to clear all consignments, whether cleared through One-Customs or WeBOC after confirmation from computer system; no reliance should be placed on the basis of hard copies of the documents.
