AIRLINK 194.83 Decreased By ▼ -3.14 (-1.59%)
BOP 9.81 Decreased By ▼ -0.23 (-2.29%)
CNERGY 7.36 Increased By ▲ 0.07 (0.96%)
FCCL 38.58 Increased By ▲ 2.58 (7.17%)
FFL 16.45 Decreased By ▼ -0.46 (-2.72%)
FLYNG 27.54 Increased By ▲ 2.50 (9.98%)
HUBC 131.75 Decreased By ▼ -2.28 (-1.7%)
HUMNL 13.86 Decreased By ▼ -0.28 (-1.98%)
KEL 4.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.12 (-2.51%)
KOSM 6.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.28 (-4.03%)
MLCF 45.39 Increased By ▲ 0.41 (0.91%)
OGDC 213.99 Decreased By ▼ -4.24 (-1.94%)
PACE 6.86 Decreased By ▼ -0.08 (-1.15%)
PAEL 40.06 Decreased By ▼ -1.36 (-3.28%)
PIAHCLA 16.79 Decreased By ▼ -0.07 (-0.42%)
PIBTL 8.32 Decreased By ▼ -0.14 (-1.65%)
POWER 9.43 Increased By ▲ 0.04 (0.43%)
PPL 182.19 Decreased By ▼ -3.74 (-2.01%)
PRL 41.83 Increased By ▲ 0.56 (1.36%)
PTC 24.56 Decreased By ▼ -0.21 (-0.85%)
SEARL 102.53 Decreased By ▼ -2.12 (-2.03%)
SILK 1.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.99%)
SSGC 39.44 Decreased By ▼ -1.47 (-3.59%)
SYM 17.33 Decreased By ▼ -0.72 (-3.99%)
TELE 8.76 Decreased By ▼ -0.15 (-1.68%)
TPLP 12.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.09 (-0.7%)
TRG 65.40 Decreased By ▼ -1.20 (-1.8%)
WAVESAPP 11.11 Decreased By ▼ -0.19 (-1.68%)
WTL 1.70 Decreased By ▼ -0.08 (-4.49%)
YOUW 3.94 Decreased By ▼ -0.06 (-1.5%)
BR100 11,988 Decreased By -121.3 (-1%)
BR30 36,198 Decreased By -400.2 (-1.09%)
KSE100 113,443 Decreased By -1598.8 (-1.39%)
KSE30 35,635 Decreased By -564.3 (-1.56%)

KARACHI: The Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA), representing the Customs Agents Community, vehemently denies the allegations recently made by Asim Siddiqui, Chairman of the All Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA), in a news article published in a newspaper on January 31,2024.

KCAA, as the leading representative body of Customs Agents, strongly condemns the accusations levied against customs agents by APSA. It is establish facts that all financial transactions, including container security deposit and delivery order charges, are diligently paid by traders through pay orders. Shipping companies strictly adhere to the requirement of pay orders and do not accept any payments without proper documentation.

Contrary to the allegations, it is revealed that shipping companies engage in practices that adversely affect trade, creating financial burdens on traders. The absence of adequate legislation has provided shipping companies with undue liberty in their operations. These companies impose detention and other charges,

remitting significant amounts to their principals abroad, leading to a loss of valuable foreign exchange. In contrast, Customs Agents contribute significantly to the economy by facilitating revenue collections.

KCAA draws attention to the issue of Terminal Handling Charges (THC), which are charged twice – once by shipping companies and once by terminal operators. This double charging imposes a substantial financial burden on traders.

The association has received numerous complaints about the highhandedness of shipping companies, demanding undue payments for dirty, oily, and damage charges, despite these charges being covered by insurance amount, which is already charged by the shipping companies along with the delivery order charges.

The association urges the competent authorities of the Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Customs to take immediate and serious action on the matter.

KCAA emphasizes the implementation of the rules outlined in Chapter XXVI of Shipping Agents Rules, as notified in the SRO.450(I)12001.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need to appoint a regulatory body to monitor the activities of all shipping companies and lines, ensuring transparency and fairness in their operations.

KCAA remains committed to the welfare of its members and the promotion of ethical practices within the shipping and customs sectors. The association demand that the allegation made by the APSA should be proved and share the evidence otherwise they must apologies for this unethical act.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Comments

Comments are closed.