Customs diploma made mandatory for clearing agents licence

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has decided to make certificate/diploma from Directorate of Training mandatory for the issuance of licence to customs clearing agents for starting their business at air ports, seaports and dry ports. The CBR has taken notice of mushroom growth of customs clearing agents during past few years.
In certain cases, the tax authorities opine, there was delay in the clearance process due to late submission of documents by customs agents.
On the other hand, customs agents also lack IT-related education, which is necessary under the reform process. It requires immediate revamping of 'Customs Agents Licensing Rules' keeping in view the deadline of March 31, 2005, for launching of CARE project.
Therefore, CBR has decided that customs agents' training should be made mandatory before issuing them new licence as only test would not serve the purpose. Similarly, the permit holders should also go through training at the Directorate of Training for renewal of licences.
Official sources told Business Recorder here on Monday that CBR would not cancel the licences of existing customs clearing agents, who have not obtain any formal training, but it would make it compulsory for new customs agents to go through training.
Under the Customs Administrative Reform (CARE) project, all functions would be made IT based and there is need to equip all persons operating under the reforms with the necessary knowledge of IT for proper implementation of the CARE project.