The objective of Customs reform process was to enhance organisational efficiency of Pakistan Customs, transform it into a modern organisation performing its functions as per best practices and international standards. As the clearance of international cargo is the core Customs function and so the best method to measure the efficiency of a Customs organisation is to measure its dwell time.
In the developed countries the dwell times are typically measured in minutes. In the developing countries the dwell time is generally higher and measured in days, owing to numerous factors such as incomplete data base, parallel paper records, complex laws and procedures, weakness of institutions, an underdeveloped work force, lack of automation, low salaries, and low investment in research and development.
All these problems were being faced by the Pakistan Customs Administration. A need was therefore felt to revamp and revolutionise the whole system using information Technology and business process reengineering.
PACCS is one integrated system covering all activities and processes relating to customs.
THE SYSTEM HAS THE FOLLOWING KEY FEATURES:
ONE WINDOW OPERATION: Clearance of cargo from the port over the web without requiring declarants to leave the comfort of their office anywhere within or outside Pakistan.
High speed clearance of cargo within hours of the arrival of the vessel on 24 hours a day and seven days a week basis.
Self-assessment of duties and taxes if any, and discharge the same before filing a declaration to Customs.
Online status notification of cargo clearance.
Sanction of duty drawback online and immediately on sail of the vessel.
Electronic filing and sanction of refunds.
Hassle free and selective examination on risk management basis.
Manifest information online.
Secure examination and assessment environment.
It is compatible with CSI and ISPS.
No un-receipted expenses.
The above effects are being achieved by optimum use of information technology. In IT terminology, PACCS has an expert decision support system.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE BASIC FEATURES:
It covers the entire spectrum of Customs activities.
Except in external communications with certain institutions like the courts, a completely paperless environment is envisages. All documents are system generated without the need for manual signatures by the department.
All data is formatted and is upgraded only through specific and dedicated input points. At client-end the data input is through drop-down menus and codes, thus, eliminating data input errors.
All data exchange with regular stakeholders is electronic.
All data is handled as per international codes (ISO codes) and standards of the WCO Customs Data Model.
All business processes and their linkages have been written down, RSD developed and catered for in the new system. Any changes at any level in the business process cycle can be upgraded in the system.
All workflows pass through the channels specified by the system and as per the requirements of the business processes.
The system has inbuilt performance evaluation. Performance evaluation reports for groups as well as individuals can be generated.
The system has built in accountability mechanism, since every action is logged and each user is identified by the system through his user name and PIN code.
All measures are taken to ensure the security of the system and its data; mirroring, backups, system logs, access controls through software and hardware, firewall, concealed cables, uninterruptible power supplies etc.
Built in service standards with alarms generated at appropriate levels in cases of lapse of envisaged standards.
The organisational structure has been designed to ensure a uniform and standardised structure with no duplications and overlapping and a clear chain of command and responsibility. A comprehensive system of rewards and compensation based on performance is being formulated to get optimum results from work force.
CARE involves the replacing of the current mix of a personalised system of manual and electronic processes with an integrated and automated cargo clearance system that meets current and future challenges facing the trading community and the tax administration.
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