CBR devising system to detect high-risk import consignments

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) is devising a mechanism for detection of high-risk import consignments being cleared through 'One Customs" Project as well as Pakistan Customs Computerised System (PACCs) to control under-invoicing and under-valuation.
Sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that risk assessment system would contain specific measures to detect suspected consignments. However, the criteria would be the same for both the systems ie One Customs" project and PACCs to effectively deal with 40,000 active importers.
Presently, both systems are applying separate criteria for clearance of import and export of goods. This has prompted the authorities to ascertain why separate procedures were being adopted for clearance at "One Customs" as well as PACCs.
For example, if imported polyester from UAE is thoroughly scrutinised under Customs Administrative Reform Project (CARE), the same procedure be followed for clearance of the commodity from the "One Customs", but it is not reasonable that one clearance system declare all consignments from UAE suspected, but the other clear it without any scrutiny, sources said.
The centralised risk management system would be handled by Member Customs Shahid Rahim Sheikh and any change in the criteria will be fully documented. According to sources, there is a need of uniform risk management system for both the "One Customs" as well as PACCs to only intercept high-risk consignments.
It is important to mention that the board will launch Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in budget 2007-2008 to select around one-two percent of high-risk importers for test audit based on their corporate information including third-party data of banks and clearing agents. Importers would be selected for audit, irrespective of the fact that the importer is a multinational company or a small entity, whereas selectivity criteria may select any one ie a specific commodity group, big, medium or small importer.
Test run of the system would be conducted and it would be replicated across the country within one year. Selection procedure may involve checking of historical database of importer, price research system, corporate record database and stocks in the warehouses etc.