All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) has demanded to enhance free period to 10 days for the clearance of goods at ports. In a letter sent to the incumbent minister for ports and shipping Abdullah Hussain Haroon, the APCAA stated that the trade was allowed five days as free period which was not justifiable in the light of working hurdles i.e. lengthy procedures of different departments, malpractices, congestions at port terminals, freight forwarders and shipping agents delays, etc.
Therefore, the clearance of goods within aforesaid period appears formidable task except for green channel listed companies. It said that although the shipping Agents filed import manifests 72 hours prior to the arrival of vessels, no issue delivery offers were issued till its berthing; adding that importers were also intimated about the charges for the issuance of delivery orders after berthing of vessels. Resultantly, this whole process consumes 2 days of free period.
Moreover, APCAA said that 40 percent of goods were released in minutes through green channel and only 10 percent consignments took 72 hours for clearance through yellow channel however the rest of 50 percent consignments were discharged from ports in 4 to 7 days. Similarly, the customs department also carries goods examination, which takes 8 to 24 hours; the letter said and added that the assessment of duty and taxes by customs staff took further 8 to 72 hours. However, many departments which were involved in accordance with import policy order also consumed minimum 3 days.
APCAA further stated that taxpayers were keen to pay taxes but the system was inefficient that led escalating cost of doing business manifold. Therefore, the APCAA strongly urged the minister to allow 10 days as free period to avoid putting excessive financial burdens in terms of demurrages and other charges and facilitate the business community at maximum level.
Comments
Comments are closed.