The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) will issue a new procedure for the customs clearing agents to redefine their role in the new electronic environment of clearance of import/export consignments.
Sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday that the CBR has given new assignment to Member Customs to analyse the best international practices for devising new rules for the reliable clearing agents sector.
In this regard, customs authorities would study the best practices in other countries and reorganisation of clearing agencies/agents sector would be finalised. Chairman CBR Abdullah Yusuf has directed the customs authorities to complete the exercise on top priority basis.
In budget 2005-06, the CBR drafted the "Customs Agent Licensing Rules 2005", but the same were not notified. Now, the new procedure would be issued for these agents incorporating the best rules applicable in other countries.
The sources said that the CBR wanted that the agents should pay the evaded amount of duties and taxes in case it is established that evasion has taken place because of their negligence, failure to perform functions as prescribed under the law of connivance or wilful act.
Under the proposed rules, the CBR had also laid down a number of new responsibilities for the licensees.
The sources added that the proposed rules would be combined with best international practices for issuance of comprehensive procedure for the customs clearing agents.