The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has decided to abolish the system of manually stamping 'machine numbers' on Goods Declaration (GD) forms, during clearance of consignments, to ensure 100 percent paperless environment under the 'One Customs' project.
Sources told this scribe on Sunday that total automation would effectively tackle the issue of physical interference of customs officials during clearance process under the 'One Customs' project.
It has been the practice that the 'machine numbers' were affixed on the GD forms through a device operated manually by the concerned customs staff.
The 'machine number' is used for tracking the GD form to know about the exact stage of clearance of imported consignments.
Now, it has been decided to do away with the manual system to bring more transparency and improve efficiency of the customs. It would also be instrumental in facilitating the importers who prefer the 'One Customs'.
In this connection, there would be no more stamping of machine numbers on paper GDs. Sources said that withdrawal of this provision as a step towards creating a paperless environment under the 'One Customs' project. The system is likely to be replaced with a unique number, which would be allocated electronically.
Sources said that importers would not be required to obtain 'machine number' for the consignments to be cleared only through 'One Customs' project.
It is worth mentioning that the customs department does not interfere in the process of discharge of legal liabilities of duties and taxes by importers under Pakistan Customs Computerised System (PACCS).
In case of PACCS, on submission of declaration, instant online receipt is issued in the shape of 'Customs Reference Number' (CRN), also known as 'Machine Number'. The moment a CRN is allotted, the Risk Management System commences the processing of declaration. In 80 percent cases, cargo will be cleared and importer will be intimated online.
The process takes less than 15 seconds. In case a threat is detected, detailed scrutiny, including examination of cargo, is undertaken under PACCS.