The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed renewal of clearing and forwarding agents licenses as per previous licensing rules. Accepting the demand of Karachi Custom Agents Association (KCAA), the FBR advised all the collectorates that the licensing be renewed strictly in accordance with the criteria laid down in the previous rules.
Consequent to issuance of new licensing rules for customs agents, various representations have been received in the Board seeking clarification especially regarding renewal of existing licenses. However, the FBR has clarified in the notification that the existing licenses were granted one-year grace period to get agents incorporated.
"Therefore, the requirement of annual audited accounts and other allied document, which are required as a consequence to formation of company should not be demanded at this stage, when the admissible period of one year for incorporation is still available," notification said.
The collectorates are, therefore, advised that the existing licenses be renewed up to the grace period provided under the rules by following the criteria laid down in the previous rules.
However, the collectorates must ensure and verify the business address and other antecedents of the application seeking renewal. Moreover, the operative persons should also be interviewed to ascertain the bona fide and the licenses be renewed strictly in accordance with the criteria laid down in the previous rules. Meanwhile, KCAA General Secretary Arshad Jamal has thanked the customs officials for the resolving of renewal matter.