The newly launched Web Based One Customs (WEBOC) of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), introduced at Port Qasim, remains a failure as the authorities have not issued IDs and passwords to it users. According to details available here, the system was launched for electronically clearance of export consignments, but even after two weeks around 450 applications have remained pending.
Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the system as it is causing problems in clearance of their consignments. During the month of May last year, this system had caused heavy losses to FBR when it was launched at Pakistan Customs. Finally, when pressure was brought by traders, the system was removed and, in its place, Pakistan Automated Customs Computerised System (PaCCS) was installed to do the job.
Since then, PaCCS has streamlined customs processes and generated revenue for the national exchequer.
In the recent past, FBR decided to purchase this fully automated system--PaCCS--to expand it to other terminals across the country. To finalise purchase deal, the President of PaCCS Users Club (PUC), Rizwan Khadim Rathore, along with other club members, urged FBR to allocate necessary budget. Users of the system would increase substantially when FBR would purchase the system from Agility, owner of PaCCS, in the estimation of President of PUC, who is a leading importer as well.
Negotiations between FBR and Agility are in final stages and all matters have been discussed in detail, including purchase of the system. The decision to finally purchase the system from Agility was taken to make it more productive and useful solution for generation of more revenues for the national exchequer.
At present, there are 32,000 active users of PaCCS, and this number would increase if due priority is given to this automated system by the FBR. This is one of the best systems installed in developed countries. PaCCS was launched following the unique requirement of trade and industry in Pakistan. It has generated huge revenues since its launch at Pakistan Customs.