ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has deployed the “Virtual Assessment Module” at ports for system-based automated assessment of goods declaration (GD) based on selectivity criteria.

According to the FBR, the Virtual Assessment Module has been developed and deployed. It will significantly facilitate the assessment process of GDs by reducing the clearance time of imported consignments.

The FBR’s Customs Wing has introduced a new automated process in WeBOC system for scanning of containerized import consignments of industrial raw materials for their speedy clearance at ports. The introduction of Non-Intrusive Inspection System by Customs was a long-awaited initiative aimed at replacing physical inspection of cargo and reducing the dwell time at ports by using the latest scanning technology in line with international best practices, the FBR added.

Sources told Business Recorder that the FBR has introduced the concept of virtual assessment of imported goods to replace with the existing system of Appraisers Assessments at ports.

The FBR is going for the process of virtual assessments of imported goods. This would be done parallel with the existing procedure of Appraisers Assessments of the imported goods. The project of virtual assessment is being tested at the level of the FBR headquarters.

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The purpose is to minimise the role of the Customs Appraisers in the assessment of the imported goods. The use of artificial intelligence would help in eliminating the role of the Customs Appraisers in the assessment of imported goods.

The FBR has also developed and deployed the Common Bonded Warehousing Module, which will help streamlining the matters relating to Common Bonded Warehouse.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022