ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised conditions for the issuance of licences to the customs agents for carrying out customs business.

The FBR has issued SRO1764(I)/2022, here on Monday to issue draft amendments in the Customs Rules, 2001.

According to the revised regulations, the eligibility criteria now also included sound financial record, duly verified by a bank.

The licensing authority shall put in place a mechanism to scrutinize the applications received and shortlist the eligible candidates. The list of eligible candidates shall be forwarded to Pakistan Customs Academy (PCA) to arrange a qualification test with a view to ascertain the knowledge of the applicants in the Customs law, rules and procedures and computer literacy. A simulation test shall also be conducted to ascertain the aptitude of the applicant for WeBOC and PSW, the FBR said.

The Licensing Authority may, on fulfilling all the conditions under these rules, grant a non-transferable licence for a period initially for two years which shall be renewable after every two years subject to the prescribed conditions. Subject to the fulfillment of the conditions provided for eligibility of applicant, change of status of firm from proprietorship or partnership to company shall be allowed on submission of registration certificate with the SECP under the Companies Act, 2017 and on successful passing of interview to be conducted by the licensing authority or any officer authorized in this behalf.

The applicant shall provide sales tax registration certificate prior to issuance of licence or shall upload it into the system against a checkbox. A smart card shall be issued in substitution of existing licence booklet, having all the following requisite information including licence holder name with photograph; licence type partnership, proprietorship or AOP; issuance and expiry date; ID card number; and NTN of the licensee.

In case of self-clearance, the principal may apply for transaction-based or entity-based approval by the licensing authority or a designated officer not below the rank of assistant collector, by declaring the names and particulars of his employee or representatives authorised by him in this regard, the FBR added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022