All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) has expressed concerns over the suspension of the clearance of all consignments imported from China for fumigation purpose instead of only those consignments imported from its affected areas.

According to details, Muhammad Arshad Jamal, Chairman APCAA held a meeting at APCAA head office on the situation. He said that the trade has still not recovered from the impact of last month's transporters strike and now the clearance of all consignments from China were being blocked indiscriminately, creating difficulties for the trade.

Furthermore, he said that Customs department despite having advisory from Port Health Establishment to ensure fumigation before clearing consignments imported from corona virus affected areas of China has completely suspended the clearance of consignments imported from China, providing serious financial shock to the trade.

He suggested the Customs authority that only those shipments, which were arrived from the affected cities of China, should be detained for fumigation while rest of the other consignments would be cleared through normal procedures.

Furthermore, he said that Customs department should direct the concerned department to ensure fumigation work free of cost as trade was unable to pay fumigation charges along with port and shipping charges. He also requested the prime minister to take remedial measures in order to resolve the issues on immediate basis.