Chief Collector to Resolve Genuine Issues & Expedite Digitalization Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Acting President FPCCI

Karachi: Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Acting President FPCCI, has apprised that Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South), Mr. Mohsin Rafiq, has agreed with principled stand of FPCCI to improve ease of doing business benchmarks vis-à-vis customs during clearance at customs appraisement. The only way forward to cut human interaction is to expedite digitalization of the custom appraisement system on a priority, he added.

Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, stressed that the correct, fair and timely imposition of GST and income tax is very critical for the business, industry and trade community – as it directly affects the production and industrial processes for availability and cost of raw materials.

Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, reiterated FPCCI’s stance that any delays at customs stage increases the demurrages and detention charges for the business community – and, terminal operators and shipping companies charge them exorbitantly. We do not want any concessions, exemptions or waivers; but, we want our due and rightful facilitation during customs appraisement.

Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, maintained that Custom House and its staff in Karachi should be made more hospitable, amicable and facilitative as it will promote liaison and compliance from the traders. WeBOC was meant to be a 24 / 7 facility; but, it is not being operated as such and shortage of staff is the primary reason for issues, he added.

Mr. Aman Paracha, VP FPCCI, highlighted that business community can provide thousands of real-time and realistic prices to the customs without charging a penny; therefore, customs appraisement should take them onboard. We, at FPCCI, are willing to play the role of a bridge between the stakeholders of the system from either sides, he added.

Mr. Shabbir Mansha, VP FPCCI, pointed out that updated rules of section 203 pertaining to wharfage or storage fee have not yet been drafted; causing tremendous financial losses to the importers in case of any discrepancy or delays. Additionally, FIRs registered in customs matters should not include clearing agents as they are not directly connected with the import; and, they just carry out the documentation on behalf of their clients.

Mr. Khurram Ijaz, FPCCI President’s advisor on FBR affairs, demanded that, clearing agents work in tandem with the customs, their licenses should not be suspended on petty issues and should be given due diligence before any such action. Furthermore, genuine customs appraisement cases should not be held on any pretext and a focal person should be nominated for FPCCI in this regard at the customs appraisement.

Mr. Mohsin Rafiq, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South), pledged that grievances of business community and clearing agents are being given the due weightage; and, to improve efficiency and facilitation at customs appraisement, he is focusing on putting a world-class MIS and resolve the issue of HR shortage.