Customs increases staff for swift goods clearance

Will complete all checking procedures at dry ports in a day

LAHORE:

Chief Collector Customs Naveed Elahi has said that the number of examination staff at all dry ports has now been increased, enabling all checking procedures to be completed within a single day by eliminating delays and opportunities for bribery.

Speaking at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he told businessmen that the government had installed advanced scanners at all ports, checkpoints and borders for complete and accurate scanning of goods to improve efficiency in transit trade. He stated that a comprehensive strategy was being developed to prevent misuse of the Export Finance Scheme and Statutory Regulatory Orders and steps were also being taken to avoid any damage to goods during checking.

Businessmen welcomed the reforms in the Customs appraisement system, including enhanced staff capacity and the implementation of faceless assessment mechanism, for improving efficiency and transparency.

LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that steps taken to address the challenges faced by importers were commendable as they enhanced the confidence of business community and discouraged illegal valuation practices and bribery.

He proposed that a dedicated complaint cell should be established at the Lahore Dry Port to provide immediate access for the business community to raise their concerns, along with setting up a dispute resolution committee, where the LCCI was ready to participate to secure swift and effective resolution of importers' issues.

Saigol highlighted that all issues related to the faceless assessment system "have now been resolved". "With this system in place, those who used to interfere in valuation or offered bribes for early assessment have been permanently blocked."