Rangers, FC get customs powers

FBR authorises limited enforcement to curb smuggling

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has delegated certain customs powers to the Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakistan Coast Guards to strengthen action against smuggling, while placing limits on their jurisdiction and requiring coordination with customs authorities.

Under the notification, the Rangers and FC in K-P will be authorised to carry out operations up to 50 kilometres from the international border. Municipal limits of cities, customs areas and ports have been excluded from their jurisdiction.

The Rangers and FC will not check the belongings of genuine passengers and have been directed not to obstruct legitimate imports and exports or the movement of ordinary citizens.

The powers delegated to them will not be used as a substitute for customs authorities. Rather, they will assist customs officials when required.

Any goods seized on suspicion of smuggling will be deposited only at customs state warehouses. Details of the seized goods will have to be provided to customs authorities by the fifth of every month, while reports on the seizures will be sent to the relevant adjudication collectorate within 15 days.

The auction or disposal of seized goods will be carried out under the Customs Act. Chief Collectors of Customs will hold monthly coordination meetings with Rangers and FC officials.

The notification delegating the powers to the Rangers and FC will remain in force until June 30, 2027. A decision on any further extension of the powers will be taken on the basis of their performance.

Separately, the FBR has delegated certain customs powers to the Pakistan Coast Guards under the Customs Act, 1969.

The Coast Guards will be authorised to perform specified duties within an area extending 50 kilometres inland from the coastal belt. Municipal limits of cities, customs areas and ports have been excluded from their jurisdiction.