20000115

Customs express

clearance system

for imports

from Feb 1

MUZAFFAR QURESHI

KARACHI: The Collectorate of Customs is to introduce an Express Clearance system from February 1, 2000, to ensure expeditious clearance of 70 percent

of the total imports through computers. The new system, which has been

sent to the Central Board of Revenue for approval, will do away with the system of physical appraisement of goods.

Giving details of the express clearance system Dr. Manzoor, Collector of Customs (Appraisement), told Business Recorder that the new system aimed attending importers contact with Customs appraisers for valuation of goods which would eliminate chances of corruption completely ensuring full revenue to the government.

In the first phase, physical appraisement of all consignments imported by federal government and provincial governments and state owned corporations will be stopped and processing of such imports including appraising, valuation and determination of customs duty will be done through computers.

All items chargeable under specific rates of customs duty as well as those items on which rate of customs duty is 10 percent or less will be placed under the automatic clearance system.

Another category recommended for expeditious clearances will belong to a class of 100 bonafide importers who maintained a clean customs record. A profile of these importers which also includes multi-national companies as well, has been carefully prepared by the Customs staff.

The trade associations such as Plastic Goods Association and Tea Association, having regular imports, will also be provided with the facility of expeditious clearance. Their members will be required to quote price from reputable international magazines on their L/Cs. This will make the computer to easily determine value of the consignments and allow quick clearance of the goods.

The other items qualifying for the scheme include bulk materials on which the rate of customs duty is Rs. 1000 per ton or less. The Customs will, however, maintain the option to review the valuation and determination of customs duty even after the clearance of goods and will adjust any difference in payment in the next consignments imported by the same party.

Dr. Mazoor pointed out that the new system would minimise the colossal amount of work now done by the Customs officers and staff and it would enable them to have enough time to concentrate on cases of dubious imports which cause heavy loss of revenue to the government.