Key reforms in the customs appraisement system, including enhanced staff capacity and the successful implementation of the faceless assessment mechanism, improved efficiency and transparency.
Speaking at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Thursday, Chief Collector Customs (Appraisement), Naveed Elahi, has stated that examination staff at all dry ports has now been increased, enabling all checking procedures to be completed within a single day, eliminating delays and opportunities for bribery.
He informed that the government has installed advanced scanners at all ports, checkpoints, and borders for complete and accurate scanning of goods to improve efficiency in transit trade.
Naveed Elahi further stated that a comprehensive strategy is being developed to prevent misuse of the Export Finance Scheme and SROs, and steps are being taken to avoid any damage to goods during checking.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol proposed a dedicated Complaints Cell at the Lahore Dry Port to ensure immediate access of business community concerns to the authorities, along with a Dispute Resolution Committee. He stated that the LCCI is ready to participate in securing a swift and effective resolution of importers’ issues.
He highlighted that all issues related to the faceless assessment system have now been resolved, which has made the business community satisfied. With this system in place, those who used to interfere in valuation or offer bribes for early assessment have been permanently blocked. He appreciated the role of the Chief Collector in enhancing transparency and boosting business confidence.
The President of LCCI pointed out that in certain cases, genuine arguments of importers are ignored and customs officials exercise undue discretion, causing delays of 15 to 30 days. Eventually, officers admit their mistake, but during that period, the business community suffers loss through demurrage charges. He stressed that importers’ legitimate viewpoints must be recognised immediately to avoid disputes and business disruptions.
He suggested that customs appraisement officials should assess imported goods based on net weight instead of including packing weight, as explicitly stated in Section 25 of the Customs Act 1969. He said the current method of including unnecessary packing weight results in additional financial burden on the business community and must be corrected.
