The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a draft of amendments in the Customs Rules 2001 and also sought proposals from the general public and relevant stakeholders within three days, 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
According to the notification, under the proposed amendments, the requirement for seal and container numbers will apply only to containerized cargo, whereas the transportation of IT cargo to Karachi Port or the airport may only be carried out by licensed bonded carriers.
The FBR has proposed that the packing of dry bulk cargo be permitted under the supervision of the concerned Assistant or Deputy Collector of Customs, upon the request of the shipping line or its representative.
Under the proposed amendments, it is suggested to set a timeframe of 30 days for container and LCL cargo, and 60 days for bulk cargo.
Under exceptional circumstances, the concerned Chief Collector of Customs may also grant a further extension of the period, after recording the reasons.
The notification also includes a proposal that scanning of cargo selected under the risk management system or on the instructions of the concerned Collector of Customs should be mandatory.
The FBR has clarified that final decisions will be made after reviewing the objections and suggestions received regarding the proposed amendments.
Reporter: Basim Iftikhar