On Wednesday, the (FBR) Federal Board of Revenue announced an automated process for scanning cargo, a long-awaited initiative to replace physical inspection of cargo and reduce dwell time at ports.
According to an official statement, the FBR’s Customs Wing launched a new automatic method in the [web-based one customs) WeBOC system for scanning of containerized import consignments of manufacturing raw materials for their quick removing at ports.
The initiation of a non-intrusive inquiry system by customs was a long-awaited action to replace physical inquiry of cargo and decrease dwell time at ports by using the most advanced scanning technology in line with global best practices.
The Qasim Port and Karachi Port have scanning equipment installed with the assistance of the Japanese state under the [Japan International Cooperation Agency] JICA plan and the scanners of the terminal workers. The blue channel will be a member of the risk control system through which customs will select the consignments of containerized cargo based on RMS by using a computer application targeting the presumed purchases.
The system shall work without human intervention, designed based on the risk profiling and risk parameters. The scheme envisioned decreasing the physical examination of assets which is time-consuming and more expensive besides causing port congestion. The application has been performed initially at KICT, SAPT terminals of Karachi port. At QICT, Port Qasim, with an impact from 19th April 2021 for manufacturing raw materials and a drastic decrease in clearance time of such consignments, has been perceived.
The World Customs Company recommends scanning assumed cargo at ports and border stations to secure the supply chain under its safety and Facilitation Framework and Kyoto Convention. By performing the Blue channel, Pakistan Customs will ensure the safety of the supply chain and ensure the suitable declaration of assets and secure a fair amount of duty and taxes by the importers.
This technological mediation will facilitate the trade by decreasing the clearance time, saving cost, and decreasing port congestion leaving a positive impact on general cargo to dwell time. The program will go a long way in the modernization of customs methods in Pakistan.
The World Bank has sponsored a betterment program of $400 million for domestic resource mobilization by automating tax collection methods and clarifying tax compliance methods.