KARACHI: The Customs Department and the Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) have agreed to resolve issues faced by commercial importers through mutual consultation and improved coordination. Progress was reported on costly ICIS scan pricing, the DPL waiver, self-clearance facilities and customs valuation rulings.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between a PCDMA delegation, led by Chairman Muhammad Saleem Muakti, and Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) Wajid Ali at Customs House, Karachi. The meeting discussed various challenges confronting commercial importers at the import stage and explored practical measures to streamline customs procedures and facilitate trade.
The PCDMA delegation comprised Mustafa Asad and Irfan Asgher, Members of the Managing Committee; former Chairman Arif Lakhani; and former Managing Committee members Umair Anwar and Yahya Arshad.
On ICIS scan pricing, the delegation noted that the service costs approximately $15,000 to $20,000 annually, rendering it unaffordable for a large number of importers. The Chief Collector agreed that where Customs requires verification of prices of imported raw materials, PCDMA may issue price verification certificates based on its available resources and market information. These certificates could be accepted as an alternative to ICIS scan pricing. He observed that the Customs Department itself maintains scan subscriptions for only a limited range of products, making PCDMA’s assistance a practical option.
Regarding the DPL waiver, the delegation pointed out that the relevant regulator, NEPSA, had granted a three-month waiver and requested that the entire concessionary period be counted without exception so that consignments face no unnecessary complications. The Chief Collector assured the delegation that the three-month waiver would be fully implemented and that Customs would create no hurdles in this regard.
On the issue of self-clearance, the delegation explained that commercial importers had previously been allowed to clear their consignments on the basis of their National Tax Number (NTN) for one year, which was subsequently reduced to six months. However, the facility is now being granted on a case-to-case basis against the Bill of Lading (BL), making the clearance process lengthy and complicated. The delegation requested restoration of the NTN-based self-clearance facility for at least six months. Agreeing to the proposal, the Chief Collector said PCDMA could issue recommendation letters for its members, enabling Customs to verify the importers and grant NTN-based self-clearance approval for at least six months on a priority basis.
Regarding customs valuation rulings, the delegation observed that the existing mechanism was becoming outdated as international prices of imported commodities fluctuate daily. It stressed the need to review and update relevant valuation rulings in line with prevailing international market conditions and evolving trade practices. The Chief Collector assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and appropriate measures considered through further consultation.
PCDMA Chairman Saleem Muakti appreciated the positive response and cooperation extended by Customs authorities, saying that stronger coordination between the department and the business community could help remove bottlenecks in the import process and make the clearance system more efficient and transparent.
He expressed confidence that practical implementation of the understandings reached during the meeting would significantly reduce difficulties faced by commercial importers and promote a more business-friendly customs environment.
