Pakistan’s FBR launches faceless customs assessment system

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system, aiming to improve the quality and transparency of customs assessments of imported goods.

This innovative approach seeks to rationalize the workload of Customs staff and enhance trade facilitation through the establishment of a Central Appraising Unit (CAU) in Karachi.

Faceless customs assessments are conducted without physical interaction between traders and customs officers, reducing opportunities for bias or malpractice.

According to a Customs General Order issued on Monday, the CAU will manage consignments arriving at Karachi Port and Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (PMBQ).

The FCA system is set to expand to include Air Freight Units (AFUs), dry ports, and border customs stations across the country.

A dedicated team will conduct random re-checks of import consignments post-assessment to ensure quality and accuracy, which contribute to the overall improvement of the customs assessment process.

An official said Pakistan Customs has been slow in adopting change and technological advancements.

Customs officers take excessive time in the examination and assessment of containers. This delays the clearance process and thus dilutes the value for importers and exporters alike. It also creates incentives for corrupt practices.

This will facilitate the business community in the timely clearance of goods from ports.