Karachi:
Customs officials are pushing back against allegations of money laundering and under invoiding in the post-clearance audit of the import of luxury vehicles, where the Chief Collector of Customs Jamil Nasir says these claims are currently unfounded.
Nasir, who spoke at a press conference with Collector East Tayyaba Kayani and Collector West Shafiq, clarified that luxury cars are cleared according to the established procedure that existed before the implementation of the new faceless assessment system.
Nasir explained that an audit report has not yet been received after clearation on the case. He said that any analysis of the situation will only be delivered after the report is in hand.
The main collector acknowledged that the audit process after clearance is currently weak and is hampered by a deficiency of staff, emphasizing the need to strengthen it.
Further clarification of the rules of car imports noted Nasir that Import Policy Order 2022 prohibits the import of old and used cars on a commercial basis. The only exception is for overseas Pakistanis who are authorized to import vehicles under specific schemes such as personal, luggage and gift forms.
This import is still subject to payment of all applicable duties and taxes payable from the importer’s bank account. He said the goal of the reforms is to improve the relief of the stakeholder.
Nasir detailed that the central assessment unit is now in operation in two shifts running from 1 p.m. 8 to 12. These reforms have already led to faster shipping clarification in gates, with the faceless assessment system, which now clears between 1,500 and 2,000 declarations of goods (GDS) daily.
The central exam unit has also begun to work with efforts to minimize delays. A virtual hearing system has been introduced to save time so people can participate without having to act in person.
According to the main collector, these reforms are now moving towards a phase of stability, and lab testing reports are also delivered within one day.
