3,500 Consignments Delayed in Karachi After Faceless Customs Assessment Launch
KARACHI: About 3,500 Goods Declarations (GDs) are stuck and waiting for clearance in Karachi, which. is causing a huge loss to the national economy. These GDs have been in the system but have not been assigned for assessment since December 17. This delay has caused extra charges, such as demurrage and detention, for importer
The problem started after December 15 when the system known as the Faceless Customs Assessment was introduced. The pilotless project which was developed to introduce changes in the collection and assessment methods of the main collectorates have. been marred by confusions resulting in delays on the processing line.
The initial phase had reduced the clearance rate through the green channel to 30%. However, from Thursday, onwards, more than 50% of consignments were cleared through the green channel even though there were no clear rules or notifications for this change.
In the southern region, 44 appraisers. and 6 principal appraisers handle the assessments. They work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, under the new Faceless Customs System, these staff members are required to stay on duty from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This 12-hour shift comes without any extra benefits, and they are not allowed to leave the office during these hours, making it difficult for them to communicate with the outside world.
