Sharjeel Jamal supports FBR’s faceless customs system and demands inclusion. of experts.
The Federal Board of Revenue has launched a new Faceless Customs Assessment system through a Centralized Assessment Unit. It is an innovation of a project launched 15 years ago by the Pakistan Customs Computerized System (PaCCS). Sharjeel Jamal, Convenor of the FPCCI Trade and Facilitation Committee, welcomed the move but expressed reservations about its effectiveness unless key improvements are made.
Jamal pointed out that though the first PaCCS project had been successful, it met with resistance from some circles within the Customs department, and thus he emphasized how the new system must include senior officers who have worked with PaCCS, in order. to avoid problems similar to those experienced with the former.
He also criticized the current systems, WeBOC and PSW, which he believes are outdated and lack the required capabilities to support modern customs processes effectively. Jamal emphasized that these systems do not meet international standards for risk management.
The inefficiency of the present Risk Management System (RMS), which makes use of color-coded classification based on NTN number given to each importer, is a central concern that Jamal mentioned during his discussion. This sort of system, according to Jamal, cannot clearly define critical high-risk areas such as smuggling or under-invoicing. On the other hand, modern systems have set profiles for suppliers and ports of loading in identifying possible high risks.
Jamal further proposed that the Customs Act be amended to eliminate as many administrative offices, collectorates, and directorates as possible. According to him, these structures are mostly created to accommodate officers rather than improve efficiency. Such structures add unnecessary costs to the national budget and do not contribute to better customs operations.
Jamal further requested that a special budget be allocated for Customs operations to make the faceless system work effectively. The budget should include incentives for performing officers and strict accountability measures against corruption.
In conclusion, though Sharjeel Jamal appreciated the launching of the Faceless Customs Assessment system, he felt that it had to be supported by effective staff and technological up gradation to make it success-oriented. He believes if these steps are taken the new system will help in easing customs procedures in Pakistan as well as aid in the nation’s growth in trade.
