Cargo facing delays in Pakistan due to Customs Rules
Transit and transshipment shipments into Pakistan are currently being subjected to new rules announced by the Customs Department on January 1, 2025, which has seriously delayed the custom-bonded cargo from Pakistani ports. In fact operations have been hindered as escorting of all transit and transshipment shipments requires customs officers; therefore, the transport operators stopped sending out the vehicles in a convoy because this process is becoming too costly and too time-consuming.
The new rules have established detailed SOPs, which include specific routes and plans for escorting shipments. These rules are designed to improve the safety and timely delivery of goods while also ensuring that customs officers have the necessary rest breaks.
Industry experts, however, argue that the new SOPs do not make practical considerations in the course of day-to-day operations. As an example, a caravan journey between Karachi and Sukkur, which would take much less time under regular conditions, now takes 48 hours, as it is mandated to stop during day light and refueling hours. Transporters argue that these stops mess up their timing and delay shipping.
The problem worsened when TPL Trakker, the firm responsible for the tracking of containers, revoked its license on December 31, 2024. This has reduced cargo movement because only a few shipments have lately been transshipped.
Malik Sher Khan, CEO of Shaheen Freight Services, feels that the new convoy system may mar 90 percent of the country’s trade. He explains that most of the bonded carriers are using vehicles which. cannot be driven in convoys on highways.
He urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to make the procedure easier by accelerating cargo clearance and improving transportation conditions. He also emphasized that prompt delivery is critical for trade as well as for the livelihood of transport workers.
