PSW Streamlines Import and Export Clearances Through Government Integration
Pakistan Single Window has successfully been integrated with the seven major governmental organizations to promote smooth data interaction during import/export clearances that include provincial revenue authorities, DRAP, etc. This all is done through integration to optimize the trade processes in Pakistan across the board.
The Federal Board of Revenue said that a new notification SRO.2076(I)/2024 has been issued today, which would be effective from July 1, 2024. These include provincial tax departments and all agencies connected to the PSW system. Interconnection ensures all government agencies in the trade clearance process can easily share and process data.
The PSW is already associated with banks, allowing for faster and efficient’ financial transactions. Financial integration of other departments is part of this sector, including the Department of Plant Protection, Animal Quarantine Department, Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department, Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority, and the Marine Fisheries Department. Moreover, Sindh Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department, Pakistan Mercantile Marine Department, and Export Development Fund are also integrated in this respect.
This collaboration goes further to embrace other important organizations like the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and Special Technology Zone Authority (STZA) and provincial authorities like the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA), Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA), and Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA). These measures would be implemented with effect from 1st July 2024.
Benefits of the PSW Integration
The PSW’s integration aims to eliminate paperwork and increase efficiency. By replacing 96 paper-based documents with electronic verifications, the process becomes quicker and more transparent. The government is also encouraging provinces to support the PSW to help improve trade and business activities across the country. The focus is on ensuring security while involving all stakeholders in the system.
This system not only automates present processes but also eliminates unnecessary paperwork through business process reforms. For instance, trade documents are all standardized and made possible with QR codes for easier verification. All information requirements also align across the different departments, making trade even smoother.
Future of Trade with PSW
Apart from promoting domestic trade, the PSW is also focused on promoting cross-border trade. A new transit trade system will standardize imports and exports with other countries into a single procedure for traders. PSW is to connect with the China International Trade Single Window for data exchange between Pakistan and China. Under-invoicing will be minimized, and the trade will be transparent.
The clearance process will now be streamlined, as PSW will share essential information such as goods declarations, certificates of origin, and phytosanitary certificates, among others. This integration also helps with advance risk management techniques to speed up the clearance process.
Importers can now source any of the notified pre-inspection and treatment providers for their agricultural imports and exports, and all this is going to be digitalized.
By concerted effort, the transition would make Pakistan’s trade system a more efficient and transparent platform for all parties concerned.
