FBR Removes Powers of Customs Intelligence Directorate: New Role and Structure
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially revoked all previous orders and instructions related to the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs). This includes Customs General Orders (CGO) No. 05 of 2012 and No. 01 of 2015, which governed the agency’s functions and jurisdiction.
A new directive issued under Section 223 of the Customs Act, 1969, marked a revolutionary change in the attitude of the structure and functions of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs).
New Structure and Leadership of Customs Intelligence Directorate
Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs) Custom Headquarters will now be shifted to Islamabad, under whose administrative support regional Directorates in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta would work. The headquarters will be manned by office of the Director, Headquarter, assisted regionally by the respective head offices of Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta led by a Director assisted by Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, and Intelligence Officers.
Now, the Directorate would report directly to the Member Customs (Operations) of the FBR.
Key Functions of the Directorate
The newly designed Directorate would have the following key functions, that are:
Collection and dissemination of intelligence on evasion of duties, taxes, smuggling, and other illicit activities related with imports and exports. Information shall be shared with the relevant authorities in the FBR and relevant authorities through intelligence alerts.
Data Analysis: The Directorate will employ the use of advanced technologies such as data analytics, data mining, and machine learning to analyze trade and revenue data with the view of pinning down or identifying possible instances of fraud and smuggling activities.
Anti Money Laundering: The Directorate will be responsible for the enforcement of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2010. Its functions will be in collaboration with both international and national agencies in investigating money laundering activities sited in connection with customs offenses.
Targeted Operations: The Directorate shall conduct targeted operations in order to prevent and suppress smuggling and other forms of crimes relating to trade. Such actions could be authorized by Member Customs (Operations).
Amendments of Powers under the Act
The powers under Section 26 of the Customs Act, 1969 are amended to restrict such exercise only to Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010.
Conclusion
These changes would bring about a significant alteration in the role of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations, commonly referred to as Customs, focusing more on data analysis, information sharing, and international cooperation in addressing tax evasion and smuggling.
The deprivation of the former powers and introducing of a new structure would most likely improve the delivery and direction of the activities of the Directorate in the protection of Pakistan’s economy.
