FBR to Suspend Terminal Operator Registration for Failing to Meet Infrastructure Standards
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that it will suspend or revoke the registration of terminal operators at sea ports, off-dock terminals, dry ports, or land border stations if they fail to meet specified standards of infrastructure, technology, and documentation.
This move comes after the release of Customs General Order (CGO) 7 of 2025 aimed at enhancing monitoring and supervision of terminal operators. Terminal operators are required by FBR guidelines to meet Rule 548 of the Customs Rules, 2001, which defines minimum standards of infrastructure, security, examination facilities, IT systems, and documentation.
FBR also announced that off-dock terminal operators will have to adhere to the same requirements laid down in Rule 554A and will have to abide by guidelines given by FBR in July 2024. These regulations are applicable to dry ports and land border stations which are registered as terminal operators in the Customs Computerized System (CCS).
To implement these standards, regular inspections will be carried out by the FBR. Six-monthly, a regulatory collectorate will check the terminal operators to verify they fulfill the required conditions. The inspection will also involve a report stipulating whether the terminal operator has fulfilled all conditions or not.
If deficiencies are detected, the terminal operator shall be provided with 15 days to rectify the deficiencies and provide a report on compliance. Non-compliance with the deficiencies will result in suspension or cancellation of the registration of the operator under Rule 553 of the Customs Rules, 2001 and Section 155F of the Customs Act, 1969.
If the operator fulfills all the requirements, his registration will be restored. The collectorate of regulation will also submit a report of compliance to FBR every six months.
