07.05.2020 In order to facilitate the Customs procedures and support all stakeholders (including
importers, exporters, Customs agents, and freight forwarders, etc.) at the
ports/airports/land customs-stations in Pakistan and to mitigate the detrimental
economic/industrial effects in the Country because of lock-down owing to spread of
Corona Virus (COVID-19), Pakistan Customs (Federal Board of Revenue) has ensured
implementation of the following actions.
Provision of the said services is deemed highly desirable not only in view of the current
emergency situation but also to duly facilitate the regional and international trade.
Pakistan Customs assures the World Customs Organization (WCO) and world trade
community about further actions, which would be taken in due course, as part of its ongoing trade facilitation measures. 1. Measures aiming to Facilitate the Cross-border Movement of Relief and
Essential Supplies 1.1. Expeditious clearance of medicines, food items, and equipment pertaining to
treatment of Corona Virus has been ensured.
1.2. The government has waived off all duties and taxes on the import of essential
materials and equipments necessary for containing and combating the
COVID-19 outbreak. 2. Measures aiming at Supporting the Economy and Sustaining Supply chain
Continuity 2.1. 24/7 clearance of Cargo at Ports/Airports and land borders stations.
2.2. Dedicated email has been notified for single contact facility to accommodate
all trade related queries/grievances for redressal by the Customs Authorities.
2.3. The government has extended date of filling for goods declarations (GDs).
2.4. Pakistan Customs Service has provided web-based customs clearance
services to all clients enabling them to declare, pay and request for many
other services without visiting Customs stations.
2.5. Customs is notified as an essential service to enable it to continue its core
functions of protecting social/economic interests of the people. 3. Measures aiming at Protecting Customs administration’s Staff 3.1. The Customs formations have been provided extra budget to facilitate the
staff for protection against the COVID-19 outbreak by provision of Masks,
Sanitizers and other essentials as instructed by the local health authorities.
3.2. Screening and sanitizing facilities have been made available at all the work
places.
3.3. Staff rotation has been introduced in the wake of restricted movement by the
Government. However, staff has been allowed to work from home
electronically to facilitate trade.
3.4. Meetings are being held through videoconference or other means of remote
communication to visit the crowding of people and reducing the likelihood of
transmission of the virus.
3.5. Only desirable numbers of people/customs agents are allowed to visit the
customs field formations. 4. Measures aiming at Protecting Society 4.1. The Federal and Provincial Governments have also notified dedicated
helplines for the general public as well as the businessmen.
4.2. The customs authorities have been sensitized to the possible import/ supply
of counterfeit medical supplies and fake medicines in the wake of COVID-19
spread.
4.3. Actions taken in this regard will be shared using the common platform i.e.
CEN.comm. Forthcoming |