GCNP and MACN Collaborate with APSA to Host Interactive Session on Streamlining Customs Procedures
Karachi, August 21, 2024 – The Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP), and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), Denmark organized an interactive session today at the Pakistan Customs Academy. With support from Pakistan Customs, the event focused on “Streamlining and Augmenting the Missing Links in Customs Procedures for the Shipping Sector.” The session attracted key stakeholders, including senior management from various shipping lines, and members of the All-Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA).
The session covered a range of crucial topics impacting the shipping industry, such as shipping licensing, the issue of stuck containers, GD hold containers, auction and destruction processes, various charges, port container movements, TP containers and transshipment hubs, and document amendments.
Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Senior Advisor for GCNP – MACN, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the session’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of addressing these procedural challenges.
Esteemed speakers from Pakistan Customs, including Mr. Omar Shafique, Collector of Enforcement (Ports); Mr. Daud Pirzada, Additional Collector of Enforcement; and Ms. Ammara Durrani, Additional Collector of Appraisement (West), shared valuable insights and engaged in discussions with the attendees.
The interactive session highlighted the pressing procedural issues faced by the shipping industry, especially concerning container holding, the auction process, and challenges with withheld containers. It was noted that around 10,000 containers are currently being held by Customs, causing significant disruptions in shipping line operations.
Mr. Daud Pirzada informed the audience about the e-auction module accessible through the WeBOC system, designed to streamline the auction process. Mr. Omar Shafique provided context by sharing that, over the past decade, 35 million containers have been cleared, with only 0.05 percent still awaiting auction. He also explained the complexities in the auction process, citing instances. He delved into the exchange rates related to charges and advised the shipping sector to re-export the containers except those that have been confiscated.
Addressing the participants, Ms. Ammara Durrani, discussed practical challenges in the auction process, including the limited number of bidders, old pending auction lots, diplomatic goods, nonavailability of phytosanitary certificates and permissions from various other departments along with ongoing litigation, all of which contribute to delays in the auctioning of containers.
During the session, representatives from shipping companies raised concerns and sought guidance from the Customs officials. There was an exchange of suggestions between senior customs officer APSA members.
Mr. Muhammad Qasim Khokher, Principal of the Pakistan Customs Academy, actively participated in the discussions. The Chief guest Nawabzadi Aliya Khanji, Director, Customs Academy of Pakistan welcomed all participants and offered the Academy as a venue for future sessions, extending her full support for upcoming programs.
As a token of appreciation, certificates were awarded to the participants at the conclusion of the session.
