Latest news with #JamilNasir
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PCA is ‘functionally weak with less strength': Chief Collector Customs
KARACHI: The Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South, Jamil Nasir, has challenged the credibility of the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit (PCA), describing it as 'functionally weak with less strength'. Speaking at a press conference at Customs House Karachi on Tuesday, Nasir said that they wanted to strengthen PCA, which is currently weak with less strength, defending the performance of theFaceless Customs Assessment (FCA), system. The post-clearance audit reportedly accused the faceless system of facilitating tax evasion, under-invoicing, and money laundering activities. However, Nasir firmly disputed these claims, stating: 'the findings of money laundering and under-invoicing in the post-clearance audit are not correct.' The Chief Collector emphasised that his department has not yet received the audit report and will provide an appropriate response once it is formally submitted. Despite the audit concerns, Nasir expressed complete satisfaction with the FCA system's operational performance, citing significant improvements in customs clearance efficiency. Under the FCA system, 95 percent of Goods Declarations (GDs) are now being processed and cleared on the same day, a substantial improvement from previous manual processes. The Central Customs Appraisement Unit has extended its operational hours from 8:00 AM to midnight, processing between 1,500 to 2,000 GDs daily; hearing are now being conducted virtually, saving considerable time for importers and clearing agents, while laboratory samples receive same-day processing. The physical examination completion rates for Red Channel GDs have been increased dramatically from approximately 50 percent to 90 percent. Single-item GDs and those filed at off-dock terminals are achieving nearly 100 percent same-day completion rates. Nasir candidly acknowledged internal opposition to the FCA system, adding that there are deliberate attempts within the customs system to undermine the faceless system and other reforms. 'There are efforts being made to make this system fail within customs,' he said, describing the reforms as creating a 'paradigm shift in customs culture' that inevitably produces both supporters and opponents during the transformation process. Addressing specific concerns about vehicle clearances under expatriate Pakistani schemes, Nasir clarified that all processes are being conducted within existing legal frameworks and import policy conditions. He emphasised that no revenue loss is occurring and that clearance procedures remain consistent under the FCA system. The customs chief announced additional trade facilitation measures currently in development, including Direct Port Delivery and Decoupling of Payment from GD filing. These initiatives are expected to further reduce port congestion and alleviate liquidity constraints for importers. 'There is no question of their rollback,' Nasir said, emphasising that the faceless system and associated modernisation reforms will continue as planned. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Customs denies money laundering claims in car imports
Customs officials are pushing back against allegations of money laundering and under-invoicing in the post-clearance audit of luxury vehicle imports, with Chief Collector of Customs Jamil Nasir saying these claims are currently unfounded. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday with Collector East Tayyaba Kayani and Collector West Shafiq, Nasir clarified that luxury cars are being cleared according to the established procedure that existed before the implementation of the new faceless assessment system. Nasir explained that a post-clearance audit report on the matter has not yet been received. He stated that any analysis of the situation will only be provided after the report is in hand. The Chief Collector acknowledged that the post-clearance audit process is currently weak and is hampered by a shortage of personnel, emphasising the need to strengthen it. Further clarifying the regulations around car imports, Jamil Nasir noted that the Import Policy Order 2022 prohibits the import of old and used cars on a commercial basis. The only exception is for overseas Pakistanis, who are permitted to import vehicles under specific schemes, such as the personal, baggage, and gift schemes. These imports are still subject to the payment of all applicable duties and taxes, which must be paid from the importer's bank account. He said the goal of the reforms is to enhance stakeholder facilitation. Nasir detailed that the Central Appraising Unit is now operational in two shifts, running from 8 am to 12 am. These reforms have already led to faster cargo clearance at ports, with the faceless assessment system now clearing between 1,500 and 2,000 Goods Declarations (GDs) daily. The Central Examination Unit has also started functioning, with efforts to minimise delays.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Customs defends luxury car imports, denies money laundering claims
Listen to article Customs officials are pushing back against allegations of money laundering and under-invoicing in the post-clearance audit of luxury vehicle imports, with Chief Collector of Customs Jamil Nasir saying these claims are currently unfounded. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday with Collector East Tayyaba Kayani and Collector West Shafiq, Nasir clarified that luxury cars are being cleared according to the established procedure that existed before the implementation of the new faceless assessment system. Nasir explained that a post-clearance audit report on the matter has not yet been received. He stated that any analysis of the situation will only be provided after the report is in hand. The chief collector acknowledged that the post-clearance audit process is currently weak and is hampered by a shortage of personnel, emphasising the need to strengthen it. Further clarifying the regulations around car imports, Nasir noted that the Import Policy Order 2022 prohibits the import of old and used cars on a commercial basis. The only exception is for overseas Pakistanis, who are permitted to import vehicles under specific schemes, such as the personal, baggage, and gift schemes. These imports are still subject to the payment of all applicable duties and taxes, which must be paid from the importer's bank account. He said the goal of the reforms is to enhance stakeholder facilitation. Nasir detailed that the Central Appraising Unit is now operational in two shifts, running from 8 am to 12 am. These reforms have already led to faster cargo clearance at ports, with the faceless assessment system now clearing between 1,500 and 2,000 Goods Declarations (GDs) daily. The Central Examination Unit has also started functioning, with efforts to minimise delays. A virtual hearing system has been introduced to save time, allowing people to participate without having to appear in person. According to the Chief Collector, these reforms are now moving towards a phase of stability, and lab sample reports are also being provided within one day.
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Customs appraisement: Southern region collects Rs3339bn revenue in FY25
KARACHI: During the FY 2024-25, the Southern region of Customs appraisement collected revenue of Rs. 3339 billion from imports, registering an increase of over Rs. 688 billion compared to the previous year. The collection under Custom Duty amounts to Rs. 963 billion, which is 30% higher than the previous year. Over Rs. 130 billion were collected through administrative measures like auction, encashment of bank guarantees, better valuation, and post-release audits. According to Jamil Nasir, Chief Collector, the major reforms introduced on the appraisement side under the transformational plan of FBR have been successfully implemented on the ground. The phase of teething problems of technical nature is now over, and CAU is functioning smoothly from 8.00 am to 11 pm in two shifts. With the posting of additional examining officers in the Central Examination Unit (CEU) and with better monitoring by the senior officers, examination time has decreased considerably. 'We are now entering into the consolidation phase. Our aim is to complete all customs processes on the same day. The system of Virtual Reviews is being introduced to further enhance trade facilitation and digitalization. With the introduction of Virtual Reviews, importers and their representatives shall not be required to visit the customs offices in person.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025 Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Customs Appraisement collects Rs3.3tr on imports
Listen to article The southern region of appraisement collected revenue of Rs3,339 billion from imports during fiscal year 2024-25, registering an increase of over Rs688 billion compared to the previous year. According to a statement, the collection of customs duty amounted to Rs963 billion, which was 30% higher than the previous year. Over Rs130 billion was collected through administrative measures like auction, encashment of bank guarantees, better valuation and post-release audits. Chief Collector Jamil Nasir said that major reforms introduced on the appraisement side have been successfully implemented. The phase of teething problems of technical nature is now over and the Central Appraising Unit (CAU) is functioning smoothly from 8.00 am to 11 pm in two shifts. With the posting of additional examining officers in the Central Examination Unit (CEU), examination time has decreased considerably, he said.
