The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has voiced its support for the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system, advocating for its implementation to minimize human interaction and leverage technology within the customs department.

FPCCI President, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, emphasized the need to expedite green channel clearances, reduce dwell time, and fully activate the complaints resolution cell to address traders” concerns and mitigate financial setbacks arising from demurrages, detention charges, and storage costs. He highlighted that Pakistan’s current dwell time of approximately 7.7 days is substantially higher than regional competitors and international benchmarks, leading to considerable financial burdens for traders.

During a consultative meeting with the business community at the FPCCI Head Office in Karachi, Mr. Wajid Ali, Chief Collector, Customs Appraisement South, assured attendees that efforts are underway to minimize human contact within the customs department to enhance efficiency, transparency, and fairness. Recognizing the integrity of over 85% of traders who declare consignments honestly, Mr. Ali expressed intentions to expand green channel facilities.

FPCCI Senior Vice President, Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, raised concerns about the inactivity of the complaints resolution cell in addressing importers” legitimate grievances, leading to unnecessary charges. He welcomed the proposed implementation of an AI-based customs valuation system for improved accuracy and speed. Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, lauded the FCA system”s potential to enhance transparency and revenue collection through its anonymous assignment of import declarations to assessing officers. He underscored that FPCCI”s recommendations reflect the collective feedback of over 290 chambers and trade bodies across Pakistan. Mr. Arshad Jamal, Convener of FPCCI”s Central Standing Committee on Economic Services Operations, emphasized the importance of addressing legitimate trader complaints promptly and giving due consideration to FPCCI”s recommendations.