FBR Launches New System For Scanning At Karachi port, Port Qasim

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a new automated process in the WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) system for scanning containerized import shipments of industrial raw materials for their fast clearance at ports.

On Wednesday, in a chain of tweets, FBR has stated that the introduction of the Non-Intrusive Inspection System by Customs was a much-delayed initiative intended for replacing physical inspection of cargo. It will also decrease the dwell time at ports by using the latest scanning technology according to international best practices.

The Karachi Port and Port Qasim have customs scanning facilities installed with the support of the Japanese Government under the JICA program besides the scanners of the terminal operators.

According to FBR, the Blue channel will be included in the Risk Management System (RMS) by which the deliveries of containerized cargo based on RMS will be selected through a computer program aiming at the suspected shipments.

The system will be automatic and is designed to be based on risk profiling and risk parameters.

The scheme is envisioned to decrease the physical examination of goods which is not only time-consuming and expensive but also causes port congestion, it said.

As per FBR, the program has been executed initially at KICT, SAPT terminals of Karachi port, and at QICT, Port Qasim w.e.f. 19th April 2021 for industrial raw materials and the extreme reduction in clearance time of such shipments has been observed.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) suggests the scanning of suspected cargo at ports and border stations for the safety of the supply chain under its Security and Facilitation Framework (SAFE) and Kyoto Convention.

Furthermore, by executing the Blue channel, Pakistan Customs will not only be permitted to ensure the security of the supply chain but the correct declaration of goods will also be ensured along with the secure legitimate payment of duty and taxes by the importers.

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The program will be successful in the modernization of Customs procedures in Pakistan, it added.