KARACHI: Following the delays in import consignments' clearance, the industries have started facing a shortage of raw materials.
According to importers, the customs department is taking 10 to 20 days to clear the import consignments, which were supposed to be released in 3 to 5 working days, leading to the excessive financial burden of demurrages and detention trade.
On the other hand, the industries have started facing a shortage of raw materials, following the said reason at East, West, and Port Qasim collectorates.
They said that the examination and clearance of miscellaneous items took 10 to 20 days, pushing the traders to purchase the smuggled goods instead of importing the same as it was cheaper than the imported goods due to demurrage and detention charges.
Despite having a staff shortage, the customs department has transferred most examiners to Gwadar collectorates that extended the clearance period from 3 to 5 days to 10 to 20 days, and urged the chairman FBR for new recruitments. Moreover, they also appealed to the chairman FBR and member customs to look into the matter and take remedial measures to facilitate the trade at the maximum level.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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