FTO tells FBR: International airlines must file manifests directly to Customs

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ensure that international airlines directly file manifests with Customs under WeBOC-system to remove the existing loophole and prevent future manipulation or illegal pilferage of cargo by criminal networks.

According to a recently issued order by the FTO, the FTO is of the considered view that necessary and immediate measures are needed on war footings to safeguard the interests of the Federal Government for which the Deptt of Customs/FBR should take all possible measures to

Thwart such fraudulent clearances taking place due to fake and dubious modus operandi and to apprehend the perpetrators of such criminal activities.

FTO recommends FBR take cognisance of ‘mega fraud’ at airport

During investigation, it is observed that all the airports are highly sensitive areas and any illegal clearance of imported goods poses a serious threat to cargo security and the public exchequer.

Following measures inter alia other steps already taken must be adopted by the Dept of Customs forthwith:

(i); The manifests and off-load data must be retrieved directly from the respective international airlines for independent validation and to eliminate reliance on intermediary data.

(ii); All consignments found to have been off-loaded but cleared without filing a corresponding GD must be specifically flagged and reported as potentially unauthorized or fraudulent clearances.

(iii); It is imperative to Implement electronic integration of all Cargo systems with the Customs WeBOC mechanism, ensuring that airlines directly file manifests with Customs under WeBOC, thus removing the existing loophole and preventing future manipulation or illegal pilferage of cargo by GHA5 or associated criminal networks.

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