The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has intimated to bonded carriers that without tracking device vehicles and trailers would not be allowed to take cargo from ports from July 1, 2007. This step was being taken to improve transshipment of import and export cargoes, it said.
The CBR has issued an SRO, 286(1) 2007, regarding new guidelines for bonded carriers, in which it has imposed some conditions for qualifying for operation as bonded carriers. Recently, Karachi collector customs appraisement had instructed the bonded carriers that from July 1 only a permanently installed tracking device of a reputable company would allow vehicles and trailers to operate and carry cargoes from ports including Karachi Port and Port Qasim. Pakistan Railways and National Logistic Cell (NLC) would, however, be exempt from this condition.
Currently, over 4000 vehicles and trailers are operating across the country, handling import/export cargoes. But despite the fact that only 8 days are left, not a single bonded carrier has installed tracking device in its fleet.
Bonded carries'' share in the local cargo transportation is around 70 percent. If new rules are implemented from July 1, a huge crisis of transportation of import/export cargoes is likely and all activities of transshipment may be halted.
"Installation of tracking devices on vehicles and trailers requires very high investment, as the price of one tracking device is around Rs 40,00 to Rs 50,000, while monthly or yearly charges are additional burden on the bonded carriers," said a bonded carrier.
He said that in the current situation it was not possible for them to install tracking devices, and the government should withdraw this condition. The CBR also has informed that customs staff would verify satisfactory working of the tracker and identity of the vehicles used by bonded carriers for transshipment of consignments, besides roadworthiness of the vehicles, trailers prime mover and registration number and other particulars of vehicles.
According to new guidelines, bonded carrier licence will be issued by collector customs appraisement Karachi for a period of one year on the recommendation of by team of collectors comprising collector customs appraisement, preventive and Port Qasim after completion of formalities under customs rules 2001. But the licence may be revoked any time by the licensing authority.
In addition, the bonded carrier will deposit Rs 5 million bank guarantee or Defence Saving Certificates with the concerned collector of customs, while the registered vehicles of bonded carriers will not be allowed to operate by any other bonded carrier for transshipment of cargo to upcountry dry ports.
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