LAHORE: Key reforms in the customs appraisement system, including enhanced staff capacity and the successful implementation of the faceless assessment mechanism were praised for improving efficiency and transparency.
These views were shared during a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) attended by Chief Collector Customs (Appraisement) Naveed Elahi, alongside the Chamber’s leadership and senior officials.
Chief Collector Customs Naveed Elahi said that the number of examination staff at all dry ports has now been increased, enabling all checking procedures to be completed within a single day, eliminating delays and opportunities for bribery. He informed that the government has installed advanced scanners at all ports, checkpoints, and borders for complete and accurate scanning of goods to improve efficiency in transit trade.
He further stated that a comprehensive strategy is being developed to prevent misuse of the Export Finance Scheme and SROs, and steps are being taken to avoid any damage to goods during checking.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said that the steps taken to address the challenges of importers are commendable, as they have enhanced the confidence of the business community and discouraged illegal valuation practices and bribery. He proposed that a dedicated Complaints Cell should be established at the Lahore Dry Port to ensure immediate access of business community concerns to the authorities, along with a Dispute Resolution Committee, if needed, in which LCCI is ready to participate to secure swift and effective resolution of importers’ issues.
The meeting was also attended by Collector Appraisement Faisalabad Dr Rizwan Basharat, Collector Customs Lahore Umar Shafique, former Senior Vice President of LCCI Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, members of the LCCI Executive Committee, and other distinguished participants.
President LCCI Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol highlighted that all issues related to the faceless assessment system have now been resolved, which has made the business community satisfied. With this system in place, those who used to interfere in valuation or offered bribes for early assessment have been permanently blocked. He appreciated the role of the Chief Collector in enhancing transparency and boosting business confidence.
He also highlighted another major concern that customs appraisement officials should assess imported goods based on net weight instead of including packing weight, as explicitly stated in Section 25 of the Customs Act 1969. He said the current method of including unnecessary packing weight results in additional financial burden on the business community and must be corrected.
He added that the Lahore Chamber had earlier requested the Chairman FBR to increase the number of staff for examination in Lahore, as staff shortages caused delays in routine processing and clearance of goods, sometimes taking several days.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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