ISLAMABAD: A joint government–private sector panel, headed by Special Secretary Commerce Syed Hamid Ali, directed terminal operators to dispose of stuck-up goods within one month under a rationalised Reserved Price (RP) for mixed lots or individual items, to be determined by Customs.
The decision was taken amid concerns over thousands of containers currently stranded at ports, requiring immediate clearance.
On the relocation of these containers from on-dock premises to safer locations, the panel decided that the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and terminal operators would shift all stuck-up containers—including Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) consignments, subject to applicable rules—within 30 days to designated off-dock facilities such as Sky Media Terminal, Al-Hamd Terminal, Northern Bypass, and other approved locations.
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Sources said Customs would allow shipping lines to re-export containers for which Goods Declarations (GDs) have not been filed, within the same 30-day timeframe. Additionally, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has been tasked with obtaining detailed shifting plans from terminal operators and sharing them with the sub-committee and Customs by the end of the week.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will also permit shipping lines to remove and destroy containers, if required. Furthermore, containers under Afghan transit trade will be allowed for re-export in accordance with applicable regulations.
Following the relocation, Customs will utilise available legal flexibility to dispose of all such containers within one month. The Member Customs/Chairman FBR has been asked to monitor the performance of senior officials under the relevant administrative framework.
The panel also directed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) be developed by the FBR to ensure regular monitoring of Customs officials’ performance in disposing of auctionable goods at ports and other stations.
FBR will share a list of containers requiring IPO/EPO waivers from the Ministry of Commerce, along with complete documentation. Port authorities have been instructed to facilitate the process by allocating designated areas outside port premises for containers earmarked for destruction.
Terminal operators have been urged to immediately dispose of the goods under the rationalised Reserved Price mechanism within the stipulated one-month period.
The committee will also devise an implementation plan and establish a mechanism for regular monitoring of the sub-committee’s decisions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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