Delay, detention certificates issued by Customs authorities: APTMA seeks PM’s intervention for implementation of apex court’s orders

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to ensure implementation of apex court directives regarding delay and detention certificates issued by Customs authorities.

In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad stated that consignments are frequently delayed due to policy decisions, regulatory measures, procedural requirements, and administrative actions beyond the control of importers and exporters. These delays prolong clearance times and result in heavy demurrage and detention charges imposed by port authorities and shipping lines, despite no fault on the part of the trade.

APTMA drew attention to Section 14(A)(2) of the Customs Act, 1969, which clearly stipulates that any agency or entity, including port authorities, must honour delay and detention certificates issued by an officer not below the rank of Assistant Collector of Customs and refund charges collected due to delays not attributable to importers or exporters.

The Association further noted that the Supreme Court of Pakistan and various High Courts have issued clear rulings directing port authorities and shipping companies to comply with such certificates.

However, despite explicit legal provisions and judicial directions, port authorities and shipping lines continue to disregard these certificates, denying legitimate relief to the business community, APTMA said, adding that the persistent non-compliance is causing serious financial hardship to industry and trade.

According to APTMA, the situation has resulted in multiple adverse consequences, including: (i) a heavy financial burden on importers due to unjustified demurrage and detention charges; (ii) abandonment of consignments as importers struggle to bear excessive costs; (iii) significant losses to the national exchequer due to non-collection of duties and taxes on abandoned cargo; (iv) unnecessary outflow of foreign exchange through remittances to foreign shipping lines; and (v) a negative impact on trade competitiveness, the current account, and overall economic stability.

The Association has urged the Prime Minister to: (i) ensure strict enforcement of Section 14(A)(2) of the Customs Act, 1969, in line with repeated directions of superior courts; (ii) direct all port authorities and shipping lines to honour delay and detention certificates without exception; and (iii) establish a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism for timely resolution of such cases, including action against delinquent officials.

“APTMA is confident that timely intervention will provide much-needed relief to the business community, ensure implementation of the law in its true spirit, and help prevent further financial losses to trade and the national exchequer,” Kamran Arshad added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026