ISLAMABAD: A new provision has been introduced in the Customs Act of 1969 to give cash rewards to officers of Pakistan Customs Service for detecting cases involving evasion of customs duty and other taxes and confiscation of goods.

In this connection, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new Section 202B. The new provision introduces a "reward to Customs Officers and Officials" clause in the Customs Act, 1969, through the Finance Bill (2012-2013).

According to the new section, in cases involving evasion of customs duty and other taxes, and confiscation of goods, cash reward shall be sanctioned to customs officers. Cash rewards would also be provided to informers, providing credible information leading to such confiscations or detections, as prescribed by the Board's rules, only after realisation of part or whole of the duty and taxes involved in such cases.

The Board may, by a notification in the official Gazette, prescribe the procedure in this behalf and specify the apportionment of reward sanctioned under this section for individual performance or to collective welfare of the personnel of Pakistan Customs Service.