FCA performance: FBR rejects APTMA’s concerns

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue has rejected APTMA’s account of delays under Faceless Customs Assessment, saying its figures largely reflect the scheme’s early rollout. Business Recorder reported that average clearance time has since fallen from 40.2 hours to 20.57 hours, with 83 percent of consignments processed within 48 hours.

FBR says moving the Central Appraising Unit’s assessment work to Islamabad will not shift Karachi’s physical inspections or port operations. It has asked trade groups to provide verifiable examples of delays and disputes, and outlined proposed service limits, including 24 hours for assessment and first review and 72 hours for laboratory results. The board also plans targeted backlog clearance and green-channel facilitation for eligible traders. These measures form part of its wider effort to digitise customs and make assessments less dependent on direct contact with officials.