FBR refuses to reverse decision to shift customs assessment operations from Karachi to Islamabad

The Federal Board of Revenue has ruled out reversing the transfer of customs assessment work from Karachi to Islamabad, describing it as a further step in its Faceless Customs Assessment programme, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. The decision follows concerns from the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association about slow clearances, valuation disagreements and laboratory referrals. FBR said the figures cited by the association mostly reflect the reform’s early months.

FBR reported that average clearance time has fallen from 40.2 hours to 20.57 hours, with 83% of consignments processed within 48 hours. Only assessment is moving to Islamabad; physical inspections and port activity will continue in Karachi, while the authority plans backlog arrangements and service deadlines for reviews, examinations and laboratory results. It also urged traders to file Goods Declarations before vessels arrive, and said customs valuation rules remain in force.