A sudden change in Pakistan Customs’ green channel parameters has led to a halt in the clearance of thousands of containers, including essential goods, causing severe financial losses for importers. The unexpected alteration in the Risk Management System (RMS) has resulted in a sharp decline in green channel clearance from over 47% to less than 26%. This shift has led to delays, with containers now requiring more time for examination and assessment, burdening terminal operators and Customs officers.
Khurram Ejaz, Chairman of the Customs Advisory Council of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, criticized the lack of prior notice regarding these changes, which have caused unnecessary delays. Importers are now facing up to four days of delays in offloading containers, followed by an additional two to three days for examination. Ejaz also pointed out that Customs authorities should have issued a notification about the changes and increased the number of officers to handle the added workload.
Also Read: FBR Reports 18.5% Rise in Customs Duty Collection
The delays have also created opportunities for private terminal operators and shipping companies to profit from demurrage and detention charges. Importers are being forced to pay extra fees, such as container rents every five days, which is driving up their business costs and exacerbating their losses. The delay in clearing consignments is raising concerns about the potential disruption in the supply of essential items like medicines, pulses, medical devices, and steel to the local market.
