Customs online error hampers clearance

KARACHI: The processing of goods clearance (GD) has declined to half due to an error in the online clearance system of Pakistan Customs, sources said on Tuesday.

The sources said that the in-house computerised clearance system of Pakistan – WeBOC – had been facing serious operational problems for the last two days. The problem occurred on October 24 when the system came to a halt for three hours and then became slow in response to accepting GDs. Further on Tuesday, the system remained slow and shutdown for at least one hour, the sources said, adding that the problem occurred in both import and exports.

About 2,500 GDs are filed on a daily basis in Karachi, which generate a substantial amount for the exchequer in terms of customs duty, sales tax, and withholding income tax.

According to the customs authorities there was a network error in the system, which was resolved by Tuesday evening.

Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) issued a statement criticising the system error, stating that it was a serious loss to trade. KCAA President Khurram Ijaz said that due to the system problem, the whole clearance chain was disturbed. He said that through the online system, customs officials had been allowed to access GD for examination and assessment for subsequent clearance of goods.