FBR tells shipping lines to withdraw charges

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday issued instructions to shipping lines and shipping agents to allow waiver of delay and detention charges during lockdown to contain the coronavirus.

In this regard Model Customs Collectorate (Enforcement and Compliance) Karachi issued instructions to chairmen of All Pakistan Shipping Association and Pakistan Ship Agents Association to allow free time to importers.

The customs authorities said that Pakistan was currently facing a great challenge to address the issue of spread of COVID-19. As a result of lockdown and restriction of movement of people / vehicle, the time duration of lifting the cargo from ports was exceeding the free-time as allowed to the importers under normal course of business. The FBR issued similar instructions to container terminal operators on March 31, 2020 to waive demurrage and detention charges in order to facilitate importers and trade community in this difficult time.

Considering the challenging scenario for the importers and trading community, the FBR asked all the shipping lines and their agents to extend free-days in respect of container detention and not charge container detention charges and other charges in connection of late delivery of goods for the period from March 25, 2020 to April 16, 2020 in addition to free-days already allowed by shipping lines and their agents.

A day earlier, All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) requested the FBR to direct shipping lines for waiver of charges.

The association said that terminals would choke if the government fails to take timely decision. It said that imports related to prevention of coronavirus might not have place to berth due to huge backlog.

In order to clear backlog on faster pace, it suggested waiver or relaxation of port charges in coordination of KPT/Port Qasim authorities and port terminals with no delay. It further suggested waiver/relaxation in shipping charges, especially on rented containers.