Customs to Complete All Checking Procedures Within One Day – Major Reforms Announced
Increased Examination Staff at All Dry Ports
One of the biggest changes announced is the increase in Customs examination teams. Earlier, importers faced long delays due to limited staff, causing:
- Slow cargo checking
- Storage charges
- Higher transportation costs
- Increased chances of corruption
Now, with more examination officers deployed at dry ports, the Customs Department aims to complete all checking within one day. This step will provide faster cargo handling, especially at major dry ports such as:
- Lahore Dry Port
- Faisalabad Dry Port
- Sialkot Dry Port
- Multan Dry Port
- Islamabad Dry Port
The one-day clearance target will make Pakistan’s logistics system more competitive regionally.
Advanced Scanners Installed at Ports and Borders
High-Tech Scanning Systems for Accurate Cargo Inspection
Chief Collector Naveed Elahi confirmed that the government has installed advanced scanners at:
- Seaports
- Dry ports
- Checkpoints
- Border terminals
These scanners allow complete and accurate inspection of containers without unnecessary physical checking. This reduces:
- Delays
- Human error
- Bribery opportunities
- Damage to goods during manual inspection
Countries with efficient scanning processes generally improve their global trade ranking, and Pakistan is moving in that direction.
Read More: Pakistan’s Internet Quality Declines: IT Sector Urges Immediate Upgrades for Digital Growth
Faceless Assessment System – Ending Bribery & Illegal Valuation
What Is the Faceless Assessment System?
The faceless assessment system means that Customs officers do not interact directly with importers. All documentation, valuation, and approvals are completed digitally.
This system has:
- Removed personal interference
- Blocked corrupt officials
- Ensured fair and uniform valuation
- Improved transparency for businesses
LCCI (Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry) confirmed that issues linked to this system have been fully resolved and that it is now working smoothly for all importers.
Read Also: Punjab Govt Launches ‘Apni Zameen Apna Ghar’ Housing Project for Low-Income Families
Preventing Misuse of Export Finance Scheme & SROs
New Strategy for Transparency in Trade Regulations
The government is preparing a comprehensive plan to stop:
- Misuse of Export Finance Scheme
- Misuse of Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs)
- Under-invoicing or misdeclaration practices
These financial and regulatory loopholes have historically caused billions in losses to the national economy. By tightening monitoring and documentation requirements, Customs aims to improve compliance and protect exporters.
Measures to Protect Goods During Inspection
Cargo damage during checking has been a long-standing concern for businesses. Customs has now introduced:
- Trained staff for careful handling
- Modern tools for container opening
- Real-time monitoring of inspection procedures
- Guidelines to reduce product breakage
These steps build trust between traders and regulatory authorities, ensuring smoother import-export operations.
Business Community Welcomes Reforms
LCCI Applauds Customs Department’s Initiatives
Business leaders at the LCCI meeting welcomed the reforms, calling them:
- Modern
- Efficient
- Transparent
LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol highlighted the positive impact of:
- Enhanced staff capacity
- Faceless assessment system
- Strict action against illegal valuation
- Reduced bribery opportunities
These reforms have boosted business confidence and encouraged traders to operate within legal frameworks.
Read Also: Punjab Govt Launches ‘Apni Zameen Apna Ghar’ Housing Project for Low-Income Families
Proposal for a Complaint Cell at Lahore Dry Port
Immediate Help for Importers’ Issues
LCCI has suggested creating a dedicated complaint cell at the Lahore Dry Port. The purpose is to allow the business community to:
- Report concerns instantly
- Receive quick responses
- Resolve technical or operational issues
Additionally, LCCI proposed forming a dispute resolution committee with Customs representatives and LCCI members for swift settlement of valuation or inspection disputes.
Impact on Pakistan’s Trade Environment
How the Reforms Will Improve Trade Efficiency
These reforms will help Pakistan in several key areas:
1. Faster Cargo Clearance
One-day checking will reduce container detention and demurrage charges.
2. Lower Corruption Risks
Digital processes and scanning systems minimize human contact and eliminate bribery culture.
3. Improved Trade Transparency
Uniform rules and consistent procedures create trust between Customs and businesses.
4. Better International Competitiveness
Efficient ports attract foreign investors and strengthen Pakistan’s image in global logistics rankings.
5. Encouragement for SMEs and Exporters
Small businesses and exporters benefit from lower costs and quicker shipment turnaround.
Why These Reforms Matter for Importers and Exporters
Businesses frequently search for terms such as Customs reforms Pakistan, cargo clearance time, dry port scanning system, customs bribery issues, and faceless assessment Pakistan. These new changes directly address the concerns behind those searches.
The key benefits include:
- Reduced delays
- Zero tolerance for bribery
- Accurate valuation
- Faster documentation processing
- Transparent cargo examination
These improvements can significantly reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan.
Conclusion – A New Era of Transparency at Pakistani Ports
The Customs reforms announced by Chief Collector Naveed Elahi represent a major leap toward a transparent and efficient trade system. With advanced scanners, increased staff, one-day clearance targets, and the fully functioning faceless assessment system, Pakistan is working to eliminate bribery and delays that previously hurt businesses.
The business community’s positive response shows that these reforms are timely and beneficial. If the government successfully implements the recommended complaint cell and dispute resolution committee, Pakistan’s Customs operations will become more business-friendly, faster, and globally competitive.
One-Day Customs Clearance FAQs
1. What does the one-day customs checking reform mean?
It means all cargo inspection and clearance at dry ports will now be completed within a single working day.
2. How will advanced scanners help importers?
The scanners speed up inspections and reduce the need for manual checking, preventing delays and corruption.
3. What is the purpose of the faceless assessment system?
It removes direct contact between officers and importers to eliminate bribery and ensure fair valuation.
4. How will businesses benefit from these customs reforms?
Importers will experience faster clearance, reduced costs, and more transparency in cargo handling.
5. Will a complaint cell be established for traders?
LCCI has proposed a dedicated complaint cell at Lahore Dry Port to quickly resolve importers’ issues.
