ISLAMABAD: The Fed­eral Board of Revenue’s Pakistan Customs Wing has introduced a new automated process in the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) system for scanning of containerised import consignments of industrial raw materials for speedy clearance at ports.

The non-intrusive inspection system has been implemented initially at Karachi International Container Terminal, South Asia Pakistan Terminals of Karachi port and at Qasim International Container Terminal, Port Qasim with effect from April 19, 2021 for industrial raw materials.

The Karachi Port and Port Qasim have Customs scanning facilities installed with the assistance of Japanese government under the JICA programme in addition to the scanners of the terminal operators.

The introduction of the non-intrusive inspection system by Customs was a long-awaited initiative aimed at replacing physical inspection of cargo and reducing the dwell time at ports by using the latest scanning technology in line with international best practices. The scheme aims to reduce the physical examination of goods which is time-consuming and costlier besides causing port congestion.

The blue channel will be part of the Risk Management System (RMS) through which Customs will be able to select the consignments of containerised cargo based on the RMS by using computer programme targeting the suspected shipments.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2021