The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched the Fee-Less Customs Assessment (FCA) system in Karachi as part of its broader reform agenda, which was approved by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The system, effective from midnight on December 15, requires all import declarations submitted at Karachi's Appraisal Collect orates to be routed through the Central Appraisal Unit (CAU).
The CAU, established under FBR’s CGO No. 6 of 2024, operates from the South Asia Pakistan Terminal in Karachi.
According to the FBR, the implementation of the FCA system is expected to bring significant improvements in the performance and culture of the Customs Department, aiming to reduce clearance times, enhance transparency, and boost efficiency.
Following the successful completion of the initial phase, the system will be expanded to other ports and border stations across the country, with the potential relocation of customs appraisal functions outside the collect orates.
With 55 officers appointed to the unit, a performance-based incentive system has been introduced to promote accountability and efficiency. The system rewards diligent and honest officers for their contributions.
Further reforms have been made to the customs clearing agents' quality and licensing system. A point scoring system will now reward agents who submit accurate and honest declarations, improving their profiles.
Conversely, agents responsible for incorrect or substandard declarations will lose points, and repeated poor performance may lead to the revocation of their licenses.
