President of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi urged the Collector of Customs (MCC) Multan, Saud Imran Ahmed to simplify the issuance of rebate cheques of leather products within ten days like Karachi and double wharfage system must be abolished for the survival of dry ports and a Help Desk of Customs should be established at MCCI to facilitate our members and provide them the required information.

Roomi also expressed deep concern over extraordinary delays in the clearance of consignment in Web Based One Customs (WeBOC) system which was causing huge financial losses and misuse of power by concerned officials is spreading discontentment and harassment. He asked for automation of database instead of manual clearance and maximum examination should be 3 days and thereafter, demurrages be waived off. He said that the Customs department is striving to make the WeBOC more familiar with the stakeholders and the Customs officials are always available to resolve their problems related to the system.

Roomi demanded that Customs clearance timing at dry ports should be uniform and be fixed in consonance with Karachi ports which operate 24 hours. MCCI chief further said that the wharfage initially paid at dry ports is again charged at Karachi sea ports. He said that charges Rs 4626, KICT Rs 5010 and QICT Rs 4563 for 40ft container from dry ports as Receiving/Delivery/ Operation charges, although the containers of dry ports are driven straight from the gate to the ready stock (bonded area) and do not pass through the process adopted by the sea ports. Hence, their charges from dry ports are unjustifiable.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017