ISLAMABAD, April 5: The Model Collectorate of Customs (MCC) has further reduced the clearance time of the import cargo from 10 to 4 hours, official sources said here on Wednesday. Pakistan Customs and Clearance System (PACCS) has introduced one window service to facilitate the importers who were facing problems in getting clearance of their cargo in 10 hours in a smooth and easy way.

Under the new system one can connect to PACCS through the website and carry out all his activities related to Customs from any where in Pakistan.

Elaborating on the fast clearance system, Secretary CBR Hafeez Mughal said that earlier the average Customs clearance time was 10 hours but now under the new system 50 per cent of the import cargo is cleared in less than four hours.

The motto of the new system is, “Come on in, we are open,” as it functions round the clock without any break. The system is completely paperless and there is no need to file any document to Customs as all declarations with regard to bill of entry, shipping bills, and refunds are available on online.

It also covers all imports, exports and other activities relating to Customs conducted from anywhere in the country.

The PACCS is completely automated and all declarations are processed by highly advanced processing and risk management system. All information regarding receipt of requests and clearance of cargo is delivered online to the clients inbox and in case any clarification regarding declaration is required, applicants are intimated online.

Under PACCS Customs does not intervene in the process of fulfilling of legal liability of payment of duty and taxes. On submission of declaration one can obtain instant online receipt in the shape of a Customs reference number (CRN) commonly known as machine number.

As soon as a CRN is allocated, the risk management system begins processing of the declaration and it is noticed that 80 per cent of trade is by responsible and legitimate businesses and does not pose a threat to the exchequer.

In all cases, the cargo will be cleared under online intimation to the party concerned and this process takes less than 15 seconds. In case a threat is detected, detailed scrutiny, including examination of cargo, may be undertaken.

The PACCS is highly sophisticated and risk management system designed to detect and prevent illicit practices so that the declarations should be filed carefully with correct information in order to avoid delays and confusion.—APP