Karachi : Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that the apex body has organized an awareness session with senior officials of collectorate of customs exports and Port Qasim on authorized economic operators (AEO) program and other pressing issues vis-à-vis exports.
It is pertinent to note that the top customs officials that conducted the awareness session at the Federation House, Karachi, consisted of Mr. Irfan Ur Rehman, Chief Collector of Customs Exports, briefed the audience and was accompanied by top officials.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, informed that in order to extend awareness among trade bodies and stakeholders regarding authorized economic operator (AEO) program, Chief Collector of Customs briefed the session participants regarding various aspects of AEO – issued vide SRO.1114 (I)/2020 dated 26-10-2020.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon discussed the merits of EFS system; but emphasized that the customs must increase its check and balance regarding imports being made under EFS. Reportedly the provisions are being misused causing damages to genuine exporters, he added.
Mr. Irfan Ur Rehman, Chief Collector of Customs Exports, stated that, in the light of Section 212A of Customs Act 1969, certain rules have been formulated to make AEO program internationally-aligned and make it a success in export facilitation in Pakistan.
Customs officials explained that salient features of the AEO program include: safe framework of the standards; changing role of customs worldwide article 7.7 regarding trade facilitation measures for authorized operators based on principles of trade facilitation; the program has benefits for trade and government alike; criteria for eligibility of trade certification has been formulated; benefits for trade bodies or stakeholders have been incorporated and important security requirements of the program are maintained.
Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, maintained that the global trade has shifted from GATT to WCO and AEO Program – and it is basically based on strengthening supply chain security of trade. He appreciated that minimum ceiling standards to qualify for AEO program are being rationalized and last year these standards were around $2.5 million approx.
Mr. Asif Inam, VP FPCCI, emphasized that AEO program needs awareness in trade bodies and stakeholders; and, welcomed customs department’s keenness to brief the business, industry and trade community regarding the benefits of the program.
Participants of the awareness session proposed that monetary limits for the inclusion in AEO program should be reviewed and status of transit trade in the program should be introduced.
