Karachi: The introduction of pre-arrival filing with post-payment of Import Goods Declarations (GD) could prove to be a major step towards faster and more efficient import clearance in Pakistan, said Chairman of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) Arshad Khurshid.
Speaking at an awareness session held at the Customs Academy of Pakistan, Mr Khurshid described the new mechanism as a “game changer” for the country’s import clearance system. The session was attended by senior customs officials, representatives of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and a large number of customs agents.
Under the new facility, importers can file goods declarations before the arrival of vessels, while payment of customs duties, taxes and even provincial cess can be deferred, significantly reducing cargo dwell time and easing cash-flow pressures on businesses.
Mr Khurshid said the initiative would improve ease of doing business by expediting clearance processes and providing much-needed relief to the trade and industrial sectors.
The session was also addressed by Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement) South Wajid Ali, who stressed the need for adopting modern, technology-driven clearance systems to enhance transparency and trade facilitation. He urged traders and customs agents to make full use of pre-arrival and post-payment GD filing to ensure faster cargo clearance.
Director Pakistan Single Window Khurram Ejaz outlined the operational framework of the system, while Additional Director Reforms and Automation Ghulam Nabi Kombo highlighted the role of automation-led reforms in improving efficiency. Deputy Collector Reforms and Automation Abeer Javeed elaborated on procedural aspects and responded to queries raised by participants.
Vice Chairman APCAA Qamar Ul Islam reaffirmed the association’s support for reforms aimed at reducing clearance delays and facilitating trade.
Technical presentations were delivered by PSW officials Salman Chaudhary and Arshad Hussain, who provided step-by-step guidance on the filing process and addressed practical issues faced by traders and customs agents.
Concluding the session, Mr Khurshid said the initiative would not only streamline import clearance but also help build trust and strengthen coordination between customs authorities and the trade community. He added that APCAA would continue to play its role in promoting awareness and encouraging wider adoption of the facility across the country.
