The document discusses Pakistan Customs' transition to an automated customs clearance system called WeBOC. It provides a history of Pakistan Customs' automation efforts and describes the key features and benefits of WeBOC, including reduced clearance times, fewer physical inspections, and increased transparency. It also discusses Pakistan Customs' efforts to establish a national single window system by integrating WeBOC with other government agencies and working towards regional connectivity through initiatives like establishing electronic data interchange with Afghan Customs. Overall, the document outlines Pakistan Customs' progress in automating processes and facilitating trade while maintaining controls, and identifies next steps like further integrating WeBOC and establishing a legal framework to fully realize a national single window system.
The document discusses Pakistan Customs' transition to an automated customs clearance system called WeBOC. It provides a history of Pakistan Customs' automation efforts and describes the key features and benefits of WeBOC, including reduced clearance times, fewer physical inspections, and increased transparency. It also discusses Pakistan Customs' efforts to establish a national single window system by integrating WeBOC with other government agencies and working towards regional connectivity through initiatives like establishing electronic data interchange with Afghan Customs. Overall, the document outlines Pakistan Customs' progress in automating processes and facilitating trade while maintaining controls, and identifies next steps like further integrating WeBOC and establishing a legal framework to fully realize a national single window system.
The document discusses Pakistan Customs' transition to an automated customs clearance system called WeBOC. It provides a history of Pakistan Customs' automation efforts and describes the key features and benefits of WeBOC, including reduced clearance times, fewer physical inspections, and increased transparency. It also discusses Pakistan Customs' efforts to establish a national single window system by integrating WeBOC with other government agencies and working towards regional connectivity through initiatives like establishing electronic data interchange with Afghan Customs. Overall, the document outlines Pakistan Customs' progress in automating processes and facilitating trade while maintaining controls, and identifies next steps like further integrating WeBOC and establishing a legal framework to fully realize a national single window system.
The document discusses Pakistan Customs' transition to an automated customs clearance system called WeBOC. It provides a history of Pakistan Customs' automation efforts and describes the key features and benefits of WeBOC, including reduced clearance times, fewer physical inspections, and increased transparency. It also discusses Pakistan Customs' efforts to establish a national single window system by integrating WeBOC with other government agencies and working towards regional connectivity through initiatives like establishing electronic data interchange with Afghan Customs. Overall, the document outlines Pakistan Customs' progress in automating processes and facilitating trade while maintaining controls, and identifies next steps like further integrating WeBOC and establishing a legal framework to fully realize a national single window system.
Paperless system rolled out in 2012 (Karachi) 2013 (whole country) On-line -- manifest filing (ships) & goods declaration filing (traders) 24/7 Online payments (through PD account)
All custom processes performed on-line by customs staff
Assessment based on examination reports and images uploaded
Risk Management System (Green, Yellow, Red channels)
Inspection/Examination of goods reduced from 100% to 30%
Basic Features Of WeBOC
First-in, First-out (FIFO) Online adjudication process Complete log of all activities -- strict controls Communication with custodian of goods through EDI Transparency and less cost of doing business
Minimize Dwell Time
Cost of Development M/s Agility demanded more than 100-150 million dollars (Rs 10 billion) for paperless software PACCS WeBOC developed indigenously --- One million dollars (Rs 10 crore) --
Developed by: Officers of Pakistan Customs; and M/s Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) IT company owned by FBR
PRE-WEBOC PAPER BASED SYSTEM
34 signatures and 62 verifications
on every GD Customs documents had to be carried from desk to desk
WeBOC Assessment Hall- Sambrial
WeBOC Facilitation Centre- Sambrial
WeBOC Exports Rebate Section- Sambrial
WeBOC Data Centre-Karachi
Performance Customs Clearance Time
Manual system
WeBOC
More than 4 days
Imports-54% within 24 hours Exports-98% within few hours
Import clearance steps
26 steps
1 step
Export clearance steps
10-12 steps
1 step
Goods Declaration
Paper-based multiple copies
Electronic
Carrier Declaration
Submission on electronic media
Online submission and
amendment
Physical intervention of goods
100%
Appx 30%
Documentary Requirements
Training Imparted Traders/importers/exporters Customs clearing agents Terminal operators/custodian of goods (NLC, Railways, Shaheen, PIA, Gerrys Courier companies (DHL, FedEx etc.) Shipping agents/lines Bonded carriers Warehouse keepers Airlines Laboratories Banks (SBP and NBP, others) Other government ministries and agencies--PSQCA (Standard Quality Authority), Plant Protection, Engineering Development Board, Anti Narcotics Force, Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Interior, National Tariff Commission etc
User Registration Status
Traders
Clearing Agents
25333
1782
Shipping Lines Internal Users
Import + Export / Agents
237
711
Goods Declarations Status
S.No
Title
Facts
Total import GDs filed since inception
3,00,000 +
Total export GDs filed since inception
400,000 +
RMS Results Imports GDs Processed through Green Channel
GDs Processed through Yellow Channel
GDs Processed Through Red Channel
25%
44%
31%
Exports GDs Processed through Green Channel
GDs Processed through Yellow Channel
GDs Processed Through Red Channel
78%
12%
10%
Single Window Road Map
Ist Stage: Paperless Customs: e-payment of import duty /taxes - e-documents exchange with terminal operators/port authorities. 2nd Stage: Port Community Information Exchange: e-document exchange with other stake holders -- importers, exporters, CA, shipping lines/their agents, bonded carriers, freight forwarders, insurance companies, Airlines, EPZ, etc. 3rd Stage: Other Government Agencies for Paperless Permits and Certificates: connecting with other governmental agencies, trade, logistics departments like Commerce, NTC, TDAP, Industry, EDB, Textile, Communication, Defence, Agriculture, Quarantine, VAT, I Tax, Law Enforcement Agencies (ANF, Interior, agencies) etc. 4th Stage: National Single Window: An integrated national e-logistics platform with traders, logistics, service providers information exchange (booking of cargo to home delivery). 5th Stage: Regional Single Window: Regional information exchange system.
Single Window Components
SWI comprises of four essential components: ACCESS (Automated Customs Clearance System) TARIP
(Tariff & Integrated Policy)
ECHO (Enhanced Cargo Handling & Port Optimization)
Enhanced Cargo Handling & Port Optimization Integrated Regulatory Log Out Authorities
TARIP gives complete picture of regulations for import
or export. Following details are linked with each HS code: Tariff rates (like duties, taxes, FED, income tax, antidumping, countervailing, various surcharges & cess etc
Export drawback rates
Banned items / Restrictions of import & export policies Exemptions / concession and their requirements
Details of documentary requirements
List of declaration requirements Documentary and certifications requirements Other conditions / requirements
20
ECHO --- Enhanced Cargo Handling & Port Optimization
ECHO connects port authorities, carriers (shipping agents and co-loaders), customs etc Automated Custom Clearance Tariff & PaCCS Components Integrated Policy Enhanced Cargo Handling & Port Optimization
Log Out Integrated Regulatory Authorities
It provides following advantages:
One electronic document for the carriers Real time inventory and monitoring of ports
Terminal Operators/Port Authorities linked with EDI
e-Gates -- No customs staff at the gates No requirement by customs for export manifest
Risk screening prior to arrival of the cargo under
customs controls Instant duty drawbacks with the sail of vessel 21
INTRA -- Integrated Regulatory Authorities
Connects the regulatory authorities involved in imports/exports: LINKS DEVELOPED: Automated Custom Clearance Tariff & Integrated Policy Enhanced Cargo Handling & Port Optimization Integrated Regulatory Authorities
Federal Board of Revenue and its wings
All VAT and Direct Tax Commissionerates Central bank / NBP and Scheduled Banks (partially) Transport Sector (registered with customs) Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Production Plant and Animal quarantine UNDER DEVELOPMENT: Government Ministries & Department (such as: Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Health, Environment, National Tariff Commission, other ministries/departments etc 22
SWI Internal Users FBR Departments
23
What is to be done?? Declare Customs as lead agency (its in more than 35 countries) Support and monitoring from the highest level Monitored by the Prime Minister office in many countries Legal frame work
Proposed that a summary may be moved to the Prime Minister
for constitution of a committee: Finance, Commerce, Industry, Production Communication, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Textile, Planning, etc
Lessons Learnt Strong political will & commitment for reforms from higher management their (initial automation driven by junior officers and opposed by majority)
Ownership of the reform by customs -- Must get all stakeholders on board
Strategic /long term planning -- initially not focused and directionless Our emphasis kept on changing --- from automation to trade facilitation to control corruption and to maximize revenues Liberate the reform team from routine jobs (project office set up, purchasing / tendering process, hiring of IT consultants etc) Customs must re-engineer its business processes (not necessarily automate old archaic manual process)
25
Lessons Learnt Legislative Inertia (difficult to get through legislation and procedural approvals relating to other ministries/departments) Resistance to change Requirement of IT staff must be properly gauged
Capacity Building / Training (facing capacity issues for junior staff)
Customs must think out of the box (Question everything and include diverse stake holders in thinking process planning as well minute details of processes) Lack of Self Reliance Automation team has no funds to finance expenses of reform project 26
Way Forward
WeBOC Implementation across Pakistan
Creating a National Single Window bringing business, Integration with allied government logistic providers, service sectors on a agencies and platform for seamless FBRs ST & IT integration of trade wings
Integration of NSW into Regional InformationExchange System
Thanks
Regional Connectivity Afghanistan Customs The EDI with Afghan Customs Soft launching (pilot run) initiated on Nov 01, 2013 Pakistan Customs sending EDI messages for transit consignments leaving Karachi Port for Torkham only It will be replicated at Chaman after sucessful testing Afghan Customs sending EDI msg (data). However, there are some problems in getting correct data and reconciliation is not possible Afghan Customs is working on correction. Pointed out to afghan team and Canadians In March work shall be started on IGM receipt for Afghan imports in Pakistan
Regional Connectivity Connectivity with India Efforts to harmonize border and trade controls India and Pakistan have harmonized manifest format (Export General Manifest of India is Import General Manifest of Pakistan) We shall start work on EDI in January, 2014. Connectivity China Working group constituted by FBR to develop EDI Development of electronic certificate of origin FTA verification Connectivity for exchange of data also Connectivity with CAREC (Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation) Efforts under way to extend EDI msg to Heritan and Sher Khan borders Testing with Afghan Customs to be commenced soon EDI with CAREC to commence subsequently Airlines --- (e-pouch)
