KARACHI, Jan 29: The Collectorate of Customs (export), Karachi, is introducing electronic filing of single shipping document in its collectorate from February 6, 2003.

The system to be known as “Pakistan Goods Declaration Form” or PGD will be introduced in phases at other export outlets of the country, official sources said.

As a part of CBR efforts for computerization and re-engineering of processes and in order to facilitate exporters, the collectorate of customs (export) in first phase will introduce PGD from Feb 6, 2003, at the M I Yard, West Wharf.

Then the system will be introduced in other exporting stations, including Air Freight Unit (AFT) from Feb 15, and Port Mohammad Bin Qasim from March 1, 2003.

The PGD is a simplified, computerized, single page form, which is to be filled in by the clearing agents or exporters instead of seven copies of shipping bill which are presently being filed.

The collectorate of customs (export) with the assistance of UNCTD has already arranged training programmes for the customs officials, clearing agents and representatives of exporters.

Under the training programme the participants will be given the details of the PGD system and methodology to file the necessary information. On the conclusion of training sessions, PGD will be introduced phase-wise at all exporting stations.

In addition to the introduction of PGD, a provision of on-line facility for filing of PGD will also be available. All export houses, clearing agents and exporters will be able to electronically approach the exporting stations and file the PGD from their offices.

The PGD received through on-line facility will be processed through computers and will be sent directly to the examination staff for the examination of the consignment.

The collectorate of customs (export), Karachi will be the first collectorate in the country to introduce PGD and electronic filing system.