LAHORE: The revenue collection of the Customs central region increased by nine per cent to Rs7.684 billion in July this year from Rs7.052bn in the same month last year.

While the target for July is not available in official figures, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) set a target of Rs146.21bn for FY16 for the region, 13pc higher than the FY15 target of Rs129.288bn.

The central region — comprising Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan collectorates — contributes around 6pc annually to the total collection of the Pakistan Customs department.

Official statistics available with Dawn show that the central region collected Rs3.407bn under Lahore (appraisement) during July against Rs2.612bn last year, a rise of 30pc. Lahore (preventive), however, collected Rs1.835bn compared to last year’s Rs2.314bn, showing a decrease of 21pc.

Revenue collection by the Multan collectorate rose 18pc to Rs2.191bn from Rs1.849bn. Faisalabad collectorate’s collection declined by 9pc to Rs250.35 million in July this year from Rs276.29m a year ago.

During 2014-15, the central region’s overall collection stood at Rs129.288bn, which was 1pc (Rs1.621bn) higher than the annual target of Rs127.667bn.

Lahore (appraisement) collection was Rs54.904bn (2pc higher than the target) while Lahore (preventive) collection was Rs29.843bn (19pc above the target).

However, Multan collectorate failed to meet the target by 10pc and collected Rs38.021bn during 2014-15.

The revenue collection from Faisalabad collectorate was Rs6.520bn, or 1pc higher than the target.

Sources in the FBR told Dawn that the increase in July revenue was possibly because of better evaluation of goods, effective rate of duty and provision of more facilities to importers like reduced clearance time.

They said the customs officials also attempted to overcome under-invoicing and extended multiple facilities to importers through e-services.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2015

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