KARACHI, Nov 26: Central Board of Revenue Chairman Abdullah Yousuf said on Friday that a new prompt, transparent and simplified custom clearing system would be implemented from March 2005.
He was speaking at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). He said new electronically devised system called Customs Administrative Reforms (CARE) would be implemented at Karachi.
He said it was a part of an aggressive programme of reforms being implemented in Customs with simplified procedure and aimed at ensuring transparency. "It is being presently tested internally. This will deal with almost all of the problems facing business community at customs clearing," he added.
Mr Yousuf said this system would have all the information about the bill of entry, value and duty of the imported consignment before the arrival of vessel and the goods would be cleared within one day.
Similarly, he said, the present sales tax system needs thorough review to ensure better results in the refunds of claims and improve role of auditors. "We would re-look at this regime to produce better results."
He said that the board has realized that there was an unsatisfactory role of auditors and unsatisfactory procedures of refunds. The role of audit will remain in the system but it will be equitable and realistic, he added.
Referring to the issue of smuggling, he said the government was tackling this matter through fiscal reforms. He said the reduction in customs duty on tea and tyres had produced encouraging results and its import through legal channel had increased by one-third in the first quarter of current fiscal year.
"We have recommended the government to remove ban on the import of used spare parts", the CBR chairman said and added that the board will also pursue this matter with the government.
He was of the opinion that this would not affect vendors as used spare parts were already available in the country despite a ban. He also urged the KCCI to form a committee to look into the issue of smuggling and also recommend remedies. He said the board has an important role to play in the economic development to ensure rapid industrialization and investment in the country. -APP