Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) is the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) latest initiative aimed at transforming Pakistan’s customs operations. Scheduled to launch on December 15, 2024, in Karachi, FCA is a key component of the FBR Transformation Plan, approved by the Prime Minister. This innovative system seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in customs assessments while reducing opportunities for corruption.
Key Features of the Faceless Customs Assessment System
The Faceless Customs Assessment system introduces a centralized approach to customs assessments. Goods declarations submitted after midnight will be allocated to the newly established Central Appraising Unit (CAU) at the South Asia Pakistan Terminal (SAPT) in Karachi. This step eliminates the need for traditional customs offices, fostering a corporate environment and reducing physical interactions between taxpayers and collectors.
Key objectives of FCA include:
-
Trade Facilitation: Accelerating the clearance process for both imports and exports.
-
Transparency: Reduced human involvement in assessments to minimize corruption.
-
Efficiency: Optimized use of human resources in customs operations.
Productivity and Accountability: A Reward-Based System
To ensure high performance, an incentive-based mechanism is integrated into the Faceless Customs Assessment system. Customs appraising officers demonstrating diligence and integrity will be rewarded, encouraging accountability across the department.
For Customs Clearing Agents, a revamped licensing system introduces a point-based scoring mechanism. Agents providing accurate declarations regarding goods’ description, value, and origin will gain points, improving their professional profiles. Conversely, repeated errors may lead to penalties, including license cancellations.
Nationwide Rollout and Broader Reforms
Following its initial implementation in Karachi, the Faceless Customs Assessment system will gradually expand to upcountry ports and border stations. The appraisement functions will be completely relocated from traditional Customs Collectorates to dedicated corporate facilities. Additionally, the system will enable assistant and deputy collectors to conduct e-hearings remotely, reducing the need for taxpayers to visit public offices.
Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement Karachi, Jamil Nasir, highlighted during a press briefing that FCA represents a paradigm shift in customs operations. He stated that this system would save valuable time for traders and optimize resources within the Customs Department, marking the beginning of a comprehensive reform process.
A Step Toward Corruption-Free Trade
The launch of Faceless Customs Assessment is expected to redefine the operational framework of Pakistan’s Customs Department. By prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and accountability, the FBR aims to foster a corruption-free environment, benefiting both the business community and government institutions.
As part of a broader reform agenda, FCA underscores FBR’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s trade infrastructure while promoting fair practices across the board.
The FBR New Payment Creation System is a revolutionary initiative by Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue to streamline tax payments and enhance taxpayer convenience. By digitizing the process, it ensures secure, fast, and error-free transactions, making compliance simpler for individuals and businesses.
This system reduces reliance on physical visits to FBR offices, empowering taxpayers to manage accounts independently while boosting efficiency and transparency in Pakistan’s tax collection framework.
