Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has shown great concern over a serious suspension threat to the country’s largest customs clearing system-Pakistan Customs Computerized System (PaCCS) as five months have passed, but Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has not finalized a formal agreement with software service provider of PaCCS.

Mian Shaukat Masud, President, ICCI, chairing a meeting of local exporters, expressed apprehensions that further delay in finalizing the agreement with software service provider could suspend the operation of PaCCS which would create lot of problems for exporters and importers in getting customs clearance of their consignments.

He said the performance of PaCCS has already proved highly beneficial for the business community as it has plugged the loopholes of corruption they had to pay to customs officials for clearance of their goods.

Businessmen urged the FBR to ensure non-stop operation of PaCCS as its transparency, efficiency, ease of procedures and loss of contact between the Taxpayer and Tax Collector has minimized the chances of corruption in FBR and provided great relief to exporters & importers on this account.

Mian Shaukat also stressed for the need of creating better awareness about PaCCS in businessmen throughout the country to fully exploit its benefits as it has enabled importers and exporters to file Declarations to Customs over the web from their offices anywhere in the country, pay their duties on taxes at their nearest local national bank and get cleared cargo without ever having to visit any Customs office or coming in contact with any Customs officer.

He said for a country like Pakistan, whose roots were so entwined in corruption, PaCCS was a welcome change and hoped that its success will dry up illegal gratification for Customs in the short run and Sales Tax, Income Tax, and Federal excises in the long run.