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FAQs placed below are those asked by clearing agents during PACCS info sessions.
Q. In case of exports the Bill of Lading number is issued later. How can we quote it to bank in case there is a payment involved?
A. At present no duty liabilities are involved against a GD for exports. If in the future payments are to be made on exports, adequate provisions will be made in the software.
Q. What will happen if shipping line issues same BL number under different indexes to more than one importer, in case of LCL cargo?
A. This is not possible since PACCS validates that BL numbers are not repeated in a VIR.
Q. CARE propagates the 24/7 theme but when it comes to pass-in, it imposes 08 hours restriction. Customs should keep doing its work round the Clock and remove this restriction because loading on to the vessel is a matter between the Shipping line and the exporter and not Customs. Besides Customs only intends to check a small percentage of the cargo and for that it does not need 08 hours?
A. Passengers on international flights are required to report to the airport three hours prior to the departure of the aircraft. This is done to ensure that all legal formalities of Immigration, Customs and Airlines can be completed in time. Last minute passengers may and often do miss the flight.
Examining risky containers is much more complex than examining an individual. The eight hour cut off time by Customs, which is four hours for perishable cargo is purely advisory and to ensure that all legal formalities of exports can be effectively completed. If your cargo arrives at the port later than the prescribed time your cargo may miss the boat.
Q. The rate of exchange should freeze as in the present Section 30 of the Customs Act, 1969. In the new system if there is a lapse of even one day between the preparation of GD and payment in bank and meanwhile if the exchange rate fluctuates, the payable amount will either be in excess or short.
A. PACCS is 24 hour facility. Kindly calculate your duties from our server just before proceeding to the bank. Alternatively you may consider using pre-pact. Lastly even if your payment is in excess the banks will still accept only the amount that is due and credit your pre-pact account with the excess amount.
Q. Most of the Containers will not be checked by the Customs in the new system. The clearing agents are also not allowed to be present during examination. If our cargo is found damaged at our premises, will there be no abatement? If so, it means that Sec 27 has become redundant.
A. Abatement request under section 27 is provided online. Further if you suspect that your cargo is susceptible to damage you are entitled to examine your cargo under section 79-A.
Q. There are departments which issue NOCs without number. How will we quote the number in such cases?
A. The scenario is a near impossibility as it does not provide any track of these NOCs to the issuing department if there are no reference numbers. Customs regrets its inability to accept NOCs that cannot be verified from the issuing authority if and when required.
Q. What records are required to be maintained by us under PACCS?
A. Same records as are already prescribed under law and the rules.
Q. Is it possible for clearing Agent to obtain more than one Pin Code?
A. Yes. There is no restriction on the number of ID’s.
Q. If an importer has more than one authorized clearing agent and one such agent files a GD and gets CRN, will the other clearing agent be able to file GD for the same goods or will the system block the filing of such GD?
A. Yes. The system does not allow filing of multiple GD’s against a BL.
Q. Can a Clearing agent use same CRN again for another GD?
A. No. CRN is a unique number and cannot be used again.
Q. Will the importer/exporter have User IDs?
A. Yes. The principals have their own User ID’s because they authorize Clearing agents on-line to work on their behalf under PACCS.
Q. What if the Vessel. No and Voyage changes in case of imported cargo?
A. VIR numbers are unique and immune from changes in voyage numbers.
Q. The NBP branches are not online with the taxpayer? What is the point of electronic filing of GD when we have to go the bank for payment of duties and taxes?
A. This is an issue between the banks and its clients, one may like to take up the issue with the bank. PACCS has provided online interconnectivity to its clients.
Q. Will there be Mate Receipt Number under PACCS?
A. Yes. Against each CRN there is an MR number.
Q. Some Countries require Customs stamped Certificate for exported goods, how will we fulfil this requirement?
A. PACCS documents are system generated electronic documents and do not require signatures or stamps.
Q. What is the DTRE like in new system?
A. DTRE procedures for filing of GDs as well as getting approvals have been simplified. The import as well as export GD can be filed over web. There is no need for debiting the quotas in manual registers. Clearance can be done from any port in the country; system will automatically generate balances. Approval requests will also be made over the PACCS Portal.
Q. In some cases, we are required to submit prototype samples to Customs in exports, for instance, in case of tents. Will this practice continue in new system?
A. Yes. Where required samples will be taken against proper receipts.
Q. Are we supposed to arrange for the escort from Exports Collectorate as we do now?
A. No. Providing escort is the responsibility of Customs and Customs shall fulfil it.
Q. The B/L shows the quantity as 927 boxes and GD is prepared accordingly. However the manifested quantity due to typographical error shows 900 boxes. Will the System block the filing of GD? Is amendment possible now?
A. No, the system will not block the GD and Yes. Amendments by carriers are allowed.
Q. What about levies like agricultural cess in case of exports?
A. At present there are no levies.
Q. How will shut out Cargo be handled?
A. There are two options available to the exporter; Cargo may be loaded on the next vessel or the exporter may request for removal.
Q. Will the whole consignment stop even if one container is selected for examination?
A. Yes. Clearance of the consignment will depend on the results of examination of the sample container.
Q. Our people are illiterate. They do not know the use of Computer. The idea of giving Consignment notes to Truck drivers is unimaginable, they are illiterate and will simply loose it and we will suffer.
A. How is loosing pieces of paper connected with use of computers? In any case if you feel that your trucker will loose paper you are welcome to accompany the trucker and hand over the consignment note at the in-gate yourself.
Q. Why is CRN issued after filing of GD? Why is it not possible to have it in the beginning?
A. PACCS is based on self assessment; the idea is that Customs must not interfere in the assessment and payment process. Customs gives a Customs Reference Number (CRN) as soon as Customs receives a declaration.
Q. What is the applicable rate of duty and exchange rate in new system?
A. These will be rates as applicable on the date of payment of duties and taxes.
Q. Will the owner have to appear in person to get ID and Pin code?
A. Either the owner or his authorized employee of the business is required appear.
Q. It is not easy to comply with the condition of putting invoices and packing list inside containers in case there is no L/C. What are the penalties in case of non compliance?
A. These requirements are mandatory under PACCS. Penalties are as prescribed in section 156(1)(1). Risky consignments shall not be released without documents.
Q. Can an export shipment be stopped after pass-in and GD has also been filed?
A. Yes. The GD Cancel Menu is available in the System for cancellation. In any other case the shipper can use any other vessel without the cancellation of GD and without informing Customs because this information will be transmitted to Customs by the Terminal Operator
Q. Which rate of exchange will be applicable for payment of refund?
A. The rate of exchange will be the one on which the duty was paid.
Q. To which account the payment of refund will be made, i.e. account paying the duty (importer/clearing agent) or the consignee?
A. The liability to pay taxes is on the principal, similarly the principal has the right on refunds.
Q. Is there any change for filing of TP for upcountry dry ports?
A. There is no requirement for filing of TP under PACCS.
Q. How will documents/securities be submitted to Customs?
A. Our Front Office will collect them.
Q. At the time of Clearance what documents are required?
A. None.
Q. Does the system intimate receipt and send messages regarding inland transhipment cargo to and from Customs Dry ports?
A. Cargo information from first port of entry to the port of destination is electronic. Customs at port of destination are required to acknowledge receipt of goods electronically.
Q. At the time of ex bonding which document is to be shown to the Custom Staff posted there and Warehouse keeper for getting delivery of goods?
A. Kindly print the cleared ex-bond GD from your own system and present it the warehouse keeper. Alternatively, just quote the CRN to the warehouse keeper; he has access to PACCS and can verify the contents.
Q. Regarding export shipments originating from EPZ the issue pertaining to examination of containers again at KICT needs clarification as presently the goods are examined at EPZ and sealed and not opened at KICT for examination? Is the PACCS system connected electronically with EPZ for communication?
A. For PACCS all EPZ consignments are TP consignments i.e. cleared by another Customs station as such PACCS will not interfere with EPZ consignments just like cargo originating from upcountry.
Q. Under PACCS what will be the change in clearance procedure for imported goods to be consumed /used at EPZ?
A. For PACCS all EPZ consignments are TP consignments i.e. to be cleared by another Customs station as such PACCS will not interfere with EPZ consignments and pass it on to Customs at EPZ just like cargo destined to upcountry ports.
Q. If the importer has a PD account in Lahore and want clearance of goods from Karachi (MCC), can he use that PD account for Payment?
A. Yes.
Q. What will be the valuation criteria under PACCS? Will there be provisional, assessments under Sec 81, quantity discounts and origin leverage?
A. PACCS functions purely under the GATT code and section 25 of the Customs Act 1969.
Q. What if the Bank system /other related systems malfunction?
A. There is no other system, everybody is using PACCS online.
Q. Some shipping lines give 2 digits BL No and some 13 Digits? How will the clearing agent or importer know that which BL No is quoted?
A. It is simple. You just quote the number that has been given to you by the shipping line on your BL.
Q. Who is the terminal operator? And who is responsible at the gate for checking of export goods?
A. The Terminal Operator is KICTL. There is no checking of goods at the gates.
Q. What will be the procedure of submission of phyto certificate, QRC and others in the new system?
A. You do not need to submit certificates to Customs; just declare the number on your GD. We will call you if we need to verify the document.
Q. Can a clearing agent from Lahore file a GD for clearance in Karachi?
A. Yes. If he is authorized by the principal.
Q. Is there no requirement for the traders to obtain self Clearance License in the new system?
A. No. Any person who wishes to file a declaration himself without engaging a clearing agent can do so.
Q. If the importer imports 70 Containers against one B/L, L/C and files one GD, is he supposed to place invoice and packing list in side every container? The supplier issues one invoice in such cases, it will be a hassle to place the same invoice in every container. What if the supplier forgets to place invoice in one container?
A. Yes. The invoice and packing list has to be placed in every imported container since Customs cannot pre declare which container may be examined if at all.
Q. Will the consignments manifested and destined for Dry ports be examined at Karachi?
A. No. Risky cargo may be scanned but will not be examined at Karachi. The only exception is if explosives or weapons are found apparent during scanning.
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