Karachi: Customs Warns Importers and Agents on Accurate Goods Declarations for Transshipment

Karachi: The Office of the Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) has issued a strict directive to importers, customs agents, and licensed bonded carriers, emphasizing the necessity of accurate goods declarations (GD-TP) for transshipment purposes at ports of entry.

Dated March 7, 2025, the notice underscores the importance of precise and complete documentation to prevent duty evasion and ensure compliance with customs regulations.

Collector HQ Naveed Ilahi has mandated that all imported goods be declared with full and correct details, including item descriptions, PCT codes, quantities, quality, weight, and value. Supporting documents such as the Import General Manifest (IGM), invoice, and packing list must also be provided to ensure transparency.

The directive highlights that incomplete or incorrect GD-TP filings at Karachi and other ports have been identified as attempts to evade duties and taxes or bypass import regulations. Such actions not only result in revenue losses but also disrupt risk management protocols within the customs system.

Effective from March 15, 2025, all GD-TP declarations at Karachi and other ports will be treated as final declarations at destination dry ports. Any inconsistencies between the GD-TP and the actual goods at the destination will lead to strict penalties under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, including sections 32 and 32A, or other applicable laws.

This notice has been issued with the approval of the Member of Customs-Operations at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Islamabad, in coordination with the Director General of Transit Trade at the Custom House in Karachi. It has also been circulated among senior officials and relevant departments for necessary enforcement.

The directive aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance transparency and compliance in import processes. Importers and agents are urged to strictly adhere to these regulations to avoid legal consequences and support the efficient functioning of the customs system.