APTMA: Karachi CAU move would worsen clearance delays
In an October 27 letter, APTMA's FBR demand also calls for a pause on major changes to faceless customs assessment after waits rose and more cargo faced disputes.
APTMA wrote to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial on October 27 asking that Karachi's Central Appraising Unit (CAU) stay in the city.
The association says faceless customs assessment has not improved quality after nearly 21 months and has lengthened clearance.
Per APTMA's account of an FBR review committee, average assessment time rose to 40.2 hours from 25.6 hours after the system began on 15 December 2024.
Clearance within 48 hours fell to 70% from 84%, while review requests rose to 14% from 6%, according to that account.
APTMA wants binding timelines, a backlog cell, priority for export-linked imports, and no CAU shift to Islamabad.