LCCI urges traders to use pre-arrival GD clearance
At a Lahore Chamber meeting, Customs said only about one in ten import clearances use pre-arrival filing and wants that share raised toward half.
LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar urged businessmen to use Customs’ pre-arrival Goods Declaration (GD) facility to speed clearance and ease cash flow.
Chief Collector Appraisement (South) Wajid Ali said the facility, introduced in July 2025, lets a GD be filed after the Import General Manifest without waiting for the vessel to berth.
About 10% of import clearances currently use pre-arrival filing; Customs wants usage raised significantly, toward up to 50%.
Terminal charges, detention, scanning and examination delays still raise importer costs; Karachi terminal congestion is affecting examination schedules.
LCCI also sought stronger Lahore valuation capacity, bank–Customs fixes for I-Form hurdles, and consultation before enforcement action where appropriate.