Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, has apprised that the apex body has organized an awareness session with senior officials of the collectorate of customs exports and Port Qasim on authorized economic operators (AEO) program and other pressing issues vis-à-vis exports. It is pertinent to note that the top customs officials that conducted the awareness session at the Federation House, Karachi, consisted of Mr Irfan Ur Rehman, Chief Collector of Customs Exports, who briefed the audience and was accompanied by top officials.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, informed that to extend awareness among trade bodies and stakeholders regarding the authorized economic operator (AEO) program, the Chief Collector of Customs briefed the session participants regarding various aspects of AEO – issued vide SRO.1114 (I)/2020 dated 26-10-2020.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon discussed the merits of the EFS system but emphasized that customs must increase its checks and balances regarding imports made under EFS. He added that the provisions are being misused, causing damages to genuine exporters.
Mr Irfan Ur Rehman, Chief Collector of Customs Exports, stated that, in the light of Section 212A of the Customs Act 1969, certain rules had been formulated to make the AEO program internationally aligned and succeed in export facilitation in Pakistan.
Customs officials explained that salient features of the AEO program include a safe framework of standards, the changing role of customs worldwide, and article 7.7 regarding trade facilitation measures for authorized operators based on principles of trade facilitation. The program benefits trade and government alike. Criteria for eligibility for trade certification have been formulated. Benefits for trade bodies or stakeholders have been incorporated, and important security requirements of the program are maintained.
Mr Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, maintained that the global trade has shifted from GATT to WCO and AEO Program – based on strengthening trade supply chain security. He appreciated that minimum ceiling standards to qualify for the AEO program are being rationalized, and last year, these standards were around $2.5 million approx.
Mr Asif Inam, VP of FPCCI, emphasized that the AEO program needs awareness in trade bodies and stakeholders and welcomed the customs department’s keenness to brief the business, industry and trade community regarding the program’s benefits.
The participants of the awareness session proposed reviewing the monetary limits for inclusion in the AEO program and introducing the status of transit trade.
