The Customs Department and the Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) have agreed on several measures to address issues faced by commercial importers, including price verification, DPL waiver implementation, self-clearance facilities and valuation reviews.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between a PCDMA delegation led by Chairman Muhammad Saleem Muakti and Chief Collector Customs Appraisement (South) Wajid Ali at Customs House Karachi.

During the meeting, Customs agreed that PCDMA-issued price verification certificates could be accepted as an alternative to costly ICIS scan pricing for imported raw materials, relieving importers facing high compliance costs.

On the DPL issue, the Chief Collector assured the delegation that the regulator’s full three-month waiver would be implemented without creating hurdles for importers.

Regarding self-clearance, Customs agreed in principle to restore NTN-based clearance approvals for PCDMA members on the association’s recommendation, helping simplify and expedite the clearance process.

The delegation also urged a review of customs valuation rulings to align them with changing international commodity prices. Customs assured that it would examine the matter through further consultation.

PCDMA Chairman Saleem Muakti welcomed the positive response from Customs authorities, saying stronger coordination between the department and the business community would improve trade facilitation, reduce bottlenecks, and make the import clearance system more efficient and transparent.