Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association (PSAA) has requested the government to allow the import of critical spare parts for foreign vessels to maintain their voyage smoothly. The facility was suspended for the last few months and needed reinstating. PSAA members are deeply perturbed due to the sudden discontinuation of clearance of ship’s spares in transit by Pakistan Customs which are needed for the smooth operation of any ship and may badly hamper Pakistan’s seaborne trade, which is heavily dependent on foreign shipping lines. Judging from the current state of affairs, where economic ups and downs badly hit the shipping sector, any further issues/delays in clearance of ship’s spares in transit will constrain Pakistani foreign trade.

Furthermore, foreign shipping lines are considering reducing their services in Pakistan due to reduced cargo volumes. Stopping clearance of the ship’s spares in transit intended for smooth operation will exacerbate the situation.

PSAA has already written to the Chief Collector of Customs (South) and Member Customs (Operation) in this regard and again requests the concerned Government officials to intervene to ensure continuity in Pakistan’s seaborne trade by allowing clearance of ship’s spares in transit of respective foreign shipping lines forthwith.

Recall that PSAA was formed in 1976 and is the largest and oldest Trade Association representing Shipping Lines/Agents whose 60 members handle all types of cargo, i.e. containerised cargo, liquid cargo, and dry bulk cargo at Pakistani seaports.