ISLAMABAD: Owing to the spread of coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended up to 25 days the time duration to file goods declaration.
“The FBR is pleased to extend the time for filing of goods declaration in exercise of powers under section 224 of the Customs A, 1969, from the existing 10 days of arrival of goods, as prescribed under section 79 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969, to a further 15 days (total 25 days) for all IGMs filed between 17 March, 2020, and 7th April, 2020,” said a notification issued on Monday.
The department stated that the tax officials had received requests from the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) for extension in the said time limit for filing of goods’ declarations. “Subsequently, FBR has asked the chief collectors of Customs Appraisement/Enforcement Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Islamabad to facilitate the importers in this regard.”
As per the notification, all customs’ collectorates across Pakistan are operating normally, however, on account of the ongoing lockdown by provincial governments to address the prevailing pandemic of COV1D-19, the importers and clearing agents are facing hardship in filing of goods declaration within the time limit prescribed under section 79(1) read with section 156(1) (47A) of the Customs Act, 1969.
The consequent penalty on this account is causing undue hardship to the traders as the circumstances for late filing is, prima facie, beyond their control, the notification added.
