FPCCI urges activation of risk management systems to streamline trade

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has called on the government to fully implement Risk Management Systems (RMS) across key regulatory agencies, including the Department of Plant Protection, Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, and other government departments, following the model used by customs.

In a statement on Monday, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s digital transformation initiatives, including faceless assessment and pre-arrival facilitation through the post-payment mechanism, noting their potential to improve trade efficiency.

Despite these reforms, Sheikh said challenges remain in the regulatory framework for imports and exports. He highlighted that while most regulatory trade is now managed through the Pakistan Single Window and major agencies are integrated with it, consignments continue to undergo mandatory inspections unnecessarily.

Sheikh emphasized that implementing RMS in government departments could further streamline processes, reduce unnecessary inspections, minimize dwell time, and enhance the ease of doing business in Pakistan.

Senior Vice President FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, added that although the faceless assessment system initially faced challenges, coordination between the trade community and Chief Collector Wajid Ali has addressed many issues. He noted that the process is now effectively benefiting trade, with consignment dwell time gradually decreasing.