ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs have introduced artificial intelligence and machine learning tools into the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) risk management system in accordance with international best practices with the help of the World Customs Organization.

Figures from July 2021 revealed that more than half of import shipments and the majority of export shipments clear customs immediately subject to post-clearance verification, according to an official announcement released on Tuesday.

In addition to the rapid clearance of export shipments, the WeBOC RMS application has also been extended to the processing of duty drawbacks through which a new mechanism for online payment of duty drawbacks to be disbursed directly to exporters’ accounts by reducing manual processing and eliminating the traditional check system.

This has become possible thanks to the introduction of the scrutiny of duty drawback requests through risk parameters by the electronic remittance module in RMS. So far 16 billion rupees have been paid through the electronic remittance system providing financial support in times of global pandemic, in line with current government policy.

Through the systematic application of RMS, pre-arrival customs clearance at seaports, overhead clearance at airports and risk-based selection of cargo to be scanned under the blue channel have also been implemented, which modernized the customs clearance process in the country.

Pakistan Customs is also working on the development of an Integrated Risk Management System (IRMS) through Pakistan Single Window, the program through which trade regulators will process certifications through a single integrated platform. This will lead to the transformation of cross-border trade and contribute immensely to the economic growth and national development of Pakistan.

Pakistan Customs as part of a comprehensive program of customs reforms have successfully implemented a number of trade facilitation initiatives that have facilitated cross-border trade and significantly contributed to the reduction of time and cost. business in the country, the announcement added.

Posted in Dawn, le 4 August 2021