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Pakistan Customs Paperless Computerized Clearance System

(Web Based One Customs)

Complete Concepts and Techniques

Professional Guide

For

Importers, Exporters, Custom Agents , Shipping Lines/Agents, Terminal Operators, Bonded

Carriers, Warehouse Keepers, Airlines, Ground Handling Agents, Banks, EDB, MRVA, MOCA

Syed Tanvir Ahmad

WeBOC

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Published by: Sohaib Publishers

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of the

Publisher.

This Book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be

lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the Publisher’s prior consent in any form of

binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this

condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Syed Tanvir Ahmad

syedtanvirahmad@yahoo.com

+92-300-8254446

Price Rs. 3000

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Acknowledgment

I am highly indebted to

Mr. Azeem Afzal,

Senior Manager, Software

Development, PRAL

and

Mr. Arshad Hussain,

Senior Manager, Operations,

PRAL

It was not possible to complete

this book without their support

and technical guidance.

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Table of Contents at a Glance

Table of Contents 6

Abbreviations 19

Preface / Messages 21

Section -I

Chapter-1: Introduction & History 28

Section –II

Chapter-2: Registration in WeBOC 70

Chapter-3: Get Familiar with WeBOC Interface 81

Chapter-4: Import Planning 94

Section –III

Chapter-5: Filing of Goods Declaration (Imports) 111

Chapter-6: Goods Declaration (Imports) – Further Guidance 180

Chapter-7: Claim Exemptions, Concessions & Quotas 204

Chapter-8: Assessment Review, SCN, Hearing, Adjudication 231

Chapter-9: Payments, Refund and Securities Management 236

Section –IV

Chapter-10: Plan your Export, GD Filing (Exports), 248

Cancellation, Rebate claim

Chapter-11: GD filing for exporters imported raw materials 304

free of duty, Un-accompanied Baggage

Section –V

Chapter-12: Carrier Declaration System 320

Chapter-13: Bonded Carriers 418

Chapter 14: Terminal Operators / Sea Port /Dry Port / 440

Off Dock / Ground Handling Agents

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Chapter 15: Warehouse keepers 517

Chapter 16: Banks - Role in WeBOC 537

Section –VI

Chapter 17: Role of Motor Vehicle Registration Authority (MRVA) 613

Chapter 18: Engineering Development Board (EDB) 624

Chapter 19 – Ministry of Commerce Afghanistan (MOCA) 640

Frequently Asked Questions 658

Appendix-A (List of ISO Codes) 664

Index 675

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents at a Glance 4

Abbreviations 19

Preface 21

Messages 24

SECTION-I

INTRODUCTION & HISTORY OF AUTOMATION

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & HISTORY

WeBOC – Introduction History of Automation Conceptualization of WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) My Posting in WeBOC project Rollout of WeBOC and Closure of PaCCS Initial challenges Logo and Screens Begging for resources System’s Architecture

Initial Shortcomings of Weboc Tariff Tariff Exemption and Concession Notifications 6th Schedule of ST and 1st Schedule of FED Import and Export Policies Fake and bogus exemptions for Income Tax (WHT)

Problems Faced in Development of Other Modules Quota Management (DTRE, Form ‘S ‘etc.) Valuation Issue PD (Personal Deposit) Account Interport Movement Manifest Clearance Transshipment Transit Module Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Land Border Customs Stations

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KPT Roll out Structured Description Form ‘E’ online verification Car assessment functionality Air Manifest Diplomats/Privileged Persons Manufacturing Bond & Export Oriented Units Safe Transportation Export Processing Zone (EPZ)

Rs. 23 Million Allocation for Infrastructure

Training & Capacity Building

Rollout & Restructuring of Collectorates

Some Suggestions to Strengthen Weboc

Lessons Learnt

SECTION II

REGISTRATION, FAMILIARIZATION & IMPORT PLANNING

CHAPTER 2: REGISTRATION IN WEBOC

Whom to be contacted for obtaining user ID? Guidance for Traders & Custom Agents

Documentary Requirements for Registration Traders (importers / exporters) Custom Agent Embassies Trusts Government Organizations Shipping Line / Agent Terminal Operator / Off Dock / Dry port Warehouse Keeper Bonded Carriers / transport operators Banks Motor Registration Vehicle Authority (MRVA) Engineering Development Board (EDB) Ministry of Commerce & Industries Afghanistan (MOCA) Downloading WeBOC Registration Form

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How much Time ‘Registration’ Process Takes?

CHAPTER 3: GET FAMILIAR WITH WEBOC INTERFACE System Requirements Login Page Forgot your password? How to re-activate your WeBOC ID Trader – main screen A – Left menu: B – Inbox C – Top Bar D – Delete E – Settings / Logout:

‘User Settings’ How to Change Password? Add Agent(s) in Trader List

Custom Agent – Main Screen ‘User Settings’ Create, Block, De-Block Child ID

CHAPTER 4: IMPORT PLANNING

Flow of Goods Declaration (Imports)

Plan Your Import Procedure

Plan Your Freight Charges

Plan Your GD Filing Advance Filing of GD Examination before Filing of GD Inter port Movement Transshipment

SECTION-III (IMPORTS)

FILING OF GOODS DECLARATION (IMPORTS), EXEMPTIONS & QUOTAS, PAYMENT, REVIEW, ADJUDICATION, REFUND, SECURITIES

CHAPTER 5: FILING OF GOODS DECLARATION (IMPORTS)

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How To File Import GD Preparation of Goods Declaration

GD FOR HOME CONSUMPTION

Basic Information BE Type Section-79/2 VIR Number Get IGM Info

Consignor & Consignee Information NTN/FTN Consignor Name, Address

GD Information Consignment Mode Invoice number and date Weights & packages information

Financials Payment Terms, Delivery Terms Insurance Value, Insurance Percentage Exchange Rate, Landing Charges

Supporting Information Shed/Terminal Location Upload Document

Items Information

SRO Advanced Search

Submission of Goods Declaration Validate and calculate duty Take print of GD Submit GD Payment of Duty and Taxes

Filing of Into-Bond GD In Public / Private Warehouse Into-bond GD in Public warehouse Into-bond GD in Private warehouse

Filing of Ex-Bond Gd In Public / Private Warehouse

Request For NOC for In-Bonding in Public Warehouse

Request For NOC for Re-Export from Warehouse

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Transshipment (TP) GD

Transit GD

Afghan Transit Commercial

Afghan Transit Non-Commercial NATO / ISAF/US/Military Forward NATO / ISAF/US/Military Reverse

Payment of Duty And Taxes Payment through Bank Payment through PD Account

CHAPTER 6: GOODS DECLARATION (IMPORTS) – FURTHER GUIDANCE

GD Filing Request without STRN

Examination Request Before Filing of GD under Section 79(1) (b)

Bulk (Solid / Liquid)

Land Border Customs Station

GD Filing at Dry Port

GD Filing at off Dock Terminals

GD Filing by Air

Privileged Persons

Vehicle Imported under Baggage

Amendment and Cancellation Request Import / Export GD cancellation Import Reverse GD Amendment (in Reverse Transit) Export GD Amendment

Document(S) Requested Attach/Amend Documents after GD Submission

GD Monitoring (For Custom Agents)

CHAPTER 7: CLAIM EXEMPTIONS, CONCESSIONS & QUOTA

SRO Look Up

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QUOTA Types of Quotas How to claim Quota in Goods Declaration

Claiming EDB Quota in Weboc How to download predefined template and debit quota?

Claiming EDB Quota in One Customs Download EDB quota for manual debiting How to download predefined template and debit quota in one customs Quota Balance List

CHAPTER 8: ASSESSMENT, REVIEW, SCN, ADJUDICATION

Assessment, Show Cause Notice, Hearing Order-In-Original List Request for an Early Adjudication

CHAPTER 9: PAYMENTS, REFUND, SECURITIES

Payment Management List of GD’s available for additional payment PD account statement

Refund Management Create Refund Claim, View Refund Claims File Refund Request from PD Account Securities Management

SECTION IV - EXPORTS PLAN YOUR EXPORTS, EXPORT GD FILING, REBATE, DRAY OFF, UN-

ACCOMPANIED BAGGAGE, RE-EXPORT

CHAPTER-10: PLAN YOUR EXPORT, STANDARD GD FILING (EXPORTS), CANCELLATION, REBATE CLAIM

Plan Your Exports Procedure

Standard GD Filing for Exports Flow Diagram of Export GD

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Plan your Exports How to file a standard Goods Declaration for Exports? Basic Information Consignor & Consignee Information Financials Supporting Information for Customs Processing Uploading Document(s) Form-E Information Item Information

Dray Off Dray Off GDs Full Dray off / Partial Dray off

Rebate Prepare rebate / duty drawback claims Submit rebate / duty drawback claims Rebate GD List for Acceptance

Amendment & Cancellation Request Export GD Cancellation Export GD Amendment Request Export GD Amendment to AC Attach/Amend Documents after GD Submission

CHAPTER-11: GD FILING FOR EXPORTERS IMPORTED RAW MATERIALS FREE OF DUTY, UN-ACCOMPANIED BAGGAGE, RE-EXPORT

GD Filing for Exporters who have Imported Raw Materials / Inputs Free of Duty or on Concessionary Rate

Temporary Import (SRO 492) etc

Non-Commercial Un-accompanied Baggage Relief/Donation/Charity Re-Exports (Re-export from bonded warehouse)

For Exporters claiming DTRE Quota

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SECTION-V

CARRIER DECLARATION, TERMINAL OPERATOR (DRY PORT OPERATORS / OFF DOCKS/ GHAS), WAREHOUSE KEEPERS, BANKS

CHAPTER-12: CARRIER DECLARATION SYSTEM

Roles and responsibilities

Carrier Declaration at Seaports Registration of vessel profile with customs Filing of vessel intimation report (VIR)

BL Declaration Manifest Declaration / Create Index Uploading of manifest through mdb files

Declaration (Manifestation) of Empty Containers Uploading of empty containers using WeBOC Screen Uploading of empty containers through mdb file

Vessel Intimation Report (VIR) VIR Confirmation View details of BL amendment and VIR cancellation charges

Find whether Container is Free For use in the System

Port Clearance

Export General Manifest (EGM) for Export Consignments

Filing of Carrier Declaration by Airlines / GHAs Registration of air craft with Pakistan Customs Filing of Air Intimation Report (IGM) Uploading of Manifest using ‘Create Index’ option Uploading of manifest using mdb file option

Declaration Of MR (Mate Receipt)

Declaration of Stores, Crew and Passengers Effects

Declaration of IGM Discrepancies found During off Loading

Carrier Declaration at Land Custom Stations Truck Intimation Report (TIR)

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Filing of IGM / TIR in Transit Consignments Associate Container with Truck

Carrier Declaration (Manifest Filing) at Wagha

CHAPTER 13: BONDED CARRIERS

Conditions for qualifying as a bonded carrier GDs List for Bonded Carrier Enter Data of Vehicle and driver Carrier Declaration

User Support System Amending Vehicle Information Bonded Carrier Notices

CHAPTER 14: TERMINAL OPERATORS-- SEA PORT / DRY PORT / OFF DOCK / GROUND HANDLING AGENTS

Sub-chapter I: Terminal Operators – their functions, types

Terminal Operators and their Functions IGM and berthing of vessel Import related functions Interport Movement Consignment Export Related Functions

Types of Terminal Operators Sea Port / Off Dock / Dry port / Ground handling Agents

What is EDI?

Sub-chapter II -- Terminal Operator Sea Port

Features

EDI Status (Import)

Cleared GDs

EDI Status (Export)

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Container Info (Customs)

Container Info (Terminal Operator)

Gate Out

User Support System

GHA / Off Dock GDs List

Port Clearance Certificate

Get Extract

Container Status

Track EDI GD Wise EDI Tracking Container / BL wise EDI Tracking

EDI Re-Generate File

Sub-chapter III --- Off Dock Terminal Operators GD Consignment Location Cleared GDs Gate Out GHA / Off Dock GDs list Request off Dock Container Dray off list Container GD Association Gate in IPM Container (Interport) EDI Re-generate File

Sub-chapter IV: Dry Port Terminal Operators GD Consignment Location TP Acknowledgement Cleared GDs Gate Out Transit / Transshipment Container GD Association EDI Re generate File

Sub-chapter V: Ground Handling Agents GD Consignment Location Cleared GDs Gate Out GDs for Weighing MR Information

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CHAPTER 15: WAREHOUSEKEEPERS (BONDED WAREHOUSES)

Introduction Requirements of different warehouses Logging On Home Page

FUNCTIONS OF A WAREHOUSE KEEPER IN WEBOC Issue online NOC Gate In/Acknowledgements Bulk Cargo Containerized Cargo Ex-Bonds GD List Acknowledge removal of goods from warehouse for export.

CHAPTER 16: BANKS - ROLE IN WEBOC

Get Familiar with WeBOC Interface Home Page Inbox Top Bar Settings Edit Profile Change Password

Payment Management Payment against GD Payment against GD Cancellation Payment against GD Amendment Payment against Cess Payment against token issuance. Payment against PD Account Payment against security Payment against excess weight Payment against export ONO Cheque in process Payment against Manifest / VIR

Bank Scroll Duties wise Bank Scroll GD wise bank scroll Cess Bank Scroll

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Cess report in Bulk Token issuance payment collection report VIR amendment payment collection report Bank scroll of GDs - payment of duty/taxes made through PD Account Bank Scroll Of GDs Where Payment of Cess is made through PD Account Bank scroll of payment deposit in PD Account Duties wise bank scroll paid through PD Account

Confirmed Payments GD confirmed payment list Token purchased confirmed payment list PD Account confirmed payment list Manifest / VIR confirmed payment list Cess confirmed Payment List

Section VI

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AUTHORITY, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT BOARD, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AFGHANISTAN

CHAPTER 17 – ROLE OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AUTHORITY (MRVA) IN WeBOC

Introduction Registration System Requirements Get Familiar with WeBOC Interface Login Page Forgot your password? How to re-activate your WeBOC ID Main screen How to use the ‘Settings’? How to Change Password?

How to Register New Vehicle

How To Search already Registered Vehicles

CHAPTER 18: ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT BOARD (EDB)

Registration

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System Requirements Get Familiar with WeBOC Interface Login Page Forgot your password? How to re-activate your WeBOC ID Main screen Edit Profile How to Change Password? How to upload EDB data (Quota)

How To Download EDB Data Against Specific NTN How to download EDB data

CHAPTER 19: MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRIES AFGHANISTAN (MOCA)

Registration System Requirements

Get Familiar with WeBOC Interface Login Page Forgot your password? How to re-activate your WeBOC ID Main screen How to use the ‘Settings’? How to Change Password? How to create Afghan Trader User ID How to resend Afghan Trader Password How to renew Jawaznama of Afghan Trader How to renew existing Jawaznama How to add new Jawaznama number to an existing User ID How to update information of an existing User ID

Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix– A List of ISO Codes (for containers)

INDEX **********

Abbreviations

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Abbreviations

AIR Air Intimation Report

AC/DC Assistant Collector/Deputy Collector

APPTA Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement

AT Afghan Transit

B/E Bill of Entry

B/L Bill of Lading

CHAL Custom House Agent License

C&F Cost and Freight

CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight

CNIC Computerized National Identity Card

CPR Cash Payment Receipt

CY Container Yard

DTRE Duty &Tax Remission for Export

EB Ex-bond

EDB Engineering Development Board

EDI Electronic Data Interchange

EGM Export General Manifest

ETA Estimated Time Arrival

EOU Export Oriented Unit

FBR Federal Board of Revenue

FCL Full Container Load

FTN Free Tax Number

FOB Free on Board

GD Goods Declaration

GHA Ground Handling Agent

HC Home Consumption

HS Harmonized System

IB In-bond

ICD Inland Customs Depot

ID Identity

IGM Import General Manifest

IOCO Input Output Co-efficient Organization

IPM Inter Port Movement

IRS Inland Revenue Service

ITTP International Transit Trade Peshawar

ITTQ International Transit Trade Quetta

KICT Karachi International Container Terminal

LC Letter of Credit

KPT Karachi Port Trust

Abbreviations

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LCL Less than Container Load

MCC Model Customs Collectorate

MOCA Ministry of Commerce and Industries Afghanistan

MR Mate Receipt

MVRA Motor Vehicle Registration Authority

NTN National Tax Number

ONO Order-in-Original

O-in-O Order-in-Original

PaCCS Pakistan Customs Computerized System

PCCSS Pakistan Customs Container Security System

PCT Pakistan Customs Tariff

PGO Pre Gate Out

PICT Pakistan International Container Terminal

QICT Qasim International Container Terminal

PD Account Pre Deposit Account

PRAL Pakistan Revenue Automation (Pvt.) Limited

RMS Risk Management System

RSD Requisition Specification Document

RTO Regional Tax Office

SOC Shipper’s Own Container

SRO Statutory Regulatory Order

STRN Sales Tax Registration Number

SVM Seal Verification Message

TIR Truck Intimation Report

TP Transshipment

UOM Unit of Measurement

VIR Vessel Intimation Report

WeBOC Web Based One Customs

Preface

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PREFACE

hen I first began to plan this book, I thought that I would begin the preface with the

words “The purpose of this small book is … ?” While I never lost my belief that

small things actually matters, I discovered that it is impossible to put together a

treatment of a subject as vast as WeBOC - Web Based One Customs – (Pakistan’s paperless

customs computerized clearance system) between the covers of a truly small book and still

hope that it will be reasonably comprehensive.

I have long felt that a book on the subject of WeBOC (Web Based One Customs)

would be useful as a primary reference and, more importantly, as a simple guide to the users

of WeBOC system of automated clearance of import & export cargo.

The story of the development of WeBOC system is a classic example of the fact that

hard work is the only royal road to success. It started with the inception of PaCCS (Pakistan

Customs Computerized System) software developed by M/s. Agility Micro Clear, a foreign

IT company. PaCCS was initially launched as a pilot project at KICT in 2005. The cost was

estimated around $100-150 million for the PaCCS software and allied services. Compared to

this, the indigenous WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) system had been developed in ten

(10) crore rupees (one million dollar) spent during 2008-2013 on pays, utilities, rent and

miscellaneous charges of IT team.

Since it was not possible to continue with M/s. Agility for various reasons, Mr.

Mumtaz Haider Rizvi, the then Chairman, FBR decided in September, 2011 to introduce

WeBOC. He posted me as Project Director, WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) system and

asked to take full responsibility for immediate and speedy development and roll out of

WeBOC system of automated clearance of import & export cargo so that the sudden closure

of PaCCS might not hamper the clearance of cargo. A PRAL team initially developed some

modules and introduced as pilot project at Port Qasim but the system introduced was not up

to the mark and the traders / clearing agents were highly critical and dissatisfied with this

system and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

It was in these trying circumstances that I had been posted as Project Director WeBOC

(Web Based One Customs) system by the Federal Board of Revenue and the task given to me

was to speedily develop the system as a replacement to erstwhile PaCCS software. It was a

gigantic task to improve upon the already existing crude structure and to develop a number of

modules and functionalities to bring 80%-90% GD’s in WeBOC system from One Custom.

The WeBOC development team rose to the occasion and by sheer dedication, commitment

and hard work succeeded in developing indigenous software for automated clearance of import

& export cargo within six (06) months. This software is more comprehensive and provides

end-to-end solution to the problems related to the clearance of goods with a risk management

system operating at the back end. On FBR’s instructions, the WeBOC was rolled out at PICT

on 16th December, 2011 and then at KICT on 7th January, 2012 bringing an end to the era of

Agility’s software PaCCS. Later, it had been rolled out throughout the country and is now

successfully working.

W

Preface

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When WeBOC was started my phone used to ring from morning till late night. The

callers wanted to redress their problems immediately. Mr. Saifullah Khan, President, Pakistan

Customs Agents Association used to say that two tragedies took place on 16th December; one,

Pakistan’s East Wing (East Pakistan) was lost and Bangladesh was created and two, WeBOC

software was launched by Pakistan Customs.

Keeping in view the difficulties faced by the users of WeBOC system, I decided to

write two books: one for the guidance of external users and the other for the internal users i.e.

officers of / officials of customs. The second book meant for internal users is near completion.

However it will not be sold in open market or to any other person except the officers / officials

of Pakistan Customs Service.

The first book written for external users will be highly beneficial to any person well

conversant with computer to perform the required task / function by following the guidelines

contained in the book. I have explained in this book each and every step for beginners on the

pattern of guides for “dummies” or “idiots”. Those who are well aware about procedures of

Pakistan Customs might be irritated with minute details but they will have to bear with it.

The book is divided into five sections. In first section, brief history of automation of

Pakistan Customs and difficulties and problems faced by the WeBOC development team has

been narrated. Section – II relates to Imports. It gives detailed procedure of Registration for

all stakeholders in WeBOC system. Other chapters of this section are meant for familiarization

with WeBOC interface, plan your imports etc. Section – III is about filing of import goods

declaration. Every step involved in GD filing has been supported with screen shots. Instead of

following the menu strictly, I have followed the sequence and steps required for filing of a

normal GD. It also includes Warehousing, Transit, Inter-port movement, Transshipment (TP)

etc. A separate chapter in this section has been included which gives detail of other procedures

like request for examination before filing of GD, bulk, vehicles, GD’s at dry ports,

amendments and cancellation of GD etc. Another chapter in the same section deals with

exemptions and benefit of quota like DTRE, Form “S”, EDB etc. Next two chapters deal with

review filing, show cause notice, refund, payment and management of securities.

Section –IV dilates upon procedure regarding Exports including planning of exports,

export GD filing, rebate claim, dray off etc. Section – V deals with other stakeholders. A full

chapter is dedicated to carrier declaration system for shipping lines / shipping agents, airlines,

truck owners etc. Other chapters in this section are devoted to bonded carriers, terminal

operators (sea, dry port, GHAs, off docks), warehouse keepers and role of Banks in WeBOC.

Section VI relates to Motor Registration Authority, Engineering Development Board (how to

upload quota) and Ministry of Commerce, Afghanistan (for Registration of Afghan Traders in

WeBOC).

WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) is a fully integrated indigenous Pakistan Customs

Computerized Clearance System and is a product of International Standing due to dedication

and devotion of the development team. As against previous system (One Customs), WeBOC

is a completely paperless computer system and it has eliminated the need of presence of traders

/ clearing agents by simplifying procedures which in turn had reduced the dwell time

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substantially resulting in reduced cost of doing business. WeBOC now has approximately

45,000 registered external users. 30-33% Goods Declarations are processed in Green Channel.

Physical examination has been reduced from 100% in old system to 35-40%.

The system reduced misuse of exemptions / concessions especially that of withholding

tax where fake certificates were detected in old system. Uniform valuation of goods was also

observed as data was available to all field formations on a click.

No eyebrow had been raised about the system on any account during my tenure of

posting as Project Director, not to talk of serious allegations. After two and half years of my

posting as Project Director, WeBOC proved itself a success story in the field of automation of

Pakistan Customs Service.

In the end I would like to thank all those customs and IT officers who worked with

me day and night with devotion and dedication to roll out WeBOC in all Collectorates. I cannot

mention all names. I can recollect some names at this stage, which deserve great appreciation

like Nazia Saleem Bhinder (DC), Naveed Abbas Memon (DC), Azhar Hussain Merchant

(ADC), Shehnaz Maqbool (Now Collector), Daud Pirzado (DC), Mona Baloch (DC) etc. Mr.

Junaid Memon (now ADC) worked on Risk Management System. Thanks particularly to Mr.

Aftab Haider (ADC) a hardworking, positive, intelligent and highly competent officer, who

contributed a lot towards development of WeBOC.

My special thanks to Mr. Azeem Afzal, Senior Manager PRAL who was instrumental

in development of the software. Thanks to Business Analysts Omer Bin Ahsan, Khuzaim Niazi

and Sohaib Khan (all left PRAL). Mr. Arshad Hussain, Senior Manger Operations contributed

towards training of all stake holders across Pakistan and trouble shooting.

I do hope that this book will prove highly beneficial to the users of WeBOC system

for understanding and making use of the system. The readers of this book are requested to give

their feedback for its further improvement.

(Syed Tanvir Ahmad)

syedtanvirahmad@yahoo.com Cell: +92-300-825-4446

Messages

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Messages It is a pleasure for me to introduce Syed Tanvir Ahmad’s Book on

WeBOC as technology and economy are the two symbiotic partners in today’s world. The path to success in the use of information technology is

getting steeper and steeper every year. The information technology is a huge curriculum and it is difficult to comprehend a huge system like WeBOC and completely understand by various stake holders to use it easily

and effectively. This is precisely where the author’s book on WeBOC comes in.

Syed Tanvir Ahmed was not only instrumental in developing this

system but was also responsible for its roll out in all the Customs

Collectorates and imparting training to all stake holders.

This is the first effort in more than three years of the launching of WeBOC, where all details of WeBOC system and technical guidance for stake holders is penned down into a comprehensible book. The author has

done a great service to Pakistan Customs Service by not only developing an indigenous automated clearance system but also by writing a book on

the subject which provides complete guidance to Pakistan Customs officers and other stakeholders to understand the operation of the system.

This book deals with day-to-day problems which the user of WeBOC system faces in the performance of their duties. Starting from registration

and covering complete algorithm of operation of the system up to clearance of cargo. The user picks up each step easily as these have been explained with screenshots. The book will go a long way in providing

practical guidance to all stakeholders of WeBOC. The book aims at making FBR a modern efficient and dynamic organization by the use of modern

computer system. In the end, I extend my felicitation to Syed Tanvir Ahmad, Director,

Pakistan Customs on taking this painstaking step of writing a book on WeBOC system for the benefit of all users of the system.

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Mr. Nisar Muhammad Khan, Member (Customs), FBR

It is a matter of great privilege for me to watch the evolution of

indigenous web based customs clearance system. Slowly, but gradually, the

WeBOC computer system acquires characteristics which give it peculiar and

distinct identity.

Syed Tanvir Ahmed’s Book on WeBOC system is a commendable effort

which will help the users of the system in understanding the WeBOC system of

customs clearance. I am impressed with his work and greatly appreciate the

efforts made by the author while writing this book with great clarity. It is an

apt reminder to look into the practical side of daily challenges faced during the

clearance of export & import cargo in an automated environment. WeBOC is one

of the most modern and efficient indigenously developed system of clearance of

goods. Through this system, the import and export cargo is cleared with minimum

physical interaction between tax payers and tax collectors. So the system aims

at creating a paperless environment besides curtailing the role of middlemen to

ensure transparency and clearance of goods at a faster pace.

This guide on the working of WeBOC system focuses on those areas which

have not been touched upon before. I do hope that this book will be highly

beneficial to all stake holders of WeBOC system such as customs officers,

importers, exporters, clearing agents, bonded carriers, warehouse keepers,

banks, terminal operators etc. This book is comprehensive but simplified guide,

which can be readily referred to by all the stake holders on daily basis.

The author has rendered tremendous service to the department first by

developing an indigenous automated system and now by coming up with an easy

guide for better understanding of the system. I wish him all success.

(Nisar Muhammad Khan)

Member (Customs) FBR

Islamabad

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Mr. Ghulam Ahmad, Director General, (Training & Research)

I congratulate Syed Tanvir Ahmad, for his latest endeavor in bringing out a comprehensive guide on WeBOC for the functionaries of the department, operators and users of the systems which will go a long way in understanding the scheme and logic of the WeBOC system in a sequential and structured manner rather than to learn it in a hard way through hit and trial.

This work provides us information and knowledge about the ingenuity of latent talent level in bringing about such a robust system catering to the needs of the department by providing an end to end solution to its users. The efforts of the project team as well as support and vision of the leadership of the Federal Board of Revenue is commendable because without it, it would not have been possible. I wish Syed Tanvir Ahmad the best and hope that he will continue to embark upon his literary pursuit in future and make us more knowledgeable on such breakthroughs.

Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Director General

Dte. General of Training & Research (Customs), Karachi

Mr. Nazim Saleem, Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement-South),

Karachi

It gives me immense pleasure to know about launching of the Book exclusively on the working of “Customs Computerized Clearance System (WeBOC)”. The system developed by IT Team of FBR has proven to be a complete success over a period of last three years and has been rolled out almost in the entire country. The Web-based One Customs (WeBOC) has an edge in certain areas over the erstwhile IT systems used in FBR. The system ensures speedy clearance of consignments, extends complete facilitation to the stakeholders, provides centralized database, promotes paperless operations and results in reduction of dwell time of clearance. The book will be an asset for the business community in general and Customs Agents in particular as, it has been written and arranged as a “USER’S GUIDE”. It is equally helpful for the Customs Officers also. I felicitate the author for taking this initiative. (Muhammad Nazim Saleem)

Chief Collector Customs (Enforcement-South), Karach

Messages

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