ISLMABAD: Pakistan happens to be the first country in the world introducing taxpayer information on mobile phones from January 1, 2006.

Negotiations with a cellular phone company are in the conclusive stage for installing such a system helping instant information to taxpayers on their imports cleared through the CARE mechanism of Pakistan Customs.

Nowhere else is this facility available to taxpayers and the company that is coordinating with Pakistan Customs would next week conclude a deal for the renting and passing-on charges. High officials handling CARE in Karachi told The News that more than 70 percent of importing taxpayers would be enjoying this facility from February 2006, while about 30 percent would be getting it in January.

To avail of this facility, they would only have to provide CARE mechanism to their mobile phone numbers so that the information is instantly passed on, electronically, on the status of their imports, the valuation, assessment of taxes and duties and on shortcomings or mis-declarations etc.

The CARE mechanism operates for declarations through an electronic system called PACCS and the facility is presently available to only 30 percent of total importers. This facility would be extended to almost 75 percent in January 2006, and the PACCS would be operating on instant information instruments.

All processes of PACCS have been designed to ensure that the trade does not incur any un-receipted expense in clearance of the cargo. Every step of Customs clearance is documented and it is ensured that the tax collectors do not come into contact with the taxpayers thus eliminating any chances of foul play. A transparent system gives Customs officials greater confidence in performance of their duties since they are protected against fictitious allegations of wrongdoing.

Under PACCS the Goods Declaration (Shipping Bill) is in itself a request for rebate. Form-Es are not required to be presented to Customs, instead Form-E number is entered as part of GD. For sanction of rebate claims you are not required to await Bank Credit Advices (BCA).

In order to obtain rebates all you have to do is file a Goods Declaration to Customs, your due rebate will be computed and sanctioned to you with the sailing of the vessel. Requirements for filing a separate rebate claim and calculation sheet on receipt of BCA are no longer valid.

The process of assessment under PACCS is basically different from the present assessment process. Under PACCS all goods declarations are subjected to a risk management system. Only those declarations, which are deemed risky, are allotted to Customs officials for assessment.

The outcome of the assessment process is communicated online to the principal and in case of declaration through an agent, online to the agent as well. There could be numerous outcomes to the assessment process, Customs may require additional information, need to verify certain documents, question value, HS code etc.

Based on feedback provided by importers the assessment is completed by Customs and presently the importer is informed online. Now the information would also be available on mobile phones.
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