20000325

New import general

manifest rule notified

MUZAFFAR QURESHI

KARACHI: The Collectorate of Customs (Appraisement) has announced procedure for filing of Import General Manifest (IGM) by the importers, which prohibits shipping agents to detain any consignment whether FCL (Full Container Load ) or LCL (Less Than Container Load) after 30 days under Section 82 of the Customs Act, 1969. In such cases, the shipping agents will submit particulars of such cargo lying uncleared at their yards to the concerned assistant collector (Wharf) for disposal through auction.

The new rules provide the Customs authorities will accept the IGM only when the vessel has berthed at a berth specifically allotted by the KPT authorities for the discharge of whole of cargo meant for the Karachi Port. No IGM will be accepted in case of berthing of vessel in emergency situations like sickness/death of persons on board or to obtain fuel/water for the vessel.

The IGM (required to be filed under the provisions of Section 43 of the Customs Act 1969), accompanied by letter of authority of KPT and Customs allowing berthing of vessels will be delivered at the IGM counter of the Import Section of Collectorate in the form of floppy diskettes as well as five hard copies duly stamped/signed by the shipping agent.

The new procedure provides that the request for filing of supplementary manifest and request for amendments in IGM will be made to the assistant collector (Imports) within seven days of the arrival of the vessel. The request should be supported by relevant documents.

The request for minor amendments like marks and numbers and container number and other typographical errors will have to be in accordance with the examination report endorsed on the reverse of the Bill of Entry. Major amendments such as change in consignee's name, address, destination, weight and number of packages, etc, will be entertained only if substantiated with the supporting documents to establish genuiness of the request.

Special Pass for Breakbulk Cargo: Request for special pass for breaking bulk will be received in the Import Section of the Collectorate at the IGM counter. The Customs officer receiving the request for special pass for breaking bulk will certify that the pass has been issued after allocation of berth to the vessel for the discharge of cargo.

The rules provide that any un-manifested cargo will not be discharged. Any pass issued for breaking bulk or acceptance of IGM without allocation of berth for the discharge of cargo is to be treated as invalid ab-initio.