Govt for continuing PSI measures
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The government is in favour of continuing with the Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) companies, although it admitted that there are widespread allegations of various irregularities, reports UNB.
Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam in his budget speech proposed to continue with this arrangement through fresh appointments under a revised policy guideline for a limited period.
"This system shall be withdrawn as soon as the automation process and appointment of officers are completed," Aziz said.
He said Customs Department has currently inadequacy both in terms of infrastructural and human resources capacity, including acute shortage of officers and staff.
"Against this backdrop, lifting of PSI system may cause complications in the customs assessment process."
Currently, the mandatory PSI system is operational on most of the importable items.
This was introduced with a view to ensuring faster clearance of imported cargo and preventing revenue pilferage. The tenure of the contract of service with the existing PSI agencies will come to an end on August this year.
"There are widespread allegations of various malpractices of the PSI agencies and the government is fully aware of them. The activities of the PSI agencies are being monitored very closely and stern actions are being taken, including termination of contract, whenever any case of misconduct is detected. These measures shall continue," he said.
He also said the PSI system is not a permanent arrangement. In view of the existing reality, this system was introduced as a temporary measure to facilitate trade.
Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam in his budget speech proposed to continue with this arrangement through fresh appointments under a revised policy guideline for a limited period.
"This system shall be withdrawn as soon as the automation process and appointment of officers are completed," Aziz said.
He said Customs Department has currently inadequacy both in terms of infrastructural and human resources capacity, including acute shortage of officers and staff.
"Against this backdrop, lifting of PSI system may cause complications in the customs assessment process."
Currently, the mandatory PSI system is operational on most of the importable items.
This was introduced with a view to ensuring faster clearance of imported cargo and preventing revenue pilferage. The tenure of the contract of service with the existing PSI agencies will come to an end on August this year.
"There are widespread allegations of various malpractices of the PSI agencies and the government is fully aware of them. The activities of the PSI agencies are being monitored very closely and stern actions are being taken, including termination of contract, whenever any case of misconduct is detected. These measures shall continue," he said.
He also said the PSI system is not a permanent arrangement. In view of the existing reality, this system was introduced as a temporary measure to facilitate trade.