Customs issues steps to facilitate salt exports and address packaging concerns

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs Export Collectorate has issued directions aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted export of salt consignments, with an emphasis on proper and high-standard packaging.

The directives were issued during a meeting between Collector Customs Export Rizwan Mahmood and representatives of the Salt Manufacturers Association, led by its founding chairman Ismail Sattar. According to the details shared from the meeting, exporters and customs officials agreed on practical measures to tackle longstanding problems that have affected the standing of Pakistan’s salt industry in international markets.

A key issue discussed was damage to packaging reported when consignments reached overseas destinations. Representatives of the association told customs authorities that foreign buyers had raised concerns over shipments arriving with damaged packaging. They said the problem was mainly linked to poor re-sealing of containers after customs inspections at ports.

Association Chairperson Saima Akhtar, Senior Vice Chairman Asim Yaqoob Paracha and member Zohaib Akhtar presented these concerns to customs officials during the meeting. In response, customs authorities acknowledged the issue and decided that the matter of damaged packaging on arrival abroad would be addressed immediately.

Officials also directed that exporters should stop filing shipments under general trade codes. The move is intended to avoid unnecessary and repeated examinations of export consignments, which officials said had contributed to delays and operational complications.

During the meeting, customs officials explained that repeated inspections were also being triggered by the submission of export declarations under incorrect HS codes. Deputy Collector Usman Hameed Butt and Assistant Collector Asma Sikandar clarified that wrong HS code declarations were a major reason behind repeated inspections.

Customs authorities said the steps discussed at the meeting were intended to streamline the export process and reduce disruptions faced by salt exporters. The participants agreed on concrete measures to resolve the issues that have persisted for some time and have had an impact on the sector’s reputation in the global market.

Issues identified during meeting

The meeting focused on two main concerns raised by exporters: damage to packaging after inspections and repeated examination of consignments. Exporters linked the packaging issue to improper re-sealing of containers at ports, while customs officials pointed to incorrect HS code declarations as a major cause of repeated checks.

With both sides agreeing on corrective steps, the directives issued by the Pakistan Customs Export Collectorate are aimed at facilitating smoother movement of salt consignments and addressing concerns raised by foreign buyers regarding the condition of shipments on arrival.