The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) welcomed the elimination of advance payments on Goods Declarations (GDs), a result of the organization’s efforts, effective from July 8, 2025. This was announced during a meeting at the Federation House between the FPCCI leadership and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) CEO, Mr. Syed Aftab Haider.
FPCCI President, Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, lauded the change, stating that the previous advance payment system contradicted international trade standards. The meeting focused on government efforts to modernize customs procedures through PSW, aligning them with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and best practices.
Mr. Sheikh emphasized the need for greater awareness among the business community about PSW’s functionality and advancements in digital customs procedures. He encouraged wider platform usage beyond pre-arrival GDs.
Senior Vice President, Mr. Suleman Chawla, explained PSW’s role in creating a central electronic system to streamline import, export, and transit trade, automating and simplifying operations.
FPCCI Vice President, Mr. Asif Sakhi, acknowledged the organization’s advocacy for ending advance payments on GDs.
Mr. Haider reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to trade system reforms, supporting trade facilitation and regional connectivity objectives. He mentioned PSW’s role in implementing the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Responding to FPCCI’s appeal, the PSW CEO confirmed the waiving of their Rs. 500 fee to encourage wider adoption. He informed that PSW currently integrates 22 government agencies, with 94,000 users and one million documents processed, aiming to soon connect all 77 relevant agencies.
FPCCI’s Advisory Council on Customs Chairman and PSW’s private sector representative, Mr. Khurram Ijaz, highlighted the initiative’s goals, including increased trade transparency, reduced costs and time, seamless trade finance, integrated declarations, real-time information exchange, paperless customs, and support for women-owned businesses, exports, and foreign direct investment.