Pakistan Single Window

Last updated
Pakistan Single Window
AbbreviationPSW
Founder Pakistan Customs
Founded at Pakistan
TypeGovernment-led initiative
Website www.psw.gov.pk

The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) stands as a prominent undertaking spearheaded by Pakistan Customs. Its overarching objective is to diminish the time and expenses associated with conducting business by transitioning Pakistan's cross-border trade into a digital realm, thereby eliminating the need for paper-based manual procedures.

Contents

The PSW represents a tangible implementation of trade facilitation principles aimed at mitigating procedural hurdles. It enables international traders engaged in cross-border commerce to submit their information to a single agency instead of navigating the complexities of dealing with multiple agencies spread across various locations. This streamlined approach simplifies the acquisition of essential documents, permits, and clearances necessary for the completion of import or export procedures. [1]

Background

In alignment with its trade facilitation and regional connectivity goals, Pakistan is modernizing, enhancing, and automating its system to align with the concurrent investments being made in its cross-border trade infrastructure. Pakistan has officially endorsed the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Trade Facilitation on 27 October 2015. Consequently, it has made a 'Category C' commitment under Article 10.4 of this agreement, which involves the establishment of a trade-related National Single Window (NSW). The implementation timeline for this commitment spans five years, commencing on 22 February 2017. [2]

Integration with Government Departments

A major accomplishment for the PSW has been reached as it successfully incorporated its digital services with four crucial government departments during its Phase-II deployment. This integration involves the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), the Ministry of Narcotics Control (MNC), and a partial connection with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). This collaborative effort empowers these government bodies to expedite the issuance of certificates, licenses, and permissions to cross-border traders through electronic channels. [3]

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has enforced a compulsory requirement for all government agencies that are integrated with the PSW system to adopt Post Clearance Audit (PCA) procedures. This measure is taken to ensure strict adherence to customs and other trade-related laws and regulations. [4] [5]

The PSW has introduced a new service aimed at simplifying the import and clearance processes for pesticides. As an integral component of this service, the PSW has implemented a unified registration system, facilitating the electronic registration of pesticide products and premises with the Department for Plant Protection. [6]

As of 3 May 2023, the PSW has expanded its operations to encompass all dry ports across Pakistan, excluding Quetta. This expansion is undertaken with the primary goal of enhancing and streamlining the nation's cross-border trade operations. [7]

Through a cooperative effort with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the PSW has achieved the successful integration of the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) and Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) into its network of digitally interconnected entities. [8]

Interface for GCC Investors

The Pakistan government has established a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) with the aim of serving as a "single-window" interface to facilitate potential investors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. [9]

Future Developments

The PSW is steadfast in its efforts to incorporate additional government agencies as part of its gradual rollout strategy. After the successful integration of these departments falling under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the subsequent phase will involve the implementation of the Port Community System, a system devised by PSW in collaboration with all maritime stakeholders, including the Ministry and international experts. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karachi Port Trust</span> Government organization

The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) (Urdu: ادارہِ تولیتِ بندرگاہ کراچی) is a Pakistani federal government agency, under the administrative control of the Federal Maritime Secretary that oversees the operations of the Port of Karachi, one of South Asia's largest and busiest deep-water seaports which handles over 90% of the nation's foreign trade. The agency is headquartered at the colonial-era Karachi Port Trust Building.

A freight forwarder or forwarding agent is a person or a company who co-ordinates and organizes the movement of shipments on behalf of a shipper by liaising with carriers. The carriers may use a variety of shipping modes, including ships, airplanes, trucks, and railroads, and often use multiple modes for a single shipment. A freight forwarder does not move the goods but acts as an agent in the logistics network and will carry out freight consolidation, rate negotiations, shipment tracking, customs and other documentation, among other tasks. FIATA describes a freight forwarder as the "Architect of transport".

The single-window system or single-window concept is a trade facilitation concept which allows an international (cross-border) trader to submit information to a single agency, rather than having to deal with multiple agencies in multiple locations to obtain the necessary papers, permits, and clearances to complete their import or export processes. There is an obvious time saving benefit to the single window system. The concept is recognised by organisations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and its Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), World Customs Organization (WCO), the United Nations Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Federal Board of Revenue</span> Division of the Government of Pakistan

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) (Urdu: وفاقی بورڈ محصولات), formerly known as Central Board of Revenue (CBR), is a federal law enforcement agency of Pakistan that investigates tax crimes, suspicious accumulation of wealth, money-laundering make regulation of collection of tax. FBR operates through Inspectors-IR that keep tax evaders under surveillance, assess taxable incomes and perform special tasks for FBR Headquarters. FBR performs role of collection of taxation in the country from all individuals and businesses.

The Ministry of Defence, is an executive ministry of the federal Government of Pakistan, tasked in defending national interests and territorial integrity of Pakistan. The MoD oversees mission execution of its policies and supervises all agencies of the government directly related to the national security and the Pakistan Armed Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pakistan Maritime Security Agency</span> Law Enforcement Agency

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is a branch of the Pakistan Navy. It is a Navy-managed and Navy-controlled law enforcement agency whose mission is to provide protection to the Pakistan's maritime interests and enforcement of maritime law with jurisdiction over the domestic and international waters of Pakistan including the exclusive economic zone. Pakistan Maritime security agency should not be confused with Pakistan Coast Guards which is security force under Pakistan Army.

Taxation in Pakistan refers to the system of taxes imposed by the government on individuals and businesses operating within Pakistan. The taxation framework in Pakistan is a critical component of the country’s economic structure, designed to generate revenue for the government, redistribute wealth, and fund public services. Taxation in Pakistan is a complex system of more than 70 unique taxes administered by at least 37 agencies of the Government of Pakistan. According to the FBR, in 2021, the number of registered tax filers had grown to 7.1 million out of which only 2.5 million were active tax filers. As of November 1, 2024 number of Active Taxpayers reached to 5,365,939.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (abbreviated as MoIB) is a Cabinet-level ministry of Government of Pakistan, responsible to release government information, media galleries, public domain and government unclassified non-scientific data to the public and international communities. The MoIB has jurisdiction for administrating the rules and regulations and laws relating to information, broadcasting and the press media in Pakistan.

Information technology (IT) in Pakistan is a thriving industry with significant potential for growth. The Ministry of Information Technology oversees its development. Despite financial crises, the IT sector has consistently demonstrated economic success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sagar Mala project</span> Indian shipping infrastructure project

The Sagarmala Programme is an initiative by the Government of India to enhance the performance of the country's logistics sector. The programme envisages unlocking the potential of waterways and the coastline to minimize infrastructural investments required to meet these targets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rabiya Javeri Agha</span> British Pakistani journalist and civil servant (born 1963)

Rabiya Javeri Agha is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in Pakistan, and a retired civil servant officer who served in the Government of Pakistan in BPS-22 grade as Federal Secretary. She was the first unanimously elected female President of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) Officers Association, and she has had an extensive career ranging from human rights, women's development, sustainable tourism, energy, finance and trade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercantile Marine Department</span>

Mercantile Marine Department, Pakistan is an attached department of Ports and Shipping Wing, Karachi under the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Government of Pakistan. The department was established in 1930 under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1923, which was repealed and replaced with Merchant Shipping Ordinance No. L II of 2001 in 2001. The department is headed by the Principal Officer who is also Registrar of Ships and Superintendent of Light Houses in Pakistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bahria Foundation</span> Pakistani conglomerates company

Bahria Foundation is a Pakistani conglomerate company based in Karachi, Pakistan. The business is run by the Pakistan Navy and was established for welfare of its employees in 1982.

Maritime anti-corruption initiatives have emerged in the last decades as a response to the growing threat of transnational corruption in the maritime domain, specifically in the shipping industry which is responsible for around 90% of world trade. In the past, paying bribes at ports to pass through customs was perceived as normal behavior, but such activities resulting in higher operational costs lead to increasingly stricter national and international anti-corruption regulations being put in place.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MG Motors Pakistan</span> Pakistani automobile manufacturer

MG JW Automobile Pakistan Pvt Ltd operating as MG Motors Pakistan is a Pakistani automobile manufacturer and joint venture between JW-SEZ Group and SAIC motors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KenTrade</span>

The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) is a state agency established by the National Government of Kenya designated with easing cross-border trade through the establishment, management, and implementation of the first National Electronic Single Window System in the Republic of Kenya.

The E-Safety Authority is a regulatory entity in Pakistan designed to oversee and control online content. The Federal Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, granted approval for the E-Safety Authority Bill on 26 July 2023.

The Inland Revenue Service (IRS) is a department of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan. It was established in 2009 and holds the responsibility for overseeing various aspects of domestic taxation, encompassing Sales Tax, Income Tax, and Federal Excise Duty.

The National Information Technology Board (NITB) is a government agency under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in Pakistan. It was established to improve communication and operational efficiency within government organizations.

Trade Dispute Resolution Organization (TDRO) is an attached department of the Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan. It was established as a platform to prevent the harmful effects of unresolved international trade disputes and the imbalance between strong and weak players can be reduced by settling their conflicts on the basis of rules.

References

  1. ↑ https://unctad.org/system/files/non-official-document/wto-technical-note_ch10a10-04_en.pdf
  2. ↑ "Pakistan Single Window". www.psw.gov.pk.
  3. ↑ Shahnawaz Akhter (2023-08-17). "Pakistan Single Window Integrates Digital Services with Government Departments". Pkrevenue.com. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
  4. ↑ "FBR Notifies Rules to Fully Implement Pakistan Single Window". 22 August 2023.
  5. ↑ "FBR makes mandatory govt agencies to integrate with PSW system". 21 August 2023.
  6. ↑ Web Desk Daily Pakistan Global Web Desk (22 May 2023). "Pesticide imports to be facilitated through Pakistan Single Window". En.dailypakistan.com.pk. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
  7. ↑ https://propakistani.pk/2023/05/16/pakistan-single-window-begins-goods-clearance-at-dry-ports/
  8. ↑ Web Desk Daily Pakistan Global Web Desk (19 June 2023). "PSW and Ministry of Maritime Affairs to Reinforce Trade Via Digital Integration". En.dailypakistan.com.pk. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
  9. ↑ "Finally, a single window interface in Pakistan for GCC investors - Shazia Anwer Cheema". QOSHE. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
  10. ↑ Web Desk Daily Pakistan Global Web Desk (19 June 2023). "PSW and Ministry of Maritime Affairs to Reinforce Trade Via Digital Integration". En.dailypakistan.com.pk. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.