LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Stakeholders, representatives of various business sectors, and the customs clearing agents association convened at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on 13 November 2026 to demand a more transparent and fair customs valuation system. Participants underscored the urgent need for a regulatory framework aligned with ground realities, citing concerns over inconsistent valuation of imported goods, procedural delays, and the high cost of doing business. The session was chaired by LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar and attended by Saima Aftab, Director of the Directorate General of Customs Valuation (DGCV), Lahore, alongside various industry leaders.

Addressing Challenges in Customs Valuation Processes

Business leaders and officials engaged in a dialogue to resolve systemic issues affecting trade. Stakeholders criticized the reliance on internet listings rather than authentic international trade data, which they argued leads to unrealistic valuation. LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar emphasized that transparency and consistency must be the cornerstones of valuation, noting that unnecessary delays in customs clearance significantly impede economic activity. He also advocated for effective consultation with industry representatives before implementing any changes to valuation protocols. LCCI Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani warned that unrealistic valuation increases duties and taxes, which adversely impacts both local industries and exports. He stressed that technical specifications, such as steel grades and product composition, must be accurately assessed to avoid placing undue burdens on industrialists.

Uniformity and Local Accessibility in Trade Procedures

Addressing the participants, Saima Aftab, Director of the Directorate General of Customs Valuation (DGCV), stated that maintaining a balance between the interests of commercial importers and local manufacturers is essential. She expressed her commitment to an ongoing consultation process to ensure balanced decision-making. The business community, including representatives from the All Pakistan Customs Clearing Agents Association (APCCAA), further highlighted the regional disparity in administrative access. Many Punjab-based traders currently face the inconvenience of traveling to Karachi to resolve import-related procedural issues. They called for improved, localized facilities in Lahore to minimize the loss of time and resources. As the government continues its broader efforts to streamline trade, experts are also monitoring developments in Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Reviews PNSC Global Standard Restructuring to improve national logistics. Stakeholders also pointed to the need for unified criteria to prevent varying valuation rates for identical products, suggesting that historical import records and authentic data from exporting countries should guide assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are LCCI members concerned about current customs valuation practices?

The business community is concerned that valuations are often based on unreliable internet pricing or retail data, leading to inconsistent assessments that increase tax burdens and operational costs.

What specific demands were made by the stakeholders in Lahore?

Stakeholders called for a transparent, uniform valuation system, the inclusion of authentic trade data in assessments, and the establishment of improved facilities in Lahore to prevent the need for traders to travel to Karachi for procedures.