Faceless Customs Assessment in Pakistan: Clearance Times, Online Review Hearings and Classification Appeals for Importers (2026)
FBR says Faceless Customs Assessment stays, with clearance down to 20.57 hours. See the proposed timelines, online reviews and new classification appeals.
Faceless Customs Assessment stays. FBR said on 29 October 2026 that moving the Central Appraising Unit to Islamabad will not be reversed, that average clearance time has fallen from 40.2 hours to 20.57 hours, and that 83 per cent of consignments now clear within 48 hours. Examination and port work stay in Karachi. Only the assessment desk moves.
For importers and clearing agents, that means your goods declaration is assessed by an officer you never meet, and disputes go through WeBOC. We read FBR's 29 October press release and three related customs orders on 1 November 2026. Here is what changes for you and how to push a stuck consignment.
Only the assessment function moves to Islamabad
FBR's statement is clear on the split. The Central Appraising Unit, which checks classification and value, moves to Islamabad. Physical examination and port operations stay at Karachi. Traders still go to their Karachi collectorate to resolve issues on the ground.
| Function | Where it sits now |
|---|---|
| Assessment of the goods declaration | Central Appraising Unit, Islamabad |
| Physical examination of cargo | Karachi ports |
| Port operations | Karachi ports |
| Other collectorate functions | Collectorate of jurisdiction |
| Issue resolution for traders | Your Karachi collectorate |
FBR also said valuation is still governed by section 25 of the Customs Act 1969. Digital assessment does not allow officers to raise declared values at will. They must follow the set valuation methods and record reasons where required. If your value is raised, that is the point to challenge, as explained in the review petition against a valuation ruling.
FBR has proposed clearance timelines for each stage
FBR listed proposed service timelines with automatic escalation: 24 hours for assessment and first review, 48 hours for second review, 24 hours for examination after the goods are grounded, and 72 hours for laboratory results. These are proposals, not yet binding rules.
| Stage | Proposed time limit |
|---|---|
| Assessment and first review | 24 hours |
| Second review | 48 hours |
| Examination after grounding | 24 hours |
| Laboratory results | 72 hours |
FBR also promised a backlog arrangement for export facilitation scheme and export-oriented consignments, and green channel treatment for Authorised Economic Operators and compliant importers. Provisional release under section 81 of the Customs Act will be allowed wherever the law permits, which helps when a dispute would otherwise hold the cargo.
Review hearings are held online through WeBOC
Rule 441 of the Customs Rules 2001 lets an importer or agent ask for a review when they disagree with the assessment. Under Customs General Order No. 06 of 2025, every second review hearing before an Assistant or Deputy Collector is virtual.
- File the goods declaration on WeBOC, ideally before the vessel arrives.
- If you disagree with the assessment, file a review with your remarks.
- For a second review, the Assistant or Deputy Collector reads your remarks first.
- If more is needed, the hearing is held online in WeBOC.
- Ask the Additional Collector for a physical hearing only if you must show samples.
A physical hearing is allowed case by case, for example to present samples. Write your review remarks fully, because the officer reads them before deciding whether a hearing is needed at all. If the review fails, the next step is an appeal, covered in appealing to the Collector (Appeals) within 30 days.
Classification disputes get a new FBR appeal and shorter deadlines
Customs General Order No. 07 of 2026, dated 27 October 2026, changes how classification disputes are settled. Anyone unhappy with a classification decision can appeal to FBR within 30 days of the public notice. From 1 January 2027, provisionally assessed cases get 90 days.
The order amends Customs General Order No. 12 of 2002. The existing 120-day timeline stays for other cases, and the 90-day limit applies to goods provisionally assessed under section 81. The appeal to FBR is made under Rule 2 of the General Rules for Interpretation of the First Schedule to the Customs Act.
Filing before the vessel arrives cuts dwell time and demurrage
FBR asked trade bodies to tell members to file goods declarations before the vessel arrives. Advance filing lets eligible consignments be assessed and cleared earlier, which reduces port dwell time and demurrage. A separate draft rule would also tighten the deadline for the vessel's report.
That draft, SRO 1913(I)/2026 of 27 October 2026, proposes that the system confirm the VIR 72 hours before the vessel's expected arrival, instead of 18 hours under rule 402. Filing less than 72 hours ahead would bring a fine of Rs 500,000, with the vessel allowed to berth 72 hours after the VIR is confirmed. FBR invited objections within seven days of Gazette publication, so this is not yet in force. If your cargo is already stuck, see how to contest an overstayed cargo penalty.
Common questions
Is Faceless Customs Assessment being reversed?
No. FBR said on 29 October 2026 that relocating the Central Appraising Unit to Islamabad is the next phase and is not subject to reversal.
Do I need to go to Islamabad for my goods?
No. Only assessment moves. Examination and port operations stay in Karachi, and you can approach your Karachi collectorate for issues.
How long does customs clearance take now?
FBR says average clearance time fell from 40.2 hours to 20.57 hours, and 83 per cent of consignments clear within 48 hours.
Can I attend my review hearing in person?
Review hearings are virtual under CGO 06 of 2025. The Additional Collector can allow a physical hearing case by case, such as to show samples.
How long do I have to appeal a classification decision?
Thirty days from the public notice, to FBR, under the new paragraph added by CGO 07 of 2026.
How do I report a delayed consignment to FBR?
FBR invited trade bodies to submit specific cases with goods declaration numbers. Raise it through your association with the GD number and dates.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked 1 November 2026. We read FBR's press release of 29 October 2026, Customs General Order No. 07 of 2026, Customs General Order No. 06 of 2025 and draft SRO 1913(I)/2026, all on FBR's website, on 1 November 2026. The timelines in the press release are described by FBR as proposed. The draft SRO is not in force. We did not file a goods declaration or attend a hearing.
About the author
Global Affairs & Political Economy Writer
Muhammad Hatim is a book lover who started writing because he enjoys it. At Pakistan Era he writes about international relations, geopolitics and the global economy, with a particular interest in South Asia and the forces behind current events.
