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UNJLC PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE
CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
ADVISORY NOTICE
The Government of Pakistan has waived Customs duty and other taxes on goods imported for the relief operation for a period of three months. It is anticipated that the waiver will be extended after the initial three month period has elapsed.
To qualify for such exemption, a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) must be issued for each consignment. The Federal Relief Commission (FRC) has delegated the issuing of NOCs for International Organisations, NGOs and individuals to the Earthquake Relief Cell (ERC) within the Cabinet Division. For a copy of the application form, see the attachment at the bottom of this page.
The procedure for Humanitarian Agencies seeking an NOC is as follows;
The completed NOC application form (attached) plus a copy of passport or national identity card and legible copies of waybill/invoice/packing list should be taken to the NOC Cell in person for approval.
The ERC / NOC Cell has been established within the National Documentation Centre, Room 1001 (first floor) of the Cabinet Division, which is the left-hand (North) wing of the Presidential Building as seen when approaching along Jinnah Avenue. The vehicle entrance is on the North side of the complex.
The NOC Cell is expected to be open for business from 0800 to 2200 hours daily. Telephone (051) 920 1414, (051) 920 5164, Fax (051) 920 7635.
In the vast majority of cases, NOC's are issued 'while you wait', provided forms are correctly and fully completed and the requested supporting documentation accompanies the application. However, in a minority of cases delays have been experienced, as a result of which UNJLC has discussed ways of streamlining the system with both FRC and ERC.
Broadly speaking, the three principal reasons why applications might need closer scrutiny and hence be subject to delay are:
1. Goods not obviously directly intended for relief, eg items imported for the use of relief agencies rather than for relief itself. Such 'enabling' goods might include vehicles, radios, GPS's, IT equipment, cameras, construction tools etc. In cases of doubt, ERC will refer the application to another authority for specialist advice. FRC/ERC is unable to provide a comprehensive list, but offered the following examples:
a. Vehicles: Approval required from EE the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs Division. This exemption will only be issued for 6 months.
b. Telecommunication equipment and GPS's will be referred to FRC and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
c. Aircraft spares will be referred to 6 Sqn Pakistan Air Force.
d. Medical equipment: Ministry of Health approval also required.
Applicants can help themselves by identifying items which might not
immediately be seen as relief goods, and including in their application an explanation of how such items will be used within the relief operation and any technical information if available. A few minutes spent preparing such a statement to be attached to the NOC application might save several hours or even days delay later. Similarly, wherever possible, it would be helpful if those carrying a potentially difficult application were capable of explaining how the items to be imported would contribute to the relief operation, and be able to answer questions.
2. Goods appearing to be for reconstruction rather than relief. The existing
waiver of tax and duty applies to items for the relief operation only, not reconstruction. Items not clearly and obviously for relief purposes might be considered to be for reconstruction, and therefore liable for import duty and tax. Applicants can help themselves by clearly stating that the goods are for relief purposes, if necessary attaching a detailed justification to that effect.
3. Goods of Indian origin - even if coming via a third country. Notwithstanding political statements to the contrary, the importation of such goods will always be sensitive. Our best advice is to avoid sourcing materials in India if at all possible. When it is unavoidable, delays are to be expected. Again, applicants can help themselves by attaching a statement justifying why the material can only be sourced in India.
Agencies or NGOs experiencing undue delays or other problems obtaining NOCs may seek advice and assistance from UNJLC. Requests for assistance, together with copies of the relevant documentation, should be forwarded to:
Kevin Molen
Logistics Officer
UNJLC
House 10A, Street 2. F8/3
Islamabad
Ph: 0300 8564208
Email: kevin.molen@wfp.org