FBR Revokes All Powers of Customs Intelligence and Investigations Directorate
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made a significant decision to rescind all Customs General Orders (CGOs) and related instructions or directions that pertain to the functions and jurisdiction of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs). This move marks a major restructuring of the Directorate’s role and responsibilities within Pakistan’s customs operations.
Revocation of Customs General Orders
FBR’s Decision
The FBR has exercised its authority under section 223 of the Customs Act, 1969, to rescind several key Customs General Orders. These include CGO No. 05 of 2012 dated March 27, 2012, and CGO No. 01 of 2015 dated May 28, 2015. The decision was formalized through a newly issued CGO by the FBR, effectively nullifying all previous instructions or directions concerning the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs).
Implications of the Rescission
This revocation means that all previous guidelines, functions, and jurisdictional directives provided to the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs) are now void. The FBR aims to redefine and streamline the roles and responsibilities of this Directorate to enhance efficiency and focus on more critical areas of customs operations.
New Structure and Functions of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs)
Organizational Layout
According to the new notification issued by the FBR, the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs) will now be headquartered in Islamabad. This central hub will include the office of the Director (Headquarters) and will oversee regional Directorates in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta. The Director General will report directly to the Member Customs (Operations) at the FBR, Islamabad.
Leadership and Staffing
Each regional Directorate will be led by Directors and supported by a team comprising Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Principal Appraisers, Superintendents, Appraising Officers, and Intelligence Officers. These positions will be filled by officials with the necessary expertise and experience to carry out the Directorate’s new mandates effectively.
Core Responsibilities of the Directorate
Intelligence Gathering and Analysis
The redefined Directorate will focus on gathering and collecting intelligence related to the evasion of duties or taxes connected to imports, exports, and concessionary schemes. This information will be shared with the FBR and relevant field formations through intelligence alerts.
Combatting Smuggling
A significant responsibility of the Directorate will be to gather intelligence on smuggling activities. This includes identifying trends, methods, beneficiaries, and facilitators of smuggling operations. The intelligence gathered will also be communicated to the FBR and concerned field formations to combat these illegal activities effectively.
Data Analytics and Machine Learning
The Directorate will employ advanced data analytics, data mining, and machine learning techniques to analyze trade data. This will help in identifying patterns of organized duty or tax fraud. The insights gained from this analysis will be used to inform the FBR and relevant field formations.
Conducting Operations
The Directorate will conduct human intelligence operations using non-intrusive and clandestine methods. These targeted operations will be authorized by the Member Customs (Operations) and will focus on specific instances of duty or tax fraud.
Authority Under Customs Act and AML Act
Section 26 of the Customs Act
The powers granted under section 26 of the Customs Act, 1969, will now be exclusively exercised in cases related to offences under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. These powers will only be utilized by the Director General of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs).
Anti-Money Laundering Functions
The Directorate will also carry out functions related to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. This includes liaising with international agencies, coordinating with other national agencies, and working closely with the National Targeting Centre to combat money laundering activities.
Enhanced Liaison and Cooperation
International and National Cooperation
The Directorate will strengthen its liaison with international agencies to ensure effective cross-border cooperation in customs intelligence and investigations. Additionally, it will enhance its collaboration with other national agencies to streamline efforts in combating customs-related offences.
Conclusion
The FBR’s decision to rescind all previous Customs General Orders and redefine the role of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs) marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s customs operations. By focusing on advanced data analytics, intelligence gathering, and enhanced cooperation, the Directorate aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in combating customs-related offences.
FAQs
1. What are the main changes made by the FBR regarding the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs)?
The FBR has rescinded all previous Customs General Orders and instructions related to the Directorate’s functions and jurisdiction. The Directorate’s role has been redefined to focus on intelligence gathering, data analysis, and combating smuggling and tax evasion.
2. Where will the new headquarters of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs) be located?
The new headquarters will be based in Islamabad, with regional Directorates in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta.
3. What advanced techniques will the Directorate use for trade data analysis?
The Directorate will utilize advanced data analytics, data mining, and machine learning techniques to analyze trade data and identify patterns of organized duty or tax fraud.
4. Who will the Director General of the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigations (Customs) report to?
The Director General will report directly to the Member Customs (Operations) at the FBR, Islamabad.
5. What specific powers will the Directorate have under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010?
The Directorate will exercise powers under section 26 of the Customs Act, 1969, exclusively in cases related to offences under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, and will liaise with international and national agencies to combat money laundering activities.
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