Islamabad – September 15, 2025:The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has strongly rebutted media reports alleging a revenue loss of Rs.100 billion due to the introduction of the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system. Addressing a detailed media briefing in Islamabad, Chairman FBR, accompanied by senior customs officials, clarified that the claims were based on a misinterpretation of a preliminary audit report from the Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit (PCA).
The Chairman explained that FCA, launched in December 2024, was designed to enhance transparency and curb collusion between traders and customs officials. Since its implementation, revenue collection has risen by nearly 30 percent, while contravention cases against non-compliant traders have increased fourfold.
Rejecting allegations regarding clearance of luxury vehicles at undervalued rates, FBR presented documentary evidence showing that duties and taxes were assessed strictly as per notified valuation tables. For instance, contrary to claims of clearance at Rs.17,800, a Toyota Land Cruiser was assessed at Rs.10.05 million with duties and taxes of Rs.47.2 million duly collected. FBR further clarified that restricted goods were only cleared after compliance with all regulatory requirements under the import policy order.
On the issue of dwell time, the Chairman noted that minor delays were mainly linked to port congestion and procedural bottlenecks, not to the FCA system itself.
He also criticized the premature media reporting of preliminary and, in some cases, factually incorrect audit observations. A special committee has been constituted to identify those responsible for the unauthorized leakage of official reports and to ensure accountability.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reforms, the Chairman stressed:
“FCA is a cornerstone of FBR’s transformation plan. We will continue to strengthen this system for improved compliance, facilitation, and efficiency, while taking all necessary action against elements trying to derail these reforms.”
