A recent customs audit has uncovered large-scale irregularities and tax evasion, causing massive losses to the national exchequer.
According to the report, the faceless customs assessment system alone resulted in a staggering Rs. 100 billion loss within just three months. Out of 13,140 goods declarations reviewed, 2,530 were found to contain serious discrepancies.
The audit further revealed that in 1,524 declarations, tax and duty evasion worth Rs. 5 billion was detected. Additionally, prohibited goods valued at Rs. 10.54 billion were cleared illegally, while penalties exceeding Rs. 30 billion were not imposed, inflicting further revenue damage.
The report also highlighted shocking cases, including the illegal clearance of 54 solar panel containers through bogus importers and a luxury Land Cruiser worth millions being cleared for just Rs. 17,635.
The audit noted that traders manipulated the system by canceling goods declarations and re-filing them to avoid taxes. It warned that the growing use of the Green Channel has severely limited pre-clearance controls, turning the system itself into a risk.
