Customs authorities in Karachi have intercepted an attempt to smuggle banned Indian-origin textile machinery into Pakistan through misdeclaration, successfully seizing equipment valued at over $85,000. The operation was jointly carried out by the Collectorate of Customs, Appraisement (West), Karachi, and the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, who acted upon an alert generated by the Federal Board of Revenue’s newly introduced Risk Management System (RMS 2.0). The suspicious consignment was detected at the Karachi International Container Terminal on October 7, 2025, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance import scrutiny and prevent trade violations.
According to officials, the seized container had been imported from Jebel Ali, Dubai, by a local textile manufacturer who declared the cargo as Chinese-origin textile twisting machines. However, a detailed physical inspection revealed the machinery was actually manufactured in India. Customs inspectors discovered deliberate attempts to conceal the equipment’s true origin, including the removal and scratching off of manufacturer plates and specification markings. The discovery led to the registration of a case of misdeclaration of origin against the importer, who now faces legal proceedings under customs regulations. Authorities confirmed that the consignment included a textile twisting machine with 576 spindles, imported in Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) condition, along with its standard accessories and essential components, collectively valued at $85,107.
Officials highlighted that the detection was made possible through RMS 2.0, a technology-driven system developed by FBR to identify discrepancies in import documentation and detect high-risk consignments. The system, currently being tested at Karachi Port, flagged potential misdeclaration in the importer’s declaration, prompting customs officers to carry out a thorough examination of the shipment. “The alert for misdeclaration of origin was generated by the new Risk Management System RMS 2.0 deployed on test run by FBR at Karachi Port,” the customs report stated. This incident, they added, underscores the growing efficiency of digital monitoring tools in supporting customs enforcement and preventing fraudulent import activities.
The seizure also highlights a recurring pattern in trade violations where banned Indian goods are routed through third countries such as the United Arab Emirates to bypass import restrictions. Officials noted that such tactics not only breach customs laws but also undermine national trade policies designed to regulate imports in line with Pakistan’s foreign trade framework. The successful interception demonstrates the vigilance of customs authorities in identifying smuggling attempts and reflects the effectiveness of enhanced risk management systems being integrated into port operations. As FBR continues to modernize its customs infrastructure, the use of advanced data analytics and digital tools like RMS 2.0 is expected to play a critical role in improving trade compliance, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding Pakistan’s economic and regulatory interests.
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