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The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched fully online services enabling direct exporters to obtain Utilisation Permissions (UPs), aiming to expedite the import of raw materials and reduce lead times.
Under the new system, the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) software has been made mandatory for all UP application and approval processes. An office order to this effect was issued by the NBR on Thursday.
According to the order, all UPs will now be issued online through the three Customs Bond Commissionerates operating under the NBR.
As a result, the manual submission, acceptance and approval of UP applications have been discontinued with immediate effect.
The NBR introduced the CBMS software on January 1, 2025 to provide online services to bonded warehouse licence-holding companies.
Since its launch, exporters availing bonded warehouse facilities have been able to apply for and receive UPs digitally in line with policies approved by the Duty Exemption and Drawback Directorate.
With the introduction of full online UP issuance, bonded companies are no longer required to submit physical documents or appear in person at the Customs Bond Commissionerates.
Application submission, verification and approval are now completed electronically through an automated process.
In a statement, the NBR said the use of the CBMS software would ensure greater speed, transparency and accountability in UP-related services.
It is also expected to reduce manual intervention and dependence on individual officials, simplify and lower the cost of applications, improve data preservation and monitoring in bond management, and help reduce disputes and litigation related to bonded operations.
The NBR added that the move would further benefit bonded warehouses and export-oriented industrial enterprises, making the country's export trade more efficient and strengthening the overall investment climate.
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