How to know that a vehicle is cleared or not from Karachi port?

[MalikQasimAwan]

Hello,

I purchased a Japanese used car Toyota Vitz 2014 model from a car dealer in Lahore. I paid (Paid in full) price of my car to a car dealer in Lahore the previous month. He told me that the car is at Karachi port and will be cleared in 5 days once you pay. But now after several days he says it is stuck at Karachi port because of some policy change by Government. He sent me the image of Bill of Lading (Verifiable), Custom paid of the vehicle and Auction sheet (Verifiable).

There are stories too on the web news saying it is true.
Like Tribune story “Used cars create gridlock at Karachi port”. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1609599/2-used-cars-create-gridlock-karachi-port/

But also that now the vehicles could be cleared.
Like Tribune story “After imported used cars create gridlock government allows one off relaxation”. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1613950/2-imported-used-cars-create-gridlock-govt-allows-one-off-relaxation/

But the dealer is still saying that cars are not clearing.

Any suggestions?
And also how can I know that my car is still at Karachi port or cleared?

[shaikhrulez]

Hello,

Your dealer is right, there are more than 6000 vehicles stuck at the port. My Toyota Passo 2014 is among them.

Your BL date should be 04th December 2017 or later if imported on TR Passport that's why it get stuck.
Although, there are news on print/social media that government has allowed one time relaxation but still no official announcement has been made by the Government, due to which vehicles are still not clearing.

You made a mistake by making full payment in advance. Anyways, ensure that dealer do not charge you any extra amount.
At the moment, it is suggested to wait for few days and see how things turn out.

[shaikhrulez]

One thing more, Clearance process of stuck up vehicles is not yet started, as policy is unclear as of now..

[MalikQasimAwan]

From news I concluded that these dealers and importers are trying to force government’s hand by piling up cars on Karachi port. While Government is not stepping back from their stance. This car stuck up is since two months now and only with some specific dealers who don’t have complete documentation according to new rules.

What is TR Transport??? I checked BL online from Pak customs org website.

Results are like this

And also this

It says clearance/customs n/a, contact your APL representative.

[shaikhrulez]

Well, these snaps just shows that the container which carried your vehicle has arrived & discharged from the vessel/ship. However, clearing process is not yet started as per my info.

Yes, it all started when SRO 1067(I)/2017 was issued on 20th October, 2017. All the vehicles booked on Personal Baggage Passport and BL Date on after 20th October, 2017 are stuck up at port.

Later on SRO 1237(I)/2017 was issued on 04th December, 2017, which restricted the car imported on TR Passport (Transfer of Residence) with BL Date on after 04th December, 2017.

BTW, what is the date of your BL?

Here is a video made by Pakwheels on the said subject, which may clear your confusion.

[nifiii]

My cousin’s Vezel is also stuck at Karachi port.

[MalikQasimAwan]

I didn’t find any date on BL except this.

I m in a fix, what to do?

If I demand back money from dealer then car from market NOW will be more costly then ever. >Or if I wait, .............Cars are already stuck since October, don’t know long its going to take.
What should I do?

Any expectations. How long it could take?

[capsat]

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, overall imports of cars increased 64pc to $276 million in July-December.

Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers’ former chairman Aamir Allawala said the local vending industry lost estimated revenue of Rs23 billion last year.

The estimate is based on taking the average local content per vehicle of Rs300,000 on imports of 76,645 units in 2017. This is in contrast to a loss of Rs14bn in 2016 with imports of 46,500 vehicles.

source

-

issue of stuck up clearance is most likely to resolve with a penalty of 25% in addition of applicable taxes for lack of genuine documentation.

people / importer with genuine documentation will get away without penalty ( seems only 100 cars will fit the criteria)

the dispute is about Penalty %age .. again some palms need greasing . Thank you Miftah Ismail

[MalikQasimAwan]

Local manufacturers should up their game if they don’t want to lose. They should start building cars instead of a costly teen daba. They should start giving people of Pakistan exact worth of their money instead of giving this money in bribes in changing policies. Learn from Indian market.

Honda record breaking sales
https://dailytimes.com.pk/187375/honda-pakistan-achieves-record-breaking-sales-2017/

[shaikhrulez]

I guess ur BL date is same as mine i.e. 4th December, 2017.

As of now nothing can be done, except praying & waiting.. May Allah solve this problem soon. Aameen.

[MalikQasimAwan]

R u a car dealer? Is there any plz respond.

I want seconds opinion. Not satisfying only on my dealer talks.

Now he said that the notification of (one off relaxation) is arrived they will start giving vehicles on Tuesday In sha Allah. I have heard that b4. I m considering to demand my money and purchase some Honda/Suzuki.

[shaikhrulez]

Well, I don't have showroom, but I do import cars from Japan on & off.

When did your dealer say that vehicle clearance will begin on Tuesday? Nothing like this in my knowledge though. I guess your dealer is making speculation on the basis of rumors only.

[MalikQasimAwan]

What is your true opinion besides that we should pray?

I heard this have happened before and vehicles were bound at the port for years.

[salmanbucha]

I don’t think it will be that long .the govt is in its last days .probably on its last legs . New elections new govt new policy .

[MalikQasimAwan]

Wow! “Not that long” and then referring elections. Elections and new government is 7,8 months away man. R u trying to say that it won’t be years long just months long???

[salmanbucha]

Dude this govt will remain in power till April .elections are in July .as said by current pm himself .so yes it’s not an years time left in it .but if you want it to continue you are very much welcome .

[MalikQasimAwan]

Sorry I was just trying to get explanation that according to you it may stretch to new government time. Coz I was thinking it will be over in days.

U have some experience u a car dealer or its just a hunch.

[shaikhrulez]

As you already know that used cars has created gridlock at port due to which Custom Authorities wrote a letter for allowing one time relaxation to clear the cars imported with BL Date up to 9th January, 2018. However, no official notification has been issued by the government in this regard so far.

I don't think it will take that much time, I am in constant touch with my custom agent, will update you if hear anything positive in the matter.

For you being a customer, it's totally up to you. If you can wait and your dealer doesn't charge you extra amount, it's better to wait for some time. But if you are in hurry, try and ask the dealer to return the money and see what does he say?

[capsat]

ONLY IF -

Government allow to release all vehicles at port with a PENALTY for bogus documentation,

the demurrage (port space rental starts after 7 days of landing) charges will be extra burden. imagine a scrap 3 year old 660 cc vehicle after payment of all government charges etc port gate price 1.45 million ....

while a 1300 cc FAW V2 2018 model is for 1.1 million with warranty .. ! ..

[MalikQasimAwan]

Mr. Capsat: Most comforting answer. Yeah makes sense.

Mr. Shaikhrules: Yes he is willing to give me back the money and any car he have at showroom worth my money (He doesn’t have a vitz though). Appreciate some second opinion please tell your part. What he says your custom agent?