MUHAMMAD ALI

KARACHI: The implementation of Electronic Origin Data Exchange (EODE) between customs Pakistan and customs China has further delayed as the testing of electronic message exchange through ESB software is not ended yet; it is learnt here Saturday.

The memorandum of understanding was signed between customs administrations of both countries on electronic origin data exchange under China Pakistan free trade agreement. The system, which was scheduled to be operational from January 2018, is still not alive, due to technical reasons, sources said.

Replying to a question, sources informed that necessary software development of data fields and WeBOC screens under Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) system and the User Acceptance Test (UAT) of Pakistan Customs and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) were now completed. Furthermore, sources said that the testing of electronic message exchange through ESB software was presently in progress between the technical teams of China and Pakistan Customs and added that the system was expected to be available for the data exchange after completion of testing between both customs administrations.

Moreover, they said that the agreement between customs China and Pakistan customs was aimed at curbing the menace of under-invoicing and added that after the implementation of Electronic Origin Data Exchange (EODE) between both customs organizations.