Pakistan Customs has established a new laboratory at Azakhel Dry Port to enhance trade facilitation and streamline the clearance process for imported goods. The facility, titled Pakistan Customs establishes new laboratory at Azakhel Dry Port to boost trade facilitation, is equipped with essential instruments to test textiles, plastics and plastic products, edible goods, and dyes.
According to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), prior to the setup of this new laboratory, samples of such goods had to be sent to Karachi, Lahore, or Faisalabad for testing — a process that often took several days and increased operational costs for importers. Now, nearly 80 percent of the samples will be tested locally at the Azakhel lab, reducing time and expenses significantly.
The establishment of this customs laboratory fulfills a long-standing demand of importers in the region. Business stakeholders have expressed satisfaction over the initiative, noting that it will reduce clearance delays, lower logistics costs, and minimize the time goods remain at the dry port.
FBR officials shared that President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce, Junaid Altaf, also lauded the move, highlighting that immediate and certified sample testing will strengthen customs controls and improve trade efficiency.
Additionally, a state-of-the-art laboratory will soon become operational at the Torkham Border Station under the Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) project, further enhancing Pakistan’s trade infrastructure and border efficiency.
