The customs authority is going to introduce a digital help desk with the objective to reduce hassles of businesses in obtaining information related to export and import.

“We are planning to launch the online service on January 26 next year in order to facilitate trade,” said Mohammad Ehteshamul Hoque, first secretary for customs modernisation of the National Board of Revenue.

The customs authority plans to introduce the system as people in many cases have to go from desk to desk for customs related information such as HS code, valuation, and rules of origins for various products.

For the system termed as “national enquiry points”, the NBR is developing software with the support from USAID. After the launch, anyone staying at any corner of the world will be able to submit queries about import, export and trade, he said.

Hoque said the service will be offered free of cost. “Any trader, user or individual irrespective of his/her nationality will be able to get this opportunity using the website,” he said, adding that a team of NBR officials headed by a member will answer to the queries.