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Vol 1 Issue No. 189

Karachi, Wed September 30, 2015

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Customs Investigation and Intelligence Lahore has seized contraband goods, including tyres, LED TVs and cloths worth millions of rupees in two operations.

The operations were conducted on the instructions of Director Customs

Price Rs. 14.00

Intelligence Saud Imran and were supervised by Additional Director Rizwan Slabat, sources said. The operations were conducted

by Superintendents Nasir Minhas and Rauf Farooqi and their inspectors’ team.

According to the details, a team of Customs Intelligence Lahore intercepted two trucks which were coming from Balochistan and recovered a huge quantity of auto parts, tyres, welding electrodes worth Rs 7.176 million.

Hyderabad ASO confiscates smuggled items worth Rs 1.4m

Chief collectors, collectors, deputy collectors resume office after Eid holidays

Dubai Customs launches Authorized Economic Operator

Customs Adjudication to hear tax evasion case against Fatima Fertilizer

ICCI calls for extension in deadline for filing of tax returns

The Customs ASO has seized contraband items worth Rs 1.4 million | See pAge 02 |

Pakistan Customs officials, including chief collectors, collectors, additional deputy | See pAge 03 |

Dubai Customs launched the AEO, which contributes drastically | See pAge 04 |

The Collector Customs Adjudication will hear tax evasion case of Rs 16.071m | See pAge 12 |

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry called upon the FBR to extend | See pAge 09 |

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Bid to smuggle alcohol worth Rs 20m foiled near Makran Coast Wednesday, September 30, 2015

National

KARACHI: The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) has foiled a smuggling bid in high seas near Makran Coast. According to details, the MSA raided a boat in the high seas near Makran Coast and arrested three smugglers. The foreign origin alcohol worth Rs 20 million was recovered from them.

The arrested smugglers along with boat and huge quantity of liquor were handed over to the Pakistan Customs for further legal proceedings.

The Pakistan Customs authorities are tightening their rope against smugglers to curb this menace from society.

Hyderabad ASo confiscates smuggled items worth rs 1.4m

RAWALPINDI

HYDERABAD

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ASLAM QureSHi

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he indictment of model girl Ayyan Ali in currency smuggling case on Monday deferred again due to absence of customs court judge Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan. As per detail, the case was heard by duty judge Sabir Sultan during which the prosecutor pleaded to adjourn the hearing till October 5. The defence lawyer told the court that Latif Khosa would not be able to present before court on October 5 due to his busy schedule at Supreme Court (SC) because of which he demanded to adjourn hearing till October 8.

Subsequently, the judge marked the present of accused and adjourned the hearing till October 8. While talking to media after hearing, Ayyan Ali stated that she wants to talk to media but waiting for right time. She said that she will defend herself at every platform. Meanwhile, Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad has denied the media reports published in the various sections of press and media which claimed that customs has not submitted the challan in model Ayyan Ali case so far.

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized contraband items worth Rs 1.4 million during different operations in Hyderabad.

An ASO team, following the instructions of Collector Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad Dr Ahmad Mujtaba Memon, conducted raids in its jurisdiction to defuse the smuggling attempts.

The team has conQiscated 5,000 litres of Iranian diesel, oil tanker, 90 cartons of soap, LED TVs and Iranian juice and the total value of the seized items was Rs 1.4 million.

Under the supervision of Additional Collector Omer ShaQique, the ASO team comprising Inspector Abdul Ghafar Shiekh, ShaQi Muhammad Jamali and others participated in the raids. Meanwhile, The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) Hyderabad has conQiscated smuggled items worth Rs 74.31 million during July-September of the current Qiscal year 2015-16, marking 64 percent growth as compared to Rs 45.1 million of the same period last year.

The ASO teams, following the direction of Collector Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad, Ahmad Mujtaba Memon, conducted various operations in Hyderabad, Sukkur and

currency smuggling: Ayyan Ali’s indictment deferred again

Larkana and recovered petroleum products, cloth, green tea and other items. The ASO teams conducted operations under the supervision of

Additional Collector Omar ShaQique and Assistant Collector (HQ) Samiullah at highways and railways station.On the other hand, The ASO Hy-

derabad has seized smuggled goods worth Rs 16.777 million involving duty/taxes amounting Rs 9.86 million during last ten days.

FBR, IBA ink accord to launch MBA in Tax Management System KARACHI

AfTAB cHAnnA

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Institute of Business Administration IBA-Karachi have signed an agreement to launch Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Tax Management System.

The Tax Management System will enhance capacity building of the Customs and Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officials.

The MBA program would commence from January 2016. The FBR has issued an office order, asking the officials to apply for the programme online by October 31, 2015, sources told Customs Today. “The FBR has finalized modalities with the IBA to launch the programme from January 2016 , according to an official letter

available with Customs Today.

According to sources, the officers applying for the programme must have service length of 3 to 12 years after completion of STP and subject to qualifying the FPO exam. The officers must pass the entry test to be conducted by the IBA for admission. The officers are expected to obtain 3 GPA in the programme and any officer failing to obtain 3 GPA will have to return the cost of the programme to the FBR.

The officers who will undergo the MBA Programme will continue to draw Special Performance Allowance, if they were already drawing it. All officers of IRS and PCS fulfilling the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the programme, sources added.

Meanwhile, Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) AppraisementWest Collector Jawwad Uwais Agha has urged officials to gear up their efforts to enhance tax collection.

Sources said that Agha issued these directions while having meeting at the Conference Room of the MCC Appraisement West that was largely attended by additional deputy collectors, deputy collector, assistant collectors and principal appraisers.

He also greeted them with his best wishes regarding Eidul Azha and asked them to enhance the tax collection performance in order to meet the revenue target for the running fiscal year 2015-16.

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Customs, IR Tribunal employees fear stoppage of ‘allowances’ ISLAMABAD: The staffers of Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) and Customs Appellate Tribunal (CAT) are suspicious about maintenance of ‘allowances’ since the Ministry of Law and Justice is not ready to deliver similar financial benefits to the employees of the Federal Service Tribunal (FST), Islamabad. The employees of the said tribunals were fearing suspension/stoppage of ‘allowances’ as the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenue (AGPR)-on behalf of Ministry of Law and Justice- had attained a legal stay on the matter. Earlier, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir (AGPR) had denied to provide judicial, utilities and vehicle allowance to FST employees in Islamabad.

Sialkot ASo seizes smuggled cloth, foil paper worth rs 2 million SIALKOT

guLZAr AHMeD

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization Sialkot has seized foreign origin cloth and aluminium foil paper worth Rs 2 million. Sources told Customs Today that Assistant Collector Model Customs Collectorate Sialkot, Palwasha Saeed, received credible information regarding smuggling of foreign origin cloth and aluminium foil paper on which AC made a raiding party. The ASO team raided GT Mor and recovered smuggled items. The team asked the accused persons to produce legal documents regarding possession of cloth and aluminium foil paper but they failed to provide the same.

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pakistan’s tax system facing structural problems ISLAMABAD

SHAHiD MinHAS

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he Pakistan’s taxation system suffers serious structural problems manifested in a tax to GDP ratio that is the lowest in the region, it is learnt here. Sources told Customs Today that multifarious ailments in the economy and systemic weaknesses are a few causes of poor revenue generation. The economy is largely non-documented where most economic transactions disappear without leaving a trace. Tax culture is non-existent and tax evasion and tax avoidance are not considered to be a stigma but is a societal norm. Sources added that the FBR has made a plan for rationalization of concessionary regime and withdrawal of exemptions. Majority exemptions/ concessions have already been withdrawn in the Budget 2014-15 and 2015-16, while remaining will be withdrawn next year.

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Wednesday September 30, 2015

National

chief collectors, collectors, deputy collectors resume office after eid KARACHI

AfTAB cHAnnA

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lmost all the Pakistan Customs officials, including chief collectors, collectors, additional deputy collectors and deputy collectors on Monday, resumed their offices after enjoying four-day Eidul Azha holidays.

Chief Collector EnforcementSouth Zahid Khokhar, who celebrated Eid in Lahore, has resumed his office on the very first day, while Chief Collector Appraisement-South Rashid Sheikh also attended the office.

Moreover, Collector of Model Customs Collectorate MCC Appraisement West Jawwad Uwais Agha, Collector MCC Appraisement East Majid Yousfani and Collector MCC Export Dr Saifuddin Junejo are the ones who resumed their offices as per routine.

On the other hand, Collector Adjudication-II Chaudhary Muhammad Javed and Collector Adjudication-I Wasif Memon also attended the office. Besides, DC Mahmoodul Hassan, DC Amanullah Soomro, DC Aftab Alam etc also attended their offices. The offices of officials of Customs Internal Audit, Post Clearance Audit, IOCO, Transit Trade, Customs Valuation and others were also opened and the

officers did their routine job.

Meanwhile, The Pakistan Customs has decided to weed out user IDs of the Afghan traders so that updated information of the traders of the neighboring countries could be maintained, it is learnt.

The sources told Customs Today that the Afghans traders were issued user IDs by the Ministry of Commerce, Afghanistan and the Directorate General of Transit

chief collector enforcementSouth Zahid khokhar, who celebrated eid in Lahore, has resumed his office on the very first day, while chief collector Appraisement-South rashid Sheikh also attended the office.

FBR devises strategy to increase tax-to-GDP ratio

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has devised a comprehensive programme to enhance resource mobilization efforts in the country and increase tax to GDP ratio to 10-15 percent in the next few years. According to sources FBR has taken the following initiatives for overall improvement in the tax system: Broadening of Tax Base: for

broadening of tax base has taken several initiatives including use of third party data. Initially, the objective is to incorporate 300,000 new taxpayers. In this regard more than 200,000 notices have been issued

by June, 2015 and more notices will be issued in FY 2015-16.

Rationalization of SROs and tariff rationalization: In order to remove distortions and discrimination in tax structure and to abolish unnecessary concessions.

Withdrawal of Power of Issuing SROs: The power to issue concessionary SROs by FBR has been withdrawn by the Act of Parliament. Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has the power to issue the SROs but only under limited circumstances.

Increasing Cost of Business for Non-Filers: In order to increase compliance and enhance revenues, the concept of Qilers and non-Qilers has been introduced.

Trade for transparent shipments of transit cargo from Pakistan’s ports.“The data of all the WeBOC user IDs of Afghan traders issued

by Directorate of Transit Trade and Ministry of Commerce, Government of Afghanistan to be examined with a view to weed out IDs issued by Directorate General of Transit Trade, Karachi in coordination with stakeholders”, sources added.

Lahore rTo-ii collects rs 125 million in Q1 he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Regional Tax Office- II (RTO-II) has collected Rs 125 million in the first quarter. The Regional Tax office (RTO) sources told Customs Today that RTO-II collected Rs 125 million in the first quarter less than its set target. The sources further said that the RTO-II will meet the target until its closing date.

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FBR to conduct audit of 33 official vehicles Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Business

ISLAMABAD: A team of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will conduct the audit of 33 official vehicles being used by Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad.

Sources told Customs Today that the expenditure on petrol and maintenance of these vehicles will be audited. On the other hand, the MCC Islamabad is still unable to maintain full record of vehicles because staff members need time to maintain the record.

Sources also told that the department concerned of the MCC Islamabad is facing difficulties in maintaining record of petrol consumption.

7.3m hides worth rs 6b collected: Tanning business declines by 40% LAHORE

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ecession in world leather market and downward trend in prices have caused 40 per cent decline in hides tanning business in the country during the three days of Eidul Azha. According to the industry experts, about 7.3 million hides and skins worth approximate Rs6-7 billion were collected during Eid days as compared to Rs11-12 billion of previous years

pakistan, Turkey to expedite work on fTA

mainly due to falling prices of raw skins. Pakistan Tanners Association chairman Muhammad Musaddiq, in a statement, said that during the Eid season tanners usually purchase bulk quantity of hides and skins each year valued of about Rs10-12 billion but due to economic recession in international leather market especially in China, Turkey and other European countries and depreciation in their currencies, the demand and export of leather from Pakistan has reduced.

The PTA chairman estimated that economic activity of around Rs155.18 billion is generated on Eid days, including Rs146.3 billion

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rime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has called on Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Hadi Sinirliogulu to discuss matters on Free Trade Area (FTA) agreement.

Both the officials met on sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly in New York and agreed to speed up work on mutual FTA to expand trade between the two countries.

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Exports from North zone during August 2015 were 349,873 metric tons while exports from South zone were 216,815 metric tons. Against 827,707 metric tons of cement exported in August 2014 the exports were restricted to only 566,689 metric tons in August 15 i.e. a decline of 31.54%.

A spokesman of APCMA said that the exports to Afghanistan are gradually drying due to inroads made by the Iranian cement. In fact, he added, the Iranian cement is also penetrating Pakistani markets on the strength of massive under invoicing or mis-declaration that remains unchecked.

Microsoft releases office 2016 worldwide

NEW YORK

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through animal sales and Rs7.38 billion through purchases of hides and Rs1.5 billion through allied industries.

Meanwhile, The export of cement to Afghanistan decreased by 18.24 per cent to 394,500 metric tons during Qirst two months of the ongoing Qinancial year as compared to 482,528 metric tons of the same period of last year.

Similarly, cement exports to India showed substantial reduction to 100,437 metric tons during July and August, 2015 against 140,131 metric tons during same months last year, showing a downfall of more than 28 per cent.

KARACHI

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icrosoft Corp. began the worldwide release of OfQice 2016. The apps are the latest addition to OfQice 365, Microsoft’s cloud-based subscription service that helps people do their best work, together. The company also announced new and enhanced OfQice 365 services built for

team productivity.

“The way people work has changed dramatically, and that’s why Microsoft is focused on reinventing productivity and business processes for the mobile-Qirst, cloud-Qirst world,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive ofQicer of Microsoft. “These latest innovations take another big step forward in transforming OfQice from a familiar set of individual productivity apps to a connected set of apps and services designed for modern working, collaboration and teamwork.”

OfQice 2016 delivers new ver-

sions of the OfQice desktop apps for Windows, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Project, Visio and Access. By subscribing to OfQice 365, customers can get always-up-to-date, fully installed apps for use across their devices, and combined with a continually evolving set of consumer and commercial services, such as One Drive online storage, Skype for Business, Delve, Yammer and enterprisegrade security features.

Together, the new OfQice and Windows 10 are the most complete solution.

on-duty employees marked eid at workplaces ISLAMABAD

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big number of on-duty employees marked Eidul Azha at work places, giving their services to facilitate general public and ensuring their safety. During the Eid, special measures were taken and Islamabad police were directed to remain vigilant during holidays to ensure safety of the citizens. Islamabad Police IG Tahir Alam Khan visited different localities of federal capital and felicitated Eid greetings to on-duty police officials. Farrukh Khan, a police cop deputed in Red Zone, talking to APP said, “It is quite encouraging for us that the IG personally came to boost our moral on Eid day.” He said the precedent set by Army Chief to celebrating Eid with jawans is being followed, encouraging personnel to perform their duty with more dedication. He further said, “We feel proud when we see our high rank officers among us and understanding our problems and sharing with us the happy moments.”Besides police, a large number of staffers of hospitals, airlines, airport, Pakistan Railways, petrol pumps, toll plazas, media houses, medical stores, WAPDA, PTCL also celebrated Eid with their colleagues at offices sharing greetings with one another.

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Dubai Customs launches Authorised Economic Operator DUBAI

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ubai Customs launched the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), which contributes drastically to the establishing of strategic partnerships that ensure better security and facilita-

tion of global supply chains via Mutual Recognition Agreements, as per the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework). The move is in line with Dubai Customs’ vision to be “The leading customs administration in the world supporting legitimate trade”.

On this regard, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, commented,

“We are adopting continuous development as a core methodology in utilizing the best strategies and practices in advancing our services.

We proceed from the vision of and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in developing services that bring happiness to people.”

His Excellency also added, “The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) will grant us a bundle bene-

Qits, including a higher predictability of the global supply chain, which aids in better planning and management of the chain logistics. It will also reduce physical and documentary controls, ultimately leading to the simpliQication of procedures and smooth trading.”

H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Dubai Customs Director stated, “The AEO program shall accommodate all parties concerned with the global supply chain such of ports,

airports and customs clearance agencies as well as local companies working in the Qield of international trade; providing them with more facilitated customs procedures and the added value of a more secure supply chain.”

Ahmed Mahboob also reafQirmed that the AEO program will provide an added value to the superior customs services and facilitations already being delivered, in the preparation of Expo 2020.

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has assigned a target of Rs 8969.06 million to the Model of Customs Collectorate Multan for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015-16.

According to details, Model of Customs Collectorate Multan assigned the target of Rs 2608.97 million Customs duties from Federal Board of Revenue for the first quarter of economic year 2015-16. The Federal Board of Revenue assigned Rs 12.87 billion target customs duty for the whole fiscal year 2015-16.

Almost Rs 6225.72 million sales taxes assigned to Model of Customs Collectorate Multan for the first quarter of fiscal year 201516. The MCC Multan assigned Rs 31.8 billion sales tax target from Federal Board of Revenue for fiscal year 2015-16.

About Rs 35.39 million collection target of federal excise duty

fixed from the Federal Board of Revenue to MCC Multan for the first quarter of economic year 2015-16. While MCC Multan allotted Rs 242 million target in terms of federal excise duty for the complete fiscal year 201516. The Federal Board of Revenue assigned the target of Rs 98.92 million withholding tax for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015-16. The Federal Board of Revenue given the target of withholding taxes to MCC Multan to the tune of Rs 445 million in wake of withholding tax for first fiscal year 2015-16. The Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Multan assigned Rs 45.357 billion revenue collection target for the whole fiscal year 2015-16.

Meanwhile, A majority of Customs employees from Model of Customs Collectorate Multan were upset on celebrating Eidul Azha away from their families due to FBR’s notiQication for cancellation of their leaves prior to and after Eid. According to details, Additional Collector MCC Multan

Ghulam Mustafa celebrated Eid away from his native home located near Lahore due to sudden cancellation of leaves from Federal Board of Revenue. He attended his ofQice on Friday and Saturday to perform his routine work. Additional Collector carried on its assigned task at Model of Customs Collectorate Multan due to withdrawal of leave through a notiQication from Federal Board of Revenue at the nick of time.

Deputy Collector Anti-smuggling Organization Abdul Mueed Kanjoo was also on duty on Qirst and second day of Eid in order to curtail smuggling in region. He received information from his informer that a smuggling attempt is being made from the route of Sadiqabad and Dera Ghazi Khan through Multan might be possible. He also deployed staff at the various routes to curb smuggling in the region.

Deputy Collector MCC Multan headquarter Farhat Ali and Assistant Collector Faizan Badar performed their duties at Multan Airport on Saturday and Sunday.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore

eDiToriAL

A note of optimism

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed a note of optimism about the economy of Pakistan as security situation is improving due to military operation against terrorists in various parts of the country.

In a report on Asian Development Outlook for 2015, the bank says that the rate of gross domestic product is expected to grow by 4.5 percent in fiscal year 2016 as security is gradually improving and power shortage for the manufacturing sector will be decreased coupled with continuation of low oil prices in the international market.

The report assumes terrorism as the principal cause of declining trend in direct foreign investment which has contracted from over $5 billion in 2008 to $600 million in 2015. The report also hopes that the low oil prices will accelerate growth in various economies and the Pakistani economy is expected to improve as the reform introduced by the government will raise investors’ confidence in economic policies.

According to the report, low tax collection is a notable risk for the budget estimates, as the tax collection body could not achieve the set target of the previous year while the provinces have failed to achieve a significantly higher fiscal surplus. It is hoped that the ongoing Economic Corridor programme will boost up manufacturing, construction and mining sectors in the country as well as private investment in the country.

The chronic issue of power shortage remains the big hurdle in the establishment of large-scale industrial units, which has severely affected the GDP growth of the country in recent years. However, the report says that purchasing power of the people has increased due to higher salaries and robust remittances, giving impetus to the development of consumption sector.

The government has also introduced structural reforms in the energy sector to make it financially viable by reducing operating costs and losses in the next three years. The government has earned $1.7 billion in the sale of shares of the public sector organizations in fiscal year 2015 while efforts are being made to broaden the tax net. The federal budget for 2016 has expected a reduction in the government deficit through higher tax revenues and rationalisation of subsidies on oil and gas.

As a matter of fact, every report on the Pakistani economy pinpoints the same areas of concern which include security, energy and financial discipline.

According to the ADP report, the budget deficits are filled through domestic sources, external financing and higher privatisation proceeds.

However, the country needs a crash programme to overcome security and energy issues and a long term programme to boost economic growth in the country. A perfect security blanket is essential to boost the confidence of foreign investors and a transparent tax collection mechanism is a must for the local business community.

Tax-free zones need of hour T

LAHORE

Dr AfTAB AfZAL

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he government has claimed that the new 10-year bond of $500 million, which the Qinance ministry has introduced in London, Los Angeles, Boston and New York at coupon rate of 8.25 percent, is twice over subscribed than it was expected.

However, the ministry has restricted the bond level at $500 million to cover the maturity of bond in March 2016 which was issued in 2006. The issuance of bonds is not against the norms of economics as even the developed economies opt for this arrangement to generate real-time Qinances. However, the

country like Pakistan is already overburdened with shedload of domestic and foreign loans and the burden is piling up with every passing day.

What the government needs to do is to take sold steps to improve trade and industry. The example of Dubai is before us where there is little oil but more business with strong law and order. The writ of the government is visible in every Qield of life and business is growing despite tax exemptions.

That means tax is the source of income, but should not be applied as axe. The nations which are squeezing their people to get more and more taxes are still reeling under poverty and hunger. The government should take such steps

which generate business and trade activities and the government will automatically collect huge taxes as dividends at the end of the day.

The main problem with the government is the law and order which could not be an issue if large tax-free industrial zones are established under heavy security blanket. Pakistan can offer cheap and skilled labour to foreign investors but the government will have to prove its sincerity and management skills. A campaign “make in Pakistan” is the need of the hour. If security, infrastructure and protection of foreign capital are ensured, the country can enter the economic tigers club in Qive years.

But instead of taking concrete measures, the policymakers Qind

an easy refuge in ad hoc policies and cosmetic steps which not only disturbs tax collection, but also discourage industrial growth.

The “make in Pakistan” campaign can attract large scale as well as small scale industries, including automobile and textile sectors. On programming side, Pakistan can build its own silicon valley and can provide economic and management solutions to developing economies at competitive rates.

The provinces are now independent with large development funds, but none of the province is able to show outstanding performance in the economic Qield. It is yet to be seen how long the government relies on funding from the International Monetary Fund.

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Arif Yousaf elected as Chakwal CCI president CHAKWAL: The local business community Tuesday elected Khawaja Arif Yousaf of Qazi Muhammad Akbar group as President of Chakwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) for 2015-16. The newly-elected chamber’s body comprising Ch Muhammad Yasin as Senior Vice President and Aamir Najeeb Bhutta as Vice President along with member executive committee took oath of their office at a ceremony. Prominent among them were Chairman United Business Group Iftikhar Ali Malik, former President Islamabad Chamber and founder President of Chakwal Chamber Zafar Bakhtawari, chamber group chairman Qazi Muhammad Akbar and others. Talking to newsmen after taking oath, Iftikhar Ali Malik said that all provincial governments would be approached through Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry for allotment of plots for construction of chambers offices across the country.

Mian Fareed Mughis made president of MCCI he Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has unanimously elected the new president, senior vice-president, vice-president, corporate members, associate members and a woman member for the year of 2015-16.

The executive committee of the MCCI on Monday elected Mian Fareed Mughis Sheikh as a President in the annual elections of 2015-16, and Mian Atta Shafi Tanvir Sheikh and Muhammad Tariq Khan have been elected as a senior vicepresident and vice- president, respectively, by common consent. Muhammad Shamim Khan, Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi, Mian Atta Shafi Tanvir Sheikh, Mian Rashid Iqbal, Khawaja Muhammad Hussain and Muhammad Tariq Khan have been elected as members of corporate class without any opposition for one year. Mian Fareed Mughis Sheikh, Shahid Naseem Khokhar, Khawaja Muhammad Mansoor, Haseeb Khan Saddozai, Shafi Anis Sheikh and Muhammad Manzoor Qadir have been elected un-opposed for associate class.

Syeda Afshan Gillani has been elected as a woman member of the chamber for one year on women reserved seat without opposition. The newly elected members of the MCCI will take oath on September 30, 2015 at MCCI building on Shahrah-eAiwan-e-Tijarat-o-Sanat and they will execute their duties from October 01, 2015 to Sep. 30, 2016.

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Chamber of commerce starts group to boost Cuba business opportunities mid a surge in interest in U.S. investment opportunities in Cuba, the US Chamber of Commerce announced that it is launching a council aimed at removing trade barriers and improving business ties between both countries. Leaders of the U.S.-Cuba Business Council said they will work with Congress as well as the public and private sectors in both countries to create jobs and advocate for reforms in the U.S. and Cuba.

"We're facing a historic opportunity to support a vital and growing Cuban private sector, one that is defined by entrepreneurs whose expanding efforts show that the spirit of free enterprise is already taking hold in the country," U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue said.

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Wednesday September 30, 2015

Chambers

icci calls for extension in deadline for filing of tax returns ISLAMABAD

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slamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry called upon the Federal Board of Revenue to extend the deadline of September 30, 2015 for e-filing of income tax returns up to 31st October 2015 to facilitate the taxpayers.

Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, president, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that many taxpayers were out of the country for performing Hajj and were unable to file tax returns on time.

He said due to Eidul Azha holidays, a large number of taxpayers were also facing problems in filing of income tax returns by 30-092015.

He said these constraints call for extension in last date for filing of

icci chief Muzzamil Hussain Sabri

Tribal business community to protest against Mohmand Agency’s admin

FPCCI ready to facilitate information and telecom industry PCCI is ready to facilitate Information and Telecom Industry. This was stated

by Ikram Rajput, Vice President FPCCI and Incharge Sindh region while presiding the meeting of Standing Committee with the various representatives of Information and Telecom sector at Federation House in Karachi, a statement said issued here on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Shahid Javed Qureshi Chairman Standing Committee on Information, Sajjad Shabir Mangrio Regional Director Central Asia Yahsat, Najat Khalid Abdul Rehman Executive Director Yahsat, Zeeshan Effendi Project Director Clicksat & various prominent members of Business Community. On this occasion Ikram Rajput said that the FPCCI would soon arrange the Seminar and workshop under Hyderabad Chambers of Commerce to create awareness among business community regarding communication and telecom industry.

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PESHAWAR

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he business community of tribal area has expressed concern over the reopening of closed industries without taking them into conQidence and announced to protest against the political administration of Mohmand Agency in front of Governor House.

A meeting of the Tribal Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) executive committee was held in chair of its president Shahidur Rahman, in which FATA Chamber founding member Haji Ghulam Ali, senior vice president Muhammad Shoaib, Haji Shakir, Waqar Ali, members Adnan Jalil, Sajad Ali and Mustafa also participated.

They alleged that the political administration of Mohmand Agency prior to Eid halted trucks carrying

tax returns and Federal Board of Revenue should extend deadline by 31st October 2015 so that business community and taxpayers could feel facilitated in filing of income tax returns.

He said FBR should also seriously consider extending reduced rate of 0.3 percent withholding tax on banking transactions of non-filers up to 31st October 2015 as due to Eidul Azha holidays, it was difficult for them to pay enhanced rate of 0.6 percent withholding tax after 30th September 2015.

ICCI president said that the current English version e-forms of income, sales and withholding tax were very lengthy and complicated due to which it was a tough task for a common taxpayer to understand and fill these forms.

He stressed that FBR should develop all e-forms of tax returns in Urdu language and make them very simple and easy so that majority of taxpayers could easily efile their tax returns.

marble stone without any reason, due to which businessmen were being suffered with loss of millions of rupees.

The committee members also said that unemployment will ultimately increase with such anti-business acts, and asked the political administration not to clinch employment from poor people of Mohmand Agency, at-

tached with the marble industry.

The TACCI executive committee members also said that it was sheer violation of the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Trade Organisation Act 2013, adding the political administration without involving the Tribal Area Chamber and bringing other chambers to restart the closed marble industries in the Agency.

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Dubai Customs launches Authorised Economic Operator Wednesday September 30, 2015

World

DUBAI: Dubai Customs launched the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), which contributes drastically to the establishing of strategic partnerships that ensure better security and facilitation of global supply chains via Mutual Recognition Agreements, as per the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework). The move is in line with Dubai Customs’ vision to be “The leading customs administration in the world supporting legitimate trade”.

On this regard, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, commented, “We are adopting continuous development as a core methodology in utilizing the best strategies and practices in advancing our services.

uS customs discloses imported merchandise sharing info NEW YORK

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.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a Qinal rule that implements procedures for sharing information about imported merchandise with trademark owners for purposes of determining whether merchandise bears a counterfeit mark.

SigniQicantly, the rule authorizes CBP to disclose additional information about suspected counterfeit merchandise to trademark owners prior to seizure without violating the Trade Secrets Act. Accordingly, trademark owners may now receive meaningful information about suspect counterfeit merchandise that may include useful information about the supply chains of imported products. This Qinal rule is effective as of October 19, 2015, and adopts as Qinal, with some noteworthy changes, the amendments implemented in the interim

customs arrests 6 men in fake currency case at chittagong port ix persons have been accused in a case filed yesterday over the Rs 2.71 crore, allegedly in fake currency, found hidden in boxes inside a container at the Chittagong port.

The container arrived on September 16 from the United Arab Emirates via Colombo and was opened on Monday afternoon.

The accused are ASM Sayem alias Shamim, chairman of clearing and forwarding (C&F) firm Flash International Ltd; his partner Asad Ullah; Md Ahammad Ullah Talukder, director of C&F firm Nahar Trading Company; the container's consignee and UAE expatriate Shaheduzzaman; his younger brother Towhidul Alam and Sheikh Saber, a tea boy at port. Shaheduzzaman is on the run while the rest are under arrest.

Kawser Alam, a driver of Flash Trade Ltd detained earlier, has been released.

Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Nur-e-Alam Bhuiyan is to hear a 10-day police remand prayer for each on September 27.

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rule that CBP issued on April 24, 2012 (CBP Dec. 12-10, 77 Fed. Reg. 24375).

CBP also indicated in the Qinal rule that it plans to address other forms of intellectual property, such as merchandise infringing a copyright or the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, in a separate proposed rulemaking.

Under the interim and Qinal rules, U.S. trademark owners may receive more information from CBP about suspected counterfeit merchandise.

CBP historically interpreted the Trade

Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. § 1905) as applying to markings, alphanumeric symbols and other coding appearing on imported products, because such marks may reveal information about an importer’s supply chain. Prior to the implementation of the interim rule in 2012, CBP’s written policy was to provide only limited importation information or redacted samples to trademark owners in order to determine whether merchandise bears a counterfeit mark.

Irish Customs seized Over 1,000 abortion pills in 2014

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ver 1,000 abortion pills were seized last year at customs, a Qigure that represents double the amount seized the two years previous. This fact is very much in contradiction with the myth of the antichoice side that there is no demand for abortion in Ireland.

Despite the fact that abortion is illegal in Ireland and having an abortion, or even helping someone have

one, is punishable by up to 14 years in jail it is a well known fact that abortions still occur. The safest way to have an illegal abortion is through the use of pills which should be taken before 9 weeks gestation. For those in need of an abortion but without the money to travel to England for the procedure organisations that send the Early Medical Abortion pill over are invaluable.

Ghana Customs revenue authority operating validation system

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embers of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) operating at the Aviance Cargo Village at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have outlined a litany of problems that they say has hit the new ClassiQication and Validation System being implemented by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

According to them, the challenges have slowed business, expressing fear of congestion at the ports of entry and costing importers demurrage. The challenges include difQiculty in logging in, the link being slow and the link going off frequently, which takes long to be restored. Others are when documents are submitted, no reference number is provided to enable freight forwarders to track progress; agents cannot send documents per attached as was the case with Desti-

nation Inspection Companies (DICs), as well as processing of documents taking too long.

For example, some agents say they have submitted documents for more than a week but the Customs ClassiQication and Valuation Report (CCRV) has not been received.

However, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report System (PAARS) statistics provided by Customs as of September 13, 2015 indicate that 482 Declarants were registered; 221 Gold Card (Fast Track) Declarants processed; 2,632 Customs ClassiQication and Valuation Report (CCVR) Applications; 1,001 CCVRs Issued; 411 CCVRs issued within 48 hours; 500 Customs Daily Benchmark; and Qive backlog so far.

The CCVR, which replaces the destination inspection report, also known as the Final ClassiQication and Valuation Report, started on September 1, 2015.

philippine customs confisates skimming devices

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kimming equipment and assorted blank cards and other access devices, which Philippine authorities have been on the lookout for in light of a recent rash of bank and credit card theft using such, were seized by Customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from a Hong Kong national.

According to NAIA Customs District III collector Edgar Macabeo, three pouches of assorted access devices with markings of Bank of Communications, SPD Bank, China Construction Bank, CGB, and USB and Sim Cards with Chinese markings were conQiscated from passenger Yiu Kwan Yeung.

The skimming equipment can duplicate assorted cards or credit cards that are mostly used in casinos, Macabeo said. The access devices had one-time-passwords when inspected.

Yiu, who arrived last week at NAIA Terminal 3 on Cathay PaciQic Qlight CX903 from Hong Kong, did not Qill up the Customs declaration form because he insisted that he had nothing to declare. Customs examiner Rachelle C. Altiche insisted on checking his baggage as part of a random check. When the devices were discovered, the passenger was informed that unauthorized importation and non-declaration of access devices is a violation of Philippine law.

nigerian customs seizes worth n219m fake drugs

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NIGERIA

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he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri, has seized prohibited goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N219,375,479.

The Customs Area Controller of the unit, Comptroller Dimka Victor David,

who displayed the items at the Customs warehouses in Owerri and Benin at weekend listed them as 1,920 cartons of banned mosquito coils with a DPV of N38,400,000. He said that the vehicle used for the smuggling has been impounded, while the driver has been arrested and might be prosecuted after necessary investigations are completed. Another impounded item was 4,480 cartons of foreign Eva soap

known in local parlance as “complexion care soap” with a DPV N23,655,720. The Customs Comptroller disclosed the soaps were seized on September 11 this year, along the Aba/Eleme axis. He said the products could be dangerous to the skin as such smuggled items usually contain corrosive chemicals. “You see people, both men and women, looking not yellow, but red and most of them is as a result

of using such soap,” he said. Dimka, who condemned the use of soaps manufactured without NAFDAC ofQicial registration numbers, disclosed that such products usually Qind their way into the country with Chinese language written on the leaQlets, and warned that any consumable item manufactured within or outside the country must not only bear English inscriptions, but also country of origin and manufacturing.

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Qatar’s Port sector gains boom DOHA: Qatar’s port sector has witnessed healthy growth despite concern about slowdown affecting global trade. Out of Qatar’s four ports, three ports have registered a robust growth in cargo movement in the last one year. In 2014, Doha Port, Mesaieed Port and Haloul Port witnessed growth in cargo movement while Ras Laffan Port witnessed decline, according to the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics data. Among the four ports, Haloul Port registered highest growth of 16 percent last year. Net tonnage at Haloul Port reached 1.08m tones in December 2014 from 930,162 tons in January same year. Cargo traffic movement in a country reflects health of economy activities. A rising cargo traffic means that economic activities in a country is growing while a persistent declining cargo traffic indicates that it is heading towards economic slowdown.

Silversea cruises fleet to visit 800 ports in 2017

Ports & Shipping

ports of Antwerp and Montreal renew collaboration

LONDON

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he Silversea Cruises fleet will visit a record 800-plus destinations in 2017 as it grows by one with the addition in the spring of its ninth ship, Silver Muse.

Itineraries for the Silver Muse have not been announced.

Silversea, which opened bookings for 2017 on its existing eight ships, said the year will feature initial ports of call in Sassnitz, Germany; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Galway, Ireland; and Geraldton, Australia.

Silversea visits so many ports partly because its expedition fleet of small vessels visit hard-to-reach ports such as Nosy Kumba in Madagascar. The expedition fleet will expand to four in November 2017 when the Silver Cloud is transferred from luxury to expedition service.

The Silver Cloud will start its expedition campaign with a series of 10- to 19-night voyages in November and December to Antarctica.

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coal stocks at 16 major indian ports stand at 12.05mmt oal stocks at 16 major Indian ports totaled 12.05 million mt as of September 25, down 3% week on week, according to Indian shipbroker Interocean’s data released Friday.

The stockpiles comprised 9.61 million mt of thermal coal, down 1.1% from 9.72 million mt the previous week, and 2.35 million mt of coking coal, down 10.5% over the same period from 2.62 million mt, the data showed. The stocks for anthracite surged 81.3% to 29,000 mt from 16,000 mt, while petcoke stocks plunged 56.6% to 59,400 mt from 137,000 mt.Paradip port on India’s east coast had the highest coal stocks as of September 25 at 2.71 million mt, rising 0.9% compared to the previous week.

It also had the highest coking coal stocks at 1.04 million mt, down 6.8% from the previous week’s 1.12 million mt.

Kandla port on India’s west coast had the highest thermal coal stocks at 2.22 million mt, up 4% from 2.13 million mt the previous week, according to Interocean.

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he ports of Antwerp and Montreal have renewed their collaboration agreement for a further three years. The announcement was made jointly by both port authorities during the visit by Jean D’Amour, the Quebec minister for Transport and Implementation of Maritime Strategy. The collaboration agreement was originally signed between Antwerp and Montreal, Quebec’s largest port, in 2013. This agreement runs until the spring of 2016, but the parties have now decided to extend it for another three years.

It is hardly surprising that the two ports get on so well together, as there are many similarities between them.

Both are located deep inland on a major river, and both serve a vast hinterland covering many provinces and indeed entire countries with huge purchasing power and major concentrations of industry. Furthermore, Canada as part of North America is one of the main “foreland” partners of Antwerp.

In 2014 the total volume of freight carried between Antwerp and Canada was 4.5 million tonnes.

The upcoming implementation of the trade agreement between the EU and Canada – the Canada-Euro-

pean Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) due to be ratiQied in 2016 – should give a major boost to this trade in the next few years.

Since 2013 trade relations between the two regions have developed greatly. The Qirst visit by a delegation from the port of Montreal followed soon after the initial signing of the agreement. The following year a delegation from Antwerp headed by port alderman Marc Van Peel travelled to Canada. Then at the beginning this year Philippe Couillard, Prime Minister of Quebec, paid a working visit to the port of Antwerp.

And just before the summer Antwerp played host to another delegation from the port of Montreal. A few weeks before the arrival of this last delegation Philippe Couillard presented Quebec’s new Maritime Strategy during a speech in Montreal.

The strategy is aimed at creating employment, facilitating transport and logistics and promoting sustainable development of industry. “Quebec is readier than ever to makes its expertise, well developed infrastructure and huge, expanding economic market available to its European partners,” declared Philippe Couillard on this occasion.

Wednesday September 30, 2015

12 major ports record 5.53% increase in cargo volume welve major ports in the country have recorded a 5.53 per cent increase in cargo volume for the first five months of the current year, according to the Indian Ports Association.

This has raised doubts among the port users, whether the major ports would be able to touch the target of 695 million tonnes fixed by the Shipping Ministry for 2015-16.

Though the Ministry had set last year’s target at 604 million tonnes, major ports collectively were able to handle 581 million tonnes. Global slowdown and traffic congestion were attributed as reasons for missing the target.

During the first five months from April to August 2015, major ports handled 252.72 million tonnes of cargo against 239.49 million tonnes for the corresponding period last year.

Of the 12 ports, Visakhapatnam and New Mangalore reported a dip of 10 per cent and 4.24 per cent respectively in volumes, while Chennai and Cochin each handled one per cent less for the period under review.

Mormugao led the pack with 27 per cent rise in its volume, followed by V.O. Chidambaranar, Kolkata and Kamarajar ports.

Analysed sector-wise, the volumes of thermal coal, POL and other cargo were on the rise. Ports handled less volume of iron ore, raw fertilizer and coking coal, during the five month period.

In August, ports imported 82 million tonnes against 78 million tonnes, but it was down 1.5 per cent compared with July.

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Saigon port JSc to register shares with securities authorities by end of 2015 S

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ai Gon Port JSC is preparing the necessary documents to register shares with securities authorities by end of this year and begin trading soon after. This information was announced at the Qirst shareholders' meeting of the company yesterday in HCM City.

The operator of Viet Nam's most important port with a 155-year history sold over 35.7 million shares, or

16.51 per cent of the company, in its initial public offering (IPO) on June 30 on the HCM Stock Exchange.

Vietinbank and VPBank acquired these shares with each holding 9.07 per cent and 7.44 per cent, respectively After the IPO, the State-owned Viet Nam National Shipping Lines, better known as Vinalines, holds a 65.45 per cent stake.

In the board election yesterday, seven of nine members of the board of directors, including chairman, are Vinalines personnel. Vietinbank (CTG) and VPBank have also placed

one representative each on the company's board of directors and supervisory. A legal representative of the company yesterday said Vinalines had a plan of selling more stakes to private investors but declined to disclose the speciQic time.

On September 21, the Prime Minister allowed Vinalines to sell more shares to slash State holding in Sai Gon Port to as little as 20 per cent in a bid to restructure the State-owned enterprises sector. The company has a charter capital of VND2.16 trillion (US$96 million) with a total asset

value of VND3.95 trillion ($176 million). Sai Gon Port operates important ports in the Southern part of Viet Nam including, Nha Rong Khanh Hoi, Tan Thuan I, Tan Thuan II and Phu My Steel Port. The port accounts for 10.5 per cent of the overall throughput in the South.

It is planning to link with real estate giant VinGroup (VIC) to form a company to build a commercial centre, passenger terminal and apartments on the side of Nha Rong Khanh Hoi port after the port will be relocated later next year.

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Multan ASO seizes smuggled chocolates worth Rs 500,000 MULTAN: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Multan has seized imported chocolates on non-payment of customs duty in an operation. According to the details, the ASO has seized chocolates of various brands during the vigilance near the location of Delhi Gate.

Smuggled chocolates were loaded on a truck which was coming from Quetta. Customs recovered almost 70 cartons of chocolates including ANATA Fingers, Ramtin, Shoniz Nado, Cocoa Puffed Rice, Crispy Filled Cocoa Cream and Caramel Coated Bar.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

customs Adjudication to hear tax evasion case against fatima fertiliser ISLAMABAD

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he Collector Customs Adjudication will hear tax evasion case of Rs 16.071 million here on September 29 (today). According to details, Customs Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) detected tax evasion of Rs 16.071 million against Fatima Fertilizer Multan, which the company was supposed to pay as taxes on import of consignments.

Fatima Fertilizer imported 22 consignments, including electricity multi-core cables, steel pipes, steel structure ladder scaffolding, tube scaffolding, lubricants and welding wires, and evaded duty/taxes by claiming disallowed beneQits under serial numbers 20 and 21 of the SRO 575 (I)/2006. According to law, goods imported by Fatima Fertilizer do not fall in the category of machinery, equipment and accessories required for the production of manufacturing or production of any goods. The Post-Clearance Audit found that exemption of customs duty in excess of 5 per cent and whole of sales tax could be enjoyed on import of machinery, equipment,

spare parts and accessories under Sections 84 and 85 of the Pakistan

Customs tariff required for the initial installation, balancing, modern-

ization, replacement or expansion of oil reQining downstream products,

which are not notiQied by the Federal Board of Revenue.

Adjudication-II DC M Aftab orders M/s Iqbal to pay evaded tax KARACHI

AfTAB cHAnnA

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he Collectorate of Customs Adjudication-II has issued an Order-inOriginal (ONO) against M/s Iqbal and Co Karachi for evading duty/taxes to the tune of Rs 368,823 by taking undue benefits under SRO 1125(I)/2011.

According to details, the Directorate of Post Clearance Au-

dit (PCA), Customs Karachi, while scrutinizing the data of importers regarding the claiming of admissible/inadmissible concessions in taxes, found that the importer had illegally availed the benefits of concessionary rates under the aforesaid SRO. In the ONO, Deputy Collector Customs Adjudication-II Muhammad Aftab stated that the importer M/s Iqbal and Co intentionally and willfully caused loss to the government exchequer by availing benefits of SRO 1125(I)/2011 dated

31.12.2011 which was evidently not admissible to them at the time of imports in which the importer imported consignment of Carpet Yarn.

Accordingly show cause notice was issued to the importer and hearing in this case was fixed for 03.06.2015. However, the show cause notice to the importer as well as clearing agent returned whereby the courier reported regarding importers that office is permanent closed.

The address of the importer was again confirmed as per details provided on the FBR website on-

line inquiry and hearing notices were issued to the importer on 11.06.2015 and 18.06.2015.

Muhammad Khalid, representative of the importer appeared for hearing and requested for adjournment in the case as the importer had left for Umra.

However after that no one bothered to appear to follow the case.In the ONO, the deputy collector Adjudication-II directed the importer to pay the evaded revenue of Rs 368,823. However, in addition, a penalty of Rs 100,000 is also imposed for violation of provision of Section

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32(1)(2) and (3A) of the Customs Act, 1969, Section 3(1), Section 3,6, and 7 read with section 34 of Sales Tax Act 1990 and Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under Section 33 (5) and Section 7A of the Sales Tax Act 1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Act Special Procedure Rules 2007 (Special procedures for payment of sales tax by the importer) and punishable under relevant provision of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 under clauses (14) and (14A) of Section 156(1) of Customs Act, 1969 on the exporter.