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Vol 1 Issue No. 266
Karachi, Wed December 16, 2015
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he Anti-Smuggling Organization of the Customs Preventive has recovered non-customs paid goods worth Rs 85 million, ofPicial sources told Customs Today. According to details, on information by Collector Customs Mukarram Jah, the AntiSmuggling Organisation Lahore un-
Price Rs. 14.00
der the supervision of Muhammad Adnan Khan , assistant collector, Mumtaz Ajmal Mian superintendent, Saleem Akhtar, Mazhar Abbas Butter, Ejaz Rasool Shah deputy superintendent and Khalid Butt, Irfan Mumtaz, Arif Mayo, Sajjad Bukhari, Amjad Khan, Hameed Bhatti, Shahid Khan inspectors and other Custom staff raided a godown in Bilal Gunj and recovered slightly used 12,000 smuggled tyres of assorted size and brands and 300 alloy rims. The godown is allegedly owned by Nomi and Azeem. Sources said that the seized items involve taxes and duties amounting to Rs 60 million whereas the market value is Rs 85 million. The sources said that a case has been registered and further investigations are underway.
Faisalabad Customs Intelligence seizes smuggled generator
Customs Preventive recovers 760g crystal methamphetamine
Over Rs 242b out of Rs700b released for uplift projects
Sialkot ASO seizes smuggled mobile accessories worth Rs 1 million
ANF wants to help businessmen combat narcotics smuggling
Customs Intelligence confiscated foreign origin used generator worth Rs 220,000 | See pAge 02 |
The MCC Preventive has foiled a bid to smuggle 760 grammes of crystal | See pAge 03 |
The govt has so far released more than Rs 242.215b for social sector projects | See pAge 04 |
The ASO Sialkot has confiscated smuggled mobile accessories worth Rs 1 m | See pAge 12 |
Brig Mahmod says ANF doesn’t want to create troubles for businessmen | See pAge 09 |
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FBR issues tax notices to renowned restaurants, firms in Karachi Wednesday, December 16, 2015
National
KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued tax notices to some famous restaurants and companies in Karachi. Talking to Customs Today, assistant commissioner Regional Tax Office-III Mujtaba Rehman said that these restaurants and companies failed to submit their tax returns. He said that in the beginning, tax notices were issued to six restaurants and eight companies. “We have adopted a strategy to recover the tax amount from defaulters and we are finalizing a list in this regard,” he said. He said that notices are served on restaurants which are mostly situated in Bahadurabad, Gulistan-e-Johar and on Tariq Road while companies are located in SITE area.
faisalabad customs intelligence seizes smuggled generator
LAHORE
FAISALABAD
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he new taxes and duties of Rs 40 billion will trigger inflation and hyper-inflation in the country, Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) president Munsha Sukhera has said. Talking to Customs Today, he said that the newly imposed taxes would reduce purchasing power of common man. He said that tea, tomatoes, fruits and vegetables are not luxury items and should be exempted from extraordinary taxation. “The new Rs 40 billion taxes will reduce purchasing power of the consumers and as a results of it inflation and hyper-inflation will take place,” he said. Actually, the government has been collecting 95 percent indirect taxes in the name of direct tax due to which the tax burden is borne by the consumers as prices of basic necessities inch up after every tax, inviting inflation and hyper-inflation, he said, adding that this type of taxation has adverse impact on the economy. He said that indirect taxes push up unemployment, reduce purchasing power of consumers while investment, consumption and GDP tend to decrease. As a result, he said, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer.
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he Customs Intelligence and investigation has conPiscated foreign origin used generator worth Rs 220,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 139,700. Following credible information, the intelligence team intercepted a mini truck bearing Registration No. FSD-2639 and recovered a generator. The team asked the driver named Usman Ali to show the documents regarding the legal import of the generator but he remained fail to do so. Therefore the customs seized the generator under Section 16 and 18 of the Custom Act 1969 and Section 3(1) and 3 (3) of Import and Exports Control Act, 1950 punishable under Section 156(1)90 and 157 of the Custom Act, 1969. The intelligence team comprising Senior Intelligence OfPicer Muhammad Tahir Iqbal, Intelligence OfPicer Faizi Raza and Mr Mansoor Khan and Sepoys Mukhtar Ahmad, Masood Iqbal and Muhammad Iqbal participated in the raid. Meanwhile, The Customs Intelligence and Investigation conPiscated smuggled goods worth Rs 5.5 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 5.09 million during Pirst week of December, 2015. According to the details, the in-
rs 40 billion new taxes will trigger inflation, says LTBA president
telligence team following the directions of Additional Director Azmat Tahira conducted various raids to fail smuggling attempts in the region. However, two cases following the charges of smuggling were registered against the accused persons. The Customs Intelligence seized a generator of Denyo Company worth Rs 2 million involving
duty/taxes valuing at Rs 1.27 million, while the accused person in this case is Muhammad Waseem Iqbal who is resident of Faisalabad. On the other hand, the intelligence staff impounded a Hino Truck bearing Registration No. TKB-370 model 1998 worth Rs 3.5 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 3.24 million. Khalid Mehmood
who is resident of Sargodha has been nominated as accused by intelligence staff. The customs has made conPiscations under Section 156(1)89 and 90 ibid read with Section 3(1) (3) of the Import and Export Control Act, 1969, after the owners failed to produce any document showing the legal import of the items.
Dg intelligence recovers rs 23.431m taxes from M/s Atlas Steel KARACHI
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he Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation (I&I-FBR) has recovered some Rs 23.431 million, evaded/short paid duty and taxes from M/s Atlas Steel and Engineering Company.
The ofPicial sources told Customs Today that an Intelligence Alert bearing C.No 1 (25) DGCI/Enf/HQRS/2014/3168, communicated by Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation FBR Headquarters Islamabad regarding import and clearance of LED lights, claiming undue and unlawful exemption of duty taxes against S No 24 of Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969, S No 15.2 of Table 3 of Sixth Schedule to the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and clause 77,
Part-IV, Second schedule to Income Tax Ordinance 2001, was received. And, the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation FBR Customs Enforcement Karachi diligently and efPiciently processed a case of inadmissible exemption of duty and taxes on the import of LED lights by M/S Atlas Steel and Engineering Company Karachi involving duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 23.431 million which was only available to SMD, LEDs with or without ballast with Pittings and Pixtures for
promotion of renewable energy technologies, sources added. When confronted, M/s Atlas Steel and Engineering Company, Karachi readily and voluntarily paid the evaded amount through pay orders of the short paid duty/taxes , the sources concluded. Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued tax notices to some famous restaurants and companies in Karachi. Talking to Customs Today, assistant commissioner Regional Tax OfPice-III
Mujtaba Rehman said that these restaurants and companies failed to submit their tax returns. He said that in the beginning, tax notices were issued to six restaurants and eight companies. “We have adopted a strategy to recover the tax amount from defaulters and we are Pinalizing a list in this regard,” he said. He said that notices are served on restaurants which are mostly situated in Bahadurabad, Gulistan-eJohar and on Tariq Road while companies are located in SITE area.
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State Bank proposes FBR to start tax collection campaign ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan proposed that Federal Board of Revenue should start a full taxation campaign for revenue generation it is learnt here. According to details, State Bank of Pakistan proposed in a report that FBR taking strong initiatives for revenue increase while it also need to start a tax awareness campaign. In the report it is need of time that all citizens should take on board in this campaign. Sources added that State Bank asked FBR to take details from NADRA about possible taxpayers and sent them notices if this measure become successful it will improve the revenue collection and it is also proposed that FBR should take long term initiatives along with temporary steps for revenue enhancement.
Multan customs offers to sell seized mobile phones to companies
Wednesday December 16, 2015
National
customs preventive recovers 760g crystal methamphetamine
LAHORE
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odel Customs Collectorate Multan has offered mobile phone companies to buy mobile phones which the customs authorities had seized in a raid three months ago. Collector Customs Multan Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich, when contacted, confirmed the customs offer to mobile phone companies stating that customs had seized mobile phones worth Rs 15 million from the local airport. The owner of the mobile phones, however, had escaped and are still at large. Sarfraz said that after completing prescribed procedure as per law, Customs Multan has offered that mobile phone companies can purchase these mobile phones.
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fBr seeks asset details from Sindh govt employees KARACHI
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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued notices to the Sindh government employees who failed to submit details of their assets. Sources told Customs Today that a majority of the Sindh government employees did not submit the details of their assets. Among those who did not file their assets details include employees of the Governor’s House, Chief Minister’s House, employees of the Sindh Assembly, Chief Secretary office, commissioner, and deputy commissioner’s office. It is pertinent to mention here, that spokesman of Governor Sindh Wajhat Ali is also among those who did not file their asset details as yet. Sources said that after the issuance of these final notices, strict action will be taken against those employees who will not submit their asset details.
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he Model Customs Collectorate Preventive has foiled a bid to smuggle 760 grams of crystal methamphetamine at Jinnah International Airport Karachi. According to details, customs authorities intercepted a passenger namely Darya Khan, holding Pakistani passport No. FD4123701 and recovered 760 grams gross of crystal methamphetamine concealed in his hand bag. The arrested passenger was leaving for Dammam by PIA Flight PK241, sources added. Meanwhile, After assuming charge by Collector Tariq Huda, the Model Customs Collectorate Preventive’s Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) set numbers of achievements, as it confiscated smuggled items worth Rs 2030 million, besides arresting many smugglers during almost two years and four months. Collector Tariq Huda who is committed to his work took charge at Customs Preventive on August 24, 2013 and solved unsettled cases by moving on the track of success. Keeping his performance in view, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has never transferred him after his appointment at Customs Preventive. If his recent performance is reviewed, the department following the effective directions of Collector
Tariq Huda seized imported goods worth Rs 1510 million during the calendar year, January 2015 to December 10, 2015. According to the details, the ASO teams seized perfumes of assorted brands worth Rs 165.27 million, mobiles phones and tablets worth Rs 12.08 million, clothes worth Rs 16.89 million, five containers worth Rs 112.9 million, air conditions, auto parts, diesel worth Rs 296.8 million, LED TVs worth Rs 46 million, motor oil and other items
customs authorities reportedly intercepted a passenger namely Darya khan, holding pakistani passport no. fD4123701, and recovered 760 grammes of crystal methamphetamine concealed in his handbag.
fBr starts audit of taxes paid by big publishers LAHORE
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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has started the audit of big publishers after finding some discrepancies in tax returns filed by them. According to the details, the FBR will scrutinise the record of last
five years to find the total tax paid by publishers in wake of sales and
income tax during the said period. The book sellers those published book in foreign countries but sell them in Pakistan would also be included in the audit process. It is pertinent to mention here that publisher is liable to pay 35 percent tax as manufacturer and five percent as importer. The officials said that if any kind of irregularity was found, the tax evaders will be brought to table in order to recover evaded tax.
worth Rs 8.4 million, besides confiscating soap, cigarette lighters, foundation cream, cell phones’ batteries, chargers, tyres, toiletries, black tea, generator and gutka worth Rs 852 million during the said period. The ASO during the last calendar year, 2014 held smuggled goods worth Rs 310 million, while from the date, when Tariq Huda took charge and up to December 2013, it confiscated contraband items worth Rs 210 million.
fBr issues list of 54 prohibited items ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued list of 54 prohibited items which can only be imported by using legal means. As per details, these items include all types of auto parts, CDs, paintings, photographs, films and other things. Under Customs Act-1969 section 15 prohibited items also include platinum, palladium, tyres and tubes, vehicles, man-made fiber, wool, etc.
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52.8MW being produced thru wind power project Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Business
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif has claimed that the Sapphire Wind Power Project, after a delay of more than four year, has started producing 52.8MW electricity. The minister said that achieving commercial operation by Saphire is an excellent example and can be showcased as model for other to follow. He said that the Pakistan’s southern corridor offers great opportunities for investment in wind energy projects. Saphire had been struggling to make the facility operational from last many years. It first applied for generation license in National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) in August 2011.
kSe loses another 291pts as Sindh, centre lock horns over rangers KARACHI
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pened with positive mood, the stock suffered bearish note in latter sessions as Sindh and federal governments have locked horns over redeployment and powers of Rangers in the province. The Karachi Stock Exchange benchmark KSE-100 index lost another 290.78 points to drop to 32467.04 level at closing on Tuesday. The mar-
100 textile mill owners announce to close unites
ket recorded the highest trading level of 32994.96 points and lowest level of 32420.44 points, with the volume of 96,767,470 shares, having Rs7.9 billion value. As many as 329 companies were active; of which 99 advanced, 213 declined and 17 remained unchanged. Technology & Communication remained the highest traded sector with total volume of 21,941,500 shares, while commercial banks remained second traded sector with a total volume of 12,993,500 shares. The three top traded companies were TRG Pak Ltd with a volume of 18,675,000 and price per share of 34.33 (-1.80), Pak Elektron with a vol-
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he All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has revealed that as many as hundred mills have announced to close their units if the federal government fails to address commercial non-viability and complete gas suspension. Aptma Punjab Chairman Aamir Fayyaz, addressing a press conference after holding a general body meeting of the association.
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he government has so far released more than Rs 242.215 billion for different social sector developmental projects under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2015-16 as against the total allocation of Rs700 billion. According to latest data released by the Planning Commission of Pakistan, the government has released Rs29.316 billion for infrastructure
sian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Werner Leipach has called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and apprised him of the progress of the on-going portfolio of the bank in the country and plans relating to financing of projects in 2016. The ADB country director said that the ADB’s total co-financing for Pakistan stood around $1,050 million ($1.050 billion) including $400 million grant commitments from DIFD. The ADB has also provided $95 million trade finance support for the private sector. While sharing the details of ADB’s financing plans for the coming year 2016, Leipach said that the bank is mulling to provide financing of around $1.2 to $1.5 billion, mainly in the field of infrastructure under the Public Private Partnership mode. Meanwhile, The experts Monday highlighted the importance of TurkmenistanAfghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, saying it would play an important role in economic development of the country. The experts expressed this while talking in Radio Pakistan’s Current Affairs’ programme on Monday.
A ume 8,080,500 of price per share of 66.57 (0.23), and Attock RePinery
with a volume 7,834,000 of price per share of 197.23 (-3.66).
over rs 242b out of rs 700b released for social sector development projects
LAHORE
ADB to give pakistan $1.5b loan for infrastructure
and development projects under National Highway Authority (NHA) as compared to the total allocation of Rs 159 billion for FY 2015-16. Under PSDP, Rs 53.637 billion has been released for Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and other power sector projects as against the total allocation of Rs112.288 billion for current Piscal year to overcome the shortage of energy in the country. Meanwhile, a sum of Rs 18.692 billion for Higher Education Commission as compared to the total allocation of Rs31.100 billion for the year 201516. So far, the government has re-
leased Rs 5.959 billion for different projects of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission as against the total allocation of Rs 30.408 billion for Piscal year 2015-16. An amount of Rs7.810 billion has been released for uplift and improvement of the services of Railways Division as government had earmarked Rs 41 billion for the development of Pakistan Railways. About Rs 6.999 billion has released for different projects of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division as against Rs 20.701 billion earmarked for current Piscal year.
gwadar project is fascinating, says uk Hc philip Barton LAHORE
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rain drain has reversed in Pakistan that will be proved a game changer for the country, said UK High Commissioner Philip Barton. The UK’s top official in Pakistan said this after inaugurating The Emporium Mall, the country’s largest shopping mall, in Johar Town, Lahore.
Philip Barton said that a new Pakistan is emerging due to rapid development projects especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which would serve as the backbone of Pakistan’s connectivity with the Western as well as Central Asian countries. He added that Gawadar Project is fascinating and China has started a number of development projects in Pakistan and investors are gaining confidence as the security situa-
tion in the country has improved and economic stability is visible. He hoped that these emerging opportunities would turn a new leaf in the economic history of Pakistan. He reminded the manufacturers to adhere to international conventions on human rights and labour standards for continued access to EU markets under GSP Plus status. The new 11 storied Emporium Mall is being developed over a land area of over 2 million
square feet and is set to open to the public in 2016. Meanwhile, Pakistan is producing world-standard cement as the local cement is being exported to the US, UK and South Africa. DG Khan Cement General Manager (Works) Khalid Mahmood, said this while talking to media. He said that the Khairpur cement plant has the capacity to produce more than 6,500 tonnes of cement per day and manufactures 2 dif-
ferent products, Ordinary Portland Cement and Sulphate Resistant Cement, which are sold locally and exported. The DG Khan Cement Khairpur facility is one of the largest cement production facilities of its kind in Pakistan, which is ISO certified and fulfils the requirements of Quality Management Systems and Environmental Management Systems as per ISO 9001:2008 & ISO 14001:2004 respectively.
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015
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irectorate of Intelligence and Investigation (Anti-Smuggling Organization), Karachi, during an operation against smuggling in December 2015, has recovered a huge quantity of smuggled goods worth millions of rupees. Four persons have also been arrested. Sources told Customs Today that during this anti-smuggling campaign in December-2015, at least 1,421 foreign origin smuggled tyres were seized from Bhadurabad and Azizabad which were illegally brought without payment of duty and taxes. In another raid, a team of Customs Intelligence seized 148 smuggled gas cylinders from a godown located in SITE area Karachi for which no customs documents for payment of duty and taxes were provided during questioning. At least 40,000 liters smuggled Iranian diesel and petrol was recovered from the jurisdiction of Saeedabad Police Station at Yousuf Goth Karachi concealed in underground tanks.
In addition smuggled vehicles, gutka and black tea was also taken in to custody. Director Customs Intelligence (Anti-Smuggling Organization) Muhammad Asif Marghoob Siddiqui told Customs Today that the value of smuggled item is more than 9.5 crores (95 million). Four persons involved in smuggling were also arrested and FIRs have been lodged in the Customs court as per procedure and law, he added. Challans will be submitted after investigation and seizure report will be sent to the concerned adjudicating authority as required under the Customs Act, 1969. Director further informed that during the Financial Year 201516, smuggled goods worth Rs 1 billion and 8 crores (Rs1088.77million) were also seized including smuggled diesel, electronic items, vehicles, tyres, liquor and narcotics etc. Anti-smuggling operation was conducted in line with the strategy of FBR and under instructions of the Director General, Customs Intelligence Imtiaz Ahmed. Additional Director Nadeem Ahsan super-
vised these operations were materialized by teams of Customs Intelligence including Assistant Director Kaleemullah, Superintendents Najeebullah Jaffery and Mehmood Abbas and other ofPicial including Haji Muhammad Aslam, Akmal Hashmi, Munwar Ali and etc. Asif Marghoob Siddiqui said that anti-smuggling operation against the menace of smuggling shall continue with available resources at the disposal.
of a team , d i a r r 48 he eized 1 s in anot e c n e g a s intelli rs from e d n custom i l y ed gas c area smuggl in SiTe d e t a c s o l custom o godown n h c i ty for wh nt of du e karachi m y a p ring nts for ided du v docume o r p e es wer and tax ning. questio
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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
Declining exports
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ccording to newspaper reports, the total exports of the country have further nosedived by 13.81 percent to $8.541 billion during the first five months, from July to November, of the current fiscal year. The total exports stood at $9.909 billion during the same period in the previous fiscal year. Experts hold the government responsible for the declining trends in exports as no official of the federal government or the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is ready to take responsibility of the situation. The finance minister is using his full energies to arrest the fast devaluation of the Pakistani rupee against dollars and running from pillar to post to hold negotiations with donor agencies to get more and more loans and the minister of commerce is busy in the local politics. The prime minister has his own busy schedule and exports seem to have the lowest place in the priority list of everyone who matters. The businessmen are waiting for a new trade policy, textile policy as well as an effective auto policy and they have to wait until the mandate of the present government ends in 2018. On the export sector, Pakistan is lagging behind even Bangladesh and Vietnam. The country’s exports witnessed a decline of over 15.12 percent and stood at $1.662 billion in November 2015 compared to $1.958 billion in November 2014, said a report issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The government though released some of the long-awaited sales tax refunds to exporters in November but only to sugar mills in Sindh and Punjab and it made the volume of exports slightly better. Some officials hold the energy shortage, especially in Punjab, responsible for decline in exports, but the most important issue is the apathy of the government to realize the problems faced by the business community. However, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and reports from world donor agencies still claim that Pakistan’s economy has been improving for the last few months as compared to the previous year. The World Bank and the government circles forecast 4.5 percent GDP growth in 2016 and 4.8 percent in 2017. Pakistan’s exports have been declining but it is a good omen that the government has managed to curtail trade deficit by 4.48 percent to $9.936 billion in July-Nov 2015-16 from $10.402 billion in the same period of the last year. In November 2015, trade deficit was 37.50 percent month-on-month due to drop in imports and exports.
report on global Microscope 2015 A
LAHORE
Dr AfTAB AfZAL
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ccording to a report of the Economist magazine’s intelligence unit, the Global Microscope 2015, the Pinancial inclusion ranking of the country has been elevated to number Pive in the global index on Pinancial inclusion, two points up from its level in 2014. The report attributes the two point improvement to the top level commitment, consistency, and major Pinancial inclusion initiatives implemented by the country’s central bank during the year. The report particularly mentions Pinancial inclusion progress to the well documented and articulated national Pinancial
inclusion strategy, policy on easy accounts, and passage of the Credit Bureau Act as well as membership of the global better than cash alliance, and Pinancial literacy initiatives. The report says that the country is facing challenges of national Pinancial inclusion strategy in the implementation stage, including the constrained supply of credit to under-served markets, dePiciency in land titling and registration, the absence of a secured transaction framework and electronic collateral registry for movable assets, and lack of capacity in both Pinancial institutions and clients. Whereas the report points out the challenges of the national Pinancial inclusion strategy, it also emphasizes on the capacity build-
ing of the ofPicials working in Pinancial institutions. In the absence of a strict check and balance of the senior cadre, policies are hardly worked out and important decisions are always marked by delays and inefPiciency. Instead of taking a proactive approach, the senior cadre always relies on the lower staff which has its own limits and capacities. According to the intelligence unit’s report, the challenges are already prioritized in the national Pinancial inclusion strategy and momentum will be built to push forward reforms to achieve universal Pinancial inclusion in an integrated and sustained manner. The Global Microscope Report 2015 also assesses the regulatory environment in 55 countries for Pinancial inclusion across 12 indica-
tors and based its rankings of country on the progress and commitment to Pinancial inclusion, regulatory and supervisory environment, market infrastructure and Pinancial stability etc. The Microscope 2015 is directed towards practitioners, policymakers, investors and all other stakeholders in the area of Pinancial inclusion to help drive Pinancial inclusion through their respective roles. It is important to note that the world is going at the fast rate and reports from the world Pinancial agencies and magazine point out economy of a country in global perspective. It is hoped that the policymakers in Pakistan as well as businessmen and all other stakeholders will keep abreast of the changes in the world economic scenario.
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Adobe’s revenue increases by 22% YoY to $1.31b CALIFORNIA: As we watch organizations like IBM, HP and EMC struggle to transform, Adobe is an interesting contrasting case. It went from selling boxed software to a cloud subscription model in shorter order, and judging from its financial report that came out last week, it’s done quite well making that leap. First, let’s have a look at the numbers. Adobe reported a record $1.31 billion in revenue for the quarter, a 22 percent year over year increase. It disclosed record annual revenue of $4.8 billion. Mind you these are significant, but the big number to me is that recurring revenue from subscriptions now represents 74 percent of Adobe’s business. What’s more, just under $3 billion in revenue in 2015 came from digital mediarelated annual recurring revenue (ARR). In fact, the company added $350 Million in recurring revenue in the fourth quarter alone.
good governance should not be race to bottom: Malta chamber ood governance should be the order of the day, but public funds are not being used properly, the Chamber of Commerce has warned. During a meeting with a delegation from the Nationalist Party led by leader Simon Busuttil, the Chamber’s president Anton Borg said that problems relating to good governance must be addressed. The Chamber was being presented with the document piloted by PN MP Claudio
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Grech for the PN’s economic vision. “The Malta Chamber has already stated earlier this year that for far too long, successive governments from both sides of the political spectrum have condoned and indeed seemingly encouraged the squandering of public funds. It is worrying to read about a number of cases of abuse. It should never be a race to the bottom when it comes to governance, rule of law and standards but it should be a battle between the two sides of Parliament on which party can offer the best policies whilst upholding excellence and quality in everything it does,” Borg said. Borg said it was positive for the party in Opposition to present its intentions for the economy well in advance of an electoral campaign. “This is encouraging insofar as investor confidence in the country is concerned as, businesses will know what to expect in the eventuality of a change in government,” Borg said. Borg said that the Chamber also welcomed the fact that the document follows on the steps of the document published by the Malta Chamber ‘An Economic Vision for Malta 2014-2020’. “—CB Report
Wednesday December 16, 2015
Chambers
Anf wants to help, guide businessmen to combat narcotics smuggling F
LAHORE
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orce Commander, Regional Directorate of Anti Narcotics Force Punjab Brigadier Mahmod ul Hassan has said that AntiNarcotics Force is meant to guide and help the business community instead of creating troubles for them. He was talking to LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, Vice President Nasir Saeed and Executive Committee Members here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Brigadier Mahmood ul Hassan also announced to form a committee comprising LCCI, Customs Department and ANF to resolve the issues of business community regarding their consignments. “The results would be speedier than expectations provided the decisions are made with the consultation of the stakeholders”, he said. He said that Customs Department would be approached soon for the formation of the committee. He informed the participants of the meeting that Anti-Narcotics department is tasked with combating
the narcotics smuggling and use. He said that the department will not allow any drug smuggler to tarnish the image of Pakistan and will safeguard the new generation from become victim of narcotics at any cost. Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI president Sheikh Muhammad
Arshad Commerce & Industry appreciates ANF Drug Free City campaign as it was need of the hour. He said that use of drug is harmful for the entire society and there is a dire need to promote healthy activities among youth. He said that a number of chemi-
chinese firms visit pakistan to explore JVs
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delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to explore business partnerships and joint ventures in Pakistan for various products including construction machinery, heavy duty vehicles, consumer electronics, hardware and glass wares. The delegation was representing some big companies of China including FOXCONN Technology Group, China JiangSu NanTong LiuJjian Construction (CAMBODIA) Group, Wealthpower Technology Ltd., and Suzhou Super Glass Optical Technology Co. Ltd. FOXCONN Technology Group has 1.2 million employees all over the world out of which 8 million were working in China. The delegation informed that
FOXCONN Technology Group was the most dependable partner for joint-design, joint-development, manufacturing, assembling and after-sales services to global computer, communication and consumer-electronics (“3C”) leaders and was looking for partners in Pakistan for manufacturing and distribution of these products. Similarly, CAMBODIA Construction Group produced big cranes, heavy duty construction machinery, trucks and were interested to start joint ventures in Pakistan. The delegation members said after the Pinalization of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project between the two countries, many Chinese investors were taking increased interest in Pakistan for investment and they have come on an exploratory visit to Pind out opportunities of investment and joint ventures in Pakistan. They also invited
ICCI delegation to visit China to Pind out business matchmakings. Speaking at the occasion, ICCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh and Vice President Sheikh Abdul Waheed briefed the Chinese delegation about lucrative investment opportunities in Pakistan’s IT, construction, infrastructure development and other sectors. They said Pakistan was a big market of over 180 million people with strong demand for consumers’ electronics including computers, laptops, mobile phones, printers, copiers and digital cameras etc. and Chinese investors should set up manufacturing plants in Pakistan to exploit these opportunities. They said the government has started many construction projects in various cities while the CPEC would usher in more projects in energy and infrastructure development.
cals are being used in educational institutes as well as in number of industries. These chemicals are freely traded and used in other countries but it seems that without taking due consideration, undue checks have been imposed and due to that a lot of people associated with these sectors are facing problems. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that if a businessman completes all the necessary formalities like LCCI membership certiPicate, NTN and Sales Tax registration then he should be allowed sale and purchase of all the chemicals. He said that a number of LCCI members have complained that ANF staff destroys the packing of export shipment while checking which is affecting the exporters badly as foreign buyers raise Pingers on bad packing. He said that ANF staff should be careful in this regard. The LCCI vice president Nasir Saeed said that rules and regulations should be different for small and large scale businesses. He said that the LCCI members are facing troubles in getting NOC and required license for chemical business.
easton chamber to celebrate Business Appreciation night he Easton Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 12th annual Business Appreciation Night at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Easton Country Club. The evening will feature the presentation of the 2015 Outstanding Business Citizen Award, and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a cash bar. This award will be given to a local business person in recognition of their outstanding support of the Easton community and its citizens. The chamber will also present a $750 Community Service Scholarship to a graduating high school senior in recognition of a service project that positively impacted the local community and its citizens. Guest speaker Kristi Marsh, a celebrated national speaker and awardwinning author, will speak.—CB Report
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Ireland Customs seizes 6,000 Diazepam tablets Wednesday December 16, 2015
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DUBLIN: Revenue Officers have seized around €6,000 worth of prescription drugs in Dublin. Gardaí and members of the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) also took part in the intelligenceled operation targeting the illegal sale and supply of prescription drugs at an address in Blanchardstown, this afternoon. They seized around 6,000 Diazepam tablets, with an estimated value of €6,000. A 46-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned at Blanchardstown Garda Station under the provisions of Section 2 Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. The drugs had originated in Cameroon, Central Africa.
Hk customs seizes 16kg french customs seizes 2.4 suspected dried shark fins tonnes of cocaine worth $76m HONG KONG
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ustoms ofPicials have seized at least 2.4 tonnes of cocaine from a cargo ship off France’s northern coast, a record for the country.
kuwait police nab two liquor smugglers ecuritymen from Mubarak Al-Kabeer Investigation Directorate arrested two Bedouns for smuggling imported liquor, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Acting on instructions of Brigadier Mohammed AlSharhan – Director of the directorate, a security team was formed to arrest the suspects. An undercover agent was then instructed to purchase four bottles of imported liquor to be delivered in Omariya. When the agent met the suspects at the agreed place, they felt the presence of securitymen so they tried to escape but the officers chased and arrested them. The officers also confiscated about 40 bottles of different types of imported liquor. The suspects and the confiscated items were referred to the Drugs Control General Department (DCGD).—CB Report
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The Carib Palm, a MoldovanPlagged freighter, had sailed from Colombia and was headed to Gdansk in Poland. It docked at the northern French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer on Thursday night, a source close to the investigation said, conPirming a report by France 3 television. “The ship was intercepted yesterday (Thursday) at 6:30pm at sea and at 8:00pm was brought to the dock at Boulogne-sur-
Mer, where the search operation began,” the Pinance ministry said in a statement. “The drugs were concealed behind a metal partition.” Finance minister Michel Sapin described the drugs as “the largest seizure of cocaine” ever in mainland France. The haul has a street value of around 50 million euros ($76 million). Customs ofPicials were continuing to search the ship, which was carrying raw materials. The 12 crew members, who are Turkish and Ukrainian, were being held by customs and were set to be formally detained. Meanwhile, Two Vietnamese heading for Hanoi were arrested in Paris for smuggling 95 kilograms of elephant tusks and ivory products from Ethiopia, the biggest ivory smuggling haul ever busted by French customs on air passengers. The Vietnam News Agency cited a Thursday statement from French customs as saying that they found the illegal goods inside the suitcases of the Vietnamese man and woman as they transited at Charles de Gaulle on December 7.
Malaysian customs collects over rM30 billion in gST revenue
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he Customs Department has collected over RM30 billion in goods and services tax (GST) since the tax system was implemented on April 1 this year. Deputy director-general (Enforcement and Compliance Division) of Customs, Datuk Matrang Suhaili, said the amount was collected from over 400,000 companies registered under the GST. “The Pigure collected exceeded our target and we expect the amount to increase next year.
“As for now, we have not set any target amount,” he told reporters after closing a Customs ofPicers’ course at the Customs Academy in Bukit Baru, Malacca, today. Matrang said Customs assigned over 1,000 ofPicers to the GST department.“The staff that we have now in the department are to meet current needs and to replace those who have pensioned and retired. “They are placed to Pill the void accordingly in branches nationwide,” he said.—CB Report
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ong Kong Customs seized about 16 kilograms of suspected dried shark Pins of Sphyrnidae, an endangered species, and arrested a man at Hong Kong International Airport today (December 14). Customs ofPicers intercepted a 20-year-old incoming male passenger at the airport this afternoon. The man arrived in Hong Kong from Mozambique via Johannesburg, South Africa. During Customs clearance, about 16kg of suspected dried shark Pins of Sphyrnidae were found inside his check-in baggage. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found
guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum Pine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years. Meanwhile, The Chinese mainland’s trade with Hong Kong totaled US$259.98 billion in the Pirst ten months of 2015, down 12.1 percent year on year, according the Ministry of Commerce. This accounts for 8.1 percent of the mainland’s total overseas trade in the same period, Pigures released by the ministry show. The mainland’s exports to Hong Kong hit US$251.32 billion, a decrease of 12.2 percent year on year, while the mainland’s imports from the region dropped 10.6 percent to US$8.66 billion. Hong Kong is the mainland’s fourth-largest trade partner and third-largest export market. The mainland approved 10,396 Hong Kong-invested projects from January to October this year, with the actual use of Hong Kong capital hitting US$71.29 billion, up 10.9 percent from the same period last year.
canada: Hamilton police seize taser, drugs, cash and cellphones
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wo Hamilton men are facing drug charges after police found a “suspicious vehicle” with marijuana parked on Mohawk Road West. Police were called to the area of 750 Mohawk Rd. W. around 10:30 p.m. Friday after a witness described seeing people constantly approaching the vehicle. Police found two men sitting in the car and allegedly smelled “freshly burning marijuana,” police said. OfPicers also allegedly saw marijuana resting on the centre console of the vehicle. The two men
were arrested and the car was searched. Police have seized cash, cocaine, multiple cellphones, a Taser and other evidence consistent with trafPicking cocaine. Ammar Alabad Alnabi, 28, is charged with possession of marijuana, possession for the purpose of trafPicking cocaine, possession of a prohibited weapon, and proceeds of crime under $5,000. Ehsan Rashid, 25, is charged with possession of marijuana, possession for the purpose of trafPicking cocaine, and possession of a prohibited weapon.—CB Report
Authorities arrests 2 Malaysian wildlife smugglers
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hile authorities in the United States managed to arrest two Malaysian wildlife smugglers, there are many more out there plying their illegal trade safe from the clutches of the law. Commenting on a recent FMT
report regarding the arrest of Eoin Ling Churn Yeng, 35, and Galvin Yeo Siang Ann, 33, in Oregon on Friday, Elizabeth John, the senior communications ofPicer of the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TrafPic), said the illegal online trade of wildlife was a growing concern. In Malaysia, John said the trade mostly involved the sale of local species to local pet owners, hob-
byists or buyers. “However, we’ve also seen Malaysians offering to post or courier locally sourced animals overseas, and vice versa,” she said, citing a recent example in July, when the National Wildlife and National Parks department (Perhilitan) seized two Sumatran orang-utans advertised for sale online in Malaysia. John said the trend was worrying
because it was so widespread and that some species were very rare, while the number of social media pages and websites offering wildlife was also very high. “It will take much more resources, effort, and buy-in from a much wider variety of bodies, to tackle this problem – from enforcement agencies to mail and logistics companies.”
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China-Macao trade rises by 32% to $3.95b BEIJING: Trade between the Chinese mainland and Macao increased by 32 percent year on year to 3.95 billion U.S. dollars during the first ten months of 2015, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce. The mainland’s exports to Macao rose by 34.6 percent year on year to 3.79 billion U.S. dollars during the January-October period. Macao’s exports to the mainland totaled 160 million U.S. dollars, a decrease of 10 percent year on year, according to the ministry. Mainland authorities approved 329 investment projects from Macao entities during the period, with the actual use of Macao capital reaching 850 million U.S. dollars, up 80.4 percent from the same period last year.
Taiwan shipments of handsets down 17% in Q3 of 2015 hipments of handsets in the Taiwan market totaled 2.26 million units in the third quarter of 2015, down 17% sequentially and 12% on year, the Chinese-language Liberty Times quoted IDC data as indicating. Of total shipments in the third quarter, smartphones totaled 2.13 million units, decreasing 18% on quarter and 13% on year. This is the first time smartphone sales recorded an annual decline in the local market, IDC said. IDC attributed the decreased smartphone shipments in the third quarter to weaker than expected sales by Apple, Asustek Computer and HTC, particularly the iPhone 6-series which were down by 300,000 units as compared to a quarter earlier. Samsung Electronics ranked as the top smartphone vendor in the quarter, powered by its mid-range Galaxy A8 and J7 as well as flagship Galaxy Note 5, IDC noted. Asustek took the second title, followed by HTC, Sony Mobile Communications and Apple. Despite high shipment volumes and high penetration rates of smartphones in the Taiwan market, smartphone shipments in the local market are likely to continue to grow 2% on year in 2016, IDC estimated.—CB Report
Ports & Shipping
Tanzania ports Authority damaged by corruption
he Port of Jacksonville in Florida hopes to spend $684 million for dredging to create a deeper port in anticipation of more and larger cargo ships. Dredging will deepen the St. Johns River from 40 feet to 47 feet to accommodate super-sized cargo ships. To transport the additional cargo, the Port of Jacksonville also wants to build a new rail line which could cost up to $217 million from the port to the city to facilitate cargo movement.—CB Report
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port of prince rupert contributes to community investment fund he Port of Prince Rupert is strengthening the foundations of early learning in the community with its latest Community Investment Fund contribution. With a $9,000 contribution from the Fund, the Prince Rupert Growing Space Society was able to replace its supply of play mats. The centre’s floors, well-worn due to the centre’s popularity, require an extra layer of padding to ensure children have a safe landing for inevitable trip-ups. The Society welcomes more than 200 visitors a week to its Ocean Centre Mall location, where they learn new skills by using the indoor playground, crafting area, and diverse collection of toys and books. “We were able to replace the mats we purchased more than seven years ago with more durable, safer flooring that will meet the needs of children in the community for many years to come,” said Elizabeth Melanson, President of the Prince Rupert Growing Space Society. “For many families and daycare providers in Prince Rupert, having a dedicated indoor space to escape the weather and get some extended physical activity is a blessing. And it really wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of community groups and businesses like the Port.”—CB Report
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Jacksonville port spends $684m to create deeper port
Wednesday December 16, 2015
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anzania’s new president John Magufuli has sacked several top port Pigures following the discovery that over 2,700 shipping containers were smuggled at the Port of Dar es Salaam tax free. Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) director general Awadhi Massawe, TPA chairman Joseph Msambichaka and Shaaban Mwinjaka, secretary general of the Ministry of Transport, were dismissed after two surprise visits to the port made by Prime
Minister Kassim Majaliwa revealed the corruption scam. On one of the visits to the port, the Prime Minister found out that 349 shipping containers, worth more than Sh80bn (US$37m), were smuggled from inland container depots serving the port without paying government taxes. Another visit by the Prime Minister revealed that an additional 2,431 shipping containers were smuggled without paying taxes. The racket involved high-value containerised goods being scanned for inspection as low-value products. Massawe, who was appointed director general of TPA in October 2015 after having held the position
of acting director since February 2015, is the third port chief to be sacked in three years. The prime minister’s ofPice said in a statement: “President Magufuli has also disbanded the board of directors of the ports authority due to its failure to take action against the Dar es Salaam port’s long history of poor performance.” Majaliwa also suspended 13 other senior ofPicials at the port due to an investigation into claims of corruption and tax evasion. Magufuli, who prior of his appointment was the country’s public works minister, was elected president in October 2015, becoming Tanzania’s Pifth president since independence.
port Long Beach cargo volume up by 6.6% in nov
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argo volumes at Port of Long Beach have raised for Pive consecutive months as activity there continues its trend toward pre-recession levels, port ofPicials reported. Total container volumes — imports, exports and empty containers being sent over the ocean — rose 6.6 percent in November on a year-over-year basis. The nearly 620,000 container units moving
through the port signiPied the second-largest shipping volume ever recorded by the Long Beach port during the month of November. Toy imports are a signiPicant factor in the recent statistics. Port ofPicials attributed the rising cargo volumes in part to imports of “Star Wars” and “Minions” toys. The demand for Star Wars toys could be so strong as to push total containerized toy imports to the United States up nearly 11 percent above 2014 levels, according to a November report in the Journal of Commerce.
The numbers: Imports rose about 4 percent year-over-year to nearly 307,000 container units. Exports fell 4 percent roughly 125,000 container units. The volume of empty containers, which are usually sent across the PaciPic so importers can ship more goods here, rose nearly 20 percent to about 188,000 containers. Port of Long Beach ofPicials forecast total 2015 container volumes will exceed 7 million container units. Cargo volumes have not been so high since 2006 and 2007, the years immediately preced-
ing the Great Recession. The National Bureau of Economic Research dates the Great Recession as having lasted from December 2007 through June 2009, signifying the longest downtown since World War II. Meanwhile, The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (December 7) released statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the third quarter of 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, total port cargo throughput decreased by 16.5% compared with a year earlier to 63.8 million tonnes.
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Faisalabad Excise collects Rs 35m as professional tax FAISALABAD: The Excise and Taxation collected Rs 35.08 million as professional tax during first five months (July-November) of current fiscal year 2015-16 by achieving 12 percent of the assigned target Rs 84.11 million for the year. The excise has collected Rs 28.673 million as from Faisalabad region against the yearly target of Rs 63.12 million, which has been achieved by 45 percent so far. The Jhang Excise collected Rs 2.77 million by marking 32 percent achievement of the target that is Rs 8.613 million.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
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Sialkot ASo seizes smuggled mobile accessories worth rs 1 million SIALKOT guLZAr AHMeD
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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sialkot has conPiscated smuggled mobile accessories worth Rs 1 million. Sources told Customs Today that the ASO has captured small cartons of different mobile phone accessories worth Rs 1 million during an operation supervised by deputy superintendent Erfan and inspector Mansha. The smuggled items were being brought from Quetta to Sialkot. As per details, an ASO team following the directions of Model Customs Collectorate Sialkot Collector Ahmad Reza Khan intercepted a van and found mobile accessories items. The ofPicials asked the driver to produce the documents showing the legal import of the items but the driver remained failed to do so. Therefore, Customs ofPicials seized the accessories under Import and Export Trade (Control) Act 1950, punishable under Section 156(1), 89 of Customs Act, 1969. Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling Organization Sialkot (ASO) has seized cloth in different operations worth Rs 7 million.
As per the details, the ASO team acting upon information received through Model Customs Collec-
torate Sialkot Collector Ahmed Reza Khan intercepted different small vehicles loaded with cloth.
Following the directions of Assitant Collecter Palwasha Sayed and Chaudhry Fahad Bashir, Ad-
dtional Collector Faiz Ali conducted the operation against the smuggled cloth.
faisalabad customs recovers smuggled used generators FAISALABAD
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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation authorities seized foreign origin generators Caterpillar brand 15-KVA diesel worth Rs 2 million. Sources told Customs Today, that additional director Ms. Azmat Tahira received credible information regading smug-
gling of above said generators. After which she constituted a raiding party comprising Zahid Saleem Mirza (SIO), Mian Muhammad Yousaf, Farzand Ali (IO) Tajamal Hussain, Muhammad Musaddiq Ahmad (sepoys). The customs team intercepted a truck bearing registeration No. near Jhal Khanuana Samundri Road Faisalabad and recovered FDW-9345 and recovered generators. The customs team asked the driver of the vehicle who was identified as Muhammad
Yaseen son of Ahmad Ali to produce legal documents regarding possession of generators, but he failed to provide any documents. The customs team seized the generators and registered a case against accused person. Meanwhile, The customs collectorate Faisalabad has confiscated container loaded with miscellaneous items worth Rs 2.2 million which also involved duty and taxes amounting to Rs 1.2 million. Sources told Customs Today that Faisalabad Collector Dr Zulfiqar Ali Chaud-
hary received information regarding the smuggling of miscellaneous items. After receiving the information, he constituted a raiding party comprising Muhammad Anwar Pervaiz (deputy superintendent), examination incharge Muhammad Jamil Ahmad, (appraiser) and Ajmal Iqbal Cheema (inspectors). The customs team raided near Dry Port Faisalabad and seized the container. After seizing the container, a notice was issued to the owner of the container but neither importer nor his au-
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thorized person approached the Customs Faisalabad for clearance of their consignment. Subsequently, a notice vide notice .no.1970 was issued to importer under section 82 of custom act 1969 but no response was received from the importer. Another notice vide no.2083 was also issued to the importer intimating him to get his consignment cleared otherwise the sane will b sold through public auction without any further notice under section 82 of the customs act 1969.