Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Daily on www.customsbulletin.com

Find us on

pAkIStAN’S fIrSt INDEptH NEwSpApEr oN cUStoMS

Daily

ABC Certified

Karachi, Tue January 16, 2018

KARACHI

MUBEEN HUSSAIN

www.customsbulletin.com

M

odel Customs Collectorate Appraisement West has foiled an attempt to clear electronic items worth Rs 440m from Al-Hamd International Container Terminal (AICT).

Sources told Customs Today that mobile phones, tablets and batteries were imported against three bills of

ladings in the garb of refrigerator parts, dyes and garments.

The team of the Appraisement West received information that M/s Rana Enterprises, Arham and Company and Zuantyqan Impex will try to clear mobile phones from the port by mis-declaring the description.

The customs team informed that an estimated value of the goods is more than Rs 440 million involving duties and taxes of Rs 104 million. The offending goods are seized under section 168 of the Cus-

Vol 2, Issue No. 316

Price Rs. 14.00

toms Act, 1969. An investigation had been launched on the directions of the Collector Customs Collectorate Appraisement West Karachi which revealed that as against declaration of 13 pallets of refrigerator parts, dyes and garments on the BLs, the imported goods were consisted of 28,000 mobile phones of various American, Korean as well as Chinese brands like Motorola, LG, Samsung etc, at least 2,700 tablets and 16,500 mobile batteries. The case is believed to be a part of a larger racket of fraudsters who have caused colossal loss to public exchequer by importing and clearing mobile phones in the garb of other goods.

Dryport exceeds very next target in advance by collecting Rs2534.382m

Director General Valuation to revise VR No 756/2015 on January 18

Customs Intelligence impounds NDP vehicles, computer accessories

Abbasi calls for increased trade with Sri Lanka

Quetta Customs seizes white plastic dana worth Rs7m

Islamabad Dry Port has been assigned a revenue collection target of Rs326m | SEE pAgE 02 |

DGValuation has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 756/2015 on Jan 18 | SEE pAgE 03 |

CustomsI&Iteamimpoundedtwononduty paid vehicles and computer accessories | SEE pAgE 04 |

PMAbbasihasinvitedSriLankanbusinessmen to see for themselves that Pakistan | SEE pAgE 14 |

Customs I&I Quetta confiscated a quantity of white plastic worth Rs7m | SEE pAgE 16 |

2

www.customsbulletin.com

FST seeks reply on complaints filed by FBR employees Tuesday, January 16, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Federal Service Tribunal issued directives on submission of record in couple of service matters and dated in office hearing of complaints filed by FBR employees during first week of January.

FST division bench, comprising Member, Rafique Shah and Dr Nazir and Member Rafique Shah and Dr Nazir were hearing cases filed by Attique Ahmed Abbasi, Zeeshan Zafar, and Muhammad Rafique. The bench adjourned hearing of these cases for coming days.

Islamabad

Dryport exceeds very next target in advance by collecting rs2534.382m

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

M fAIZAN

tArIQ DErYA

www.customsbulletin.com

www.customsbulletin.com

akistan has imported 1,85,749 metric tons packed milk worth Rs 50 billion from 49 countries, but it is not known about the animals to which the imported milk is related to. According to a report and figures of the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), there is no system to find out that imported packed milk is belong to which animal or it is Hilal or Haram. The milk is imported in Pakistan in various forms, packaging and in compositions. The total quantity and value of milk imported during the last three years is 1,85,749 metric tons amounted to Rs 49.89 billion. According to the FBR, computerized customs clearance system does not capture information and data of the animals to which the imported milk is related to. Pakistan imported 61,211 metric ton packed milk worth Rs 18.25 billion in 201415 and 68,247 metric tons worth Rs 17.78 billion in 2015-16 while during 2016-17 Pakistan imported 56,291 metric tons milk worth Rs 13.86 billion. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan is importing packed milk from the United States, New Zealand, France, Germany.

P

T

he Islamabad Dry Port has been assigned a revenue collection target of Rs326million of Customs Duty for the month of January Fiscal Year 2017-18.

Tahir Iqbal Khattak, Deputy Collector Islamabad Dryport (IDP), notiVied CT that the IDP received a pending payment of Rs2460million from NADRA which includes Rs960million as Customs Duty (CD) whereas Rs1500million was received under the head of Sales Tax during the month of December FY17-18. Tahir said the allocated revenue collection target has been easily chaseable. The IDP has already chased January FY17-18 CD target during a previous month of December FY17-18 with two-time extra revenue collection against an earmarked target. The IDP has already surpassed the very next quarter (3rd quarter) target too in advance with the collection of extra revenue of Rs2534.382million in Virst two quarters under the head of CD. Deputy Collector told the correspondent that the IDP generated Rs985.212million more revenue than assigned revenue target for the Virst six months of FY17-18. The IDP also exceeded the target of the same corresponding period of FY16-17 with an extra amount of Rs994.35million.

pakistan imports packed milk worth rs 48.89b in three years

During the first six months of FY17-18, the IDP collected Rs1276million as CD against an allocated target of Rs303million. The IDP earned Rs244.321million during the month of November FY17-

18 while it was earmarked a target of Rs277.19million. He told CT that the popular imports during the first two quarters have been of foreign origin fabrics and old and new spare-parts. He added that the IDP

has been focussing on the proper examinations and valuations throughout the half quarter of the current Financial Year 2017-18 and will also maintain them during the coming months.

IHc directs fBr to return NtS’s computers

T

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to return computers, other than those having Vinancial record, to the National Testing Services (NTS) which it had seized from its head ofVice.

Justice Athir Minallah of the IGC heard the petition Viled by the NTS management challenging FBR’s

seizure of its record and investigations against it.

During the course of proceedings, the Director Intelligence & Investigation of Inland Revenue informed the court that the NTS had shown its only Vive accounts and concealed ten from the tax authorities. The FBR ofVicials seized computers from the NTS ofVice for carrying out a thorough investigation, he added. Counsel for the NTS Murtaza Pirzada alleged that the Inland Revenue Department ofVicials had

seized all the 45 computers, whereas Vinancial record was saved in only four. Rest of the computers had just test related records, he added. He said due to the FBR’s move all the activity of the testing service had been disturbed, which was facing problems to release results of the candidates.

He requested the court to direct the Inland Revenue Department to return the computers having record other than Vinancial matters so that NTS could announce results of the

tests. The case was adjourned for indeVinite period.

Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court benches held hearing of various customs cases during Virst week of January involving Vield ofVices of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

IHC single bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case Viled by M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited and dated in ofVice hearing for submission of record.

The same bench also issued no-

tices to parties regarding assisting court on the matter of M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited. The appellant had challenged the act of recovery of said amount by commissioner Inland Revenue of Large Taxpayer’s Unit, Islamabad. ATIR was also made respondent in the case as the tribunal had sustained departmental decision regarding issuance of show cause notice and demand of recovery of outstanding tax amount in head of federal excise duty.

3

www.customsbulletin.com

Customs Court grants remand of suspect in diesel smuggling case KARACHI: Acting Judge of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court has sent a suspect, Namatullah, to the Customs Department on physical remand. He was booked for attempting to smuggle 22,000 liter Iranian high speed diesel worth Rs 1,760,000.

During the hearing, the investigation officer produced the suspect before the court and informed that a team of Anti-Smuggling Organization intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration number TLJ-183 loaded with 1×40 container fitted with concealed tank filled with 22,000 liter smuggled Iranian diesel.

pcA detects tax evasion of rs 6.5m by M/s Qadeer & Sons

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Karachi

Director general Valuation to revise Vr No 756/2015 on Jan 18

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit has detected duties and tax evasion of Rs 6.50 million allegedly by M/s Qadeer and Sons Karachi, it is learnt here. Sources told Customs Today that M/s Qadeer and Sons imported a consignment of wooden pieces (for use in furniture manufacturing ) and got it cleared from the PICT 2017 by paying customs duty at 6 percent after claiming the benefit of the SRO 567/2007. However, the subject items were correctly classifiable under the PCT 2305.2819, attracting customs duty at 10 percent and income tax at 12 percent, thus, by way of mis-declaration of classification, the company evaded/short-paid Rs 6.50 million.

T

customs collects rs651b in 6 months with 17% growth KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Pakistan Customs collected Rs651 billion during the last six months (July-December), showing 17 percent growth as against collection of Rs559 billion last year. The Customs’ South region overall collected Rs551 billion revenue in the period under review, reflecting 14 percent growth over the previous year as the department had collected Rs482 billion in the same period during July-December 2016-17.

The effective duty-tax ratio at Customs also improved to 33 percent this year as revenue of Rs651 billion was collected on dutiable imports of Rs1960 billion compared with ratio of 31 percent last year when a revenue of Rs559 billion was collected on dutiable imports of Rs1820 billion.

T

KARACHI

wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

D

irectorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 756/2015 on January 18, 2018, it is learnt.

According to the details, Surriya Butt has said that the department was reviewing suggestions from various importers to set new prices of electrolytic tin plate and tin free sheets. She said that some valuations, which were issued in 2015, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international market.

Sources told that a petition was submitted before the Customs Valuation in which change in prices of electrolytic tin plate and tin free sheets was requested.

Sources said that Valuation Ruling No: 756/2015 was issued on September 1, 2015. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on 1st January 2018. Importers were told to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained.

Source said now a day’s Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt

are continue meetings from importers, because a number of application have submitted from Importers to change the prices of import items Meanwhile, Director General, Customs Valuation, Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 844/2016 on February 2, 2018, it is learnt.

Director General Surriya Butt has said the department was reviewing suggestions from im-

Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international market. Sources told that a petition was submitted before the customs Valuation in which change in prices of electrolytic tin plate and tin free sheets was requested

SHc orders customs to release consignments

T

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Sindh High Court has ordered Customs Department to release consignments giving beneVit of Section 81 to the petitioners. A SHC appellate bench earlier heard a lawyer appeared for the petitioners Khas Trading and Global Trade Links and relied upon a judgment in case law known as Danish Jahangiri case. The bench after hear-

ing the counsel for respondent Pakistan Customs ordered release of the consignment while legality of circular issued by the Collector Customs denying the beneVit of section 81 of Customs Act 1969 to importers.

Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Customs Department to Vile para wise comments on a constitutional petition Viled by Long Khan against seizing of his Hino truck bearing registration number AE-1636 loading plastic scrap seized by customs ofVicials. A two-member

bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Umer Sial was hearing the petition. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner in lawful owner of the vehicle and never involved in any crime, however, ofVicials of the Anti-Smuggling Organization Model Customs Collecorate Hyderabad intercepted his Hino truck which was loaded plastic scrap. During the search, the driver produce all relevant documents, however, the Customs ofVicials seized his vehicle.

porters to set new prices of plastic baby feeders. She said some valuations, issued in 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning.

Moreover, valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international markets. Sources said a petition was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of plastic baby feeders was requested. Sources said Valuation Ruling No: 844/2016 was issued on May 3, 2016.

International markets roundup all Street has surged to fresh highs as rising oil prices lift energy stocks and an upbeat forecast from No. 2 US carrier Delta Air Lines drives airline stocks higher. Brent crude rose above $US70 a barrel and US crude rose 1.57 per cent to $US64.58 per barrel, its highest since December 2014, boosted by a surprise drop in US production and lower crude inventories.

W

4

www.customsbulletin.com

Lahore High Court declares levy of super tax as valid Tuesday January 16, 2018

Lahore

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed all 29 petitions challenging imposition of super tax for the rehabilitation of temporarily-displaced persons (IDPs).

Justice Shahid Karim announced the verdict on petitions filed by the M/s DG Khan Cement Company and others. The court had reserved its verdict after hearing arguments of all parties.

The petitioners had submitted that super tax was imposed on individuals and companies on income of Rs500 million under Section 4B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

court approves physical customs Intelligence impounds remand of two accused in NDp vehicles, computer accessories mobile smuggling case LAHORE

LAHORE

M IMrAN MEHAr

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has granted a three-day physical remand of two accused arrested in the smuggling of mobile phones at the Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Two accused Abdul Rehman and Azeem were presented before the court of customs judge, Tahir Sabir, where customs investigation team asked for their physical remand. The customs court handed them over to the customs team for investigation.

Earlier, the customs ofVicials conViscated as many as 321 mobile phones from two passengers travelling via Sharja to Lahore’s Vlight during a raid on the Allama Iqbal Inter-

Eleven illegally imported cars impounded by customs Lahore he Pakistan Customs Intelligence Lahore has taken into possession as many as 11 costly vehicles during first six months of Fiscal Year of 2017-18. In a crackdown on non-custom-paid cars, the customs officials impounded numerous luxury cars with fake number plates and registration papers including Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Surf, and sports utility vehicles from 1st of July 2017 to 31st of December 2017. Sources told Customs Today that “the cars were illegally brought into the city without paying customs duty”. Influential members of the society called the customs department to request the release of the cars, sources further told Customs Today but Pakistan Customs did take action as per customs bylaws and all the accused were taken to the court for legal action. –CB Report

T

national Airport. Sources told Customs Today that ofVicers conducted operations in the Vlight during a routine checking. During an action in the Vlight, customs staff retrieved 321 mobile phones from two passengers travelling from Sharja to Lahore. The customs arrested both accused from a Vlight of Air Blue from Sharjah.

Accused were identified as Abdul Rehman and Nasir, residents of Lahore. Cases were also registered against the accused. The customs apprehended the accused and shifted them to a unknown place for further investigation. The value of the recovered mobile phones is more than Rs6million in Pakistani market. The accused has made a huge loss to the national kitty by smuggling of the mobile phones.

The recovered mobile phones were of different brands including Apple-I phones, Samsung, Nokia, Xiomi and HTC.

M HAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com

D

irectorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation team impounded two non duty paid vehicles and computer accessories in two different operations. Sources told Customs Today, that Director Customs Intelligence and Investigations Rubab Sikander received credible information about some smuggling and attempts and non duty paid vehicles which are being plyed on roads. She immediately constituted a ASO team under the supervision of Deputy Director Usman Tariq which also comprises Superintendent Saleemullah Khan, Intelligence OfVicer ZulViqar Ali Dogar, Agha Sultan Haider, Sohail Murtaza and Nadeem Ahsan.

The above mentioned ASO team raided on a workshop located near

Lawrence Road and recovered huge quantity of non duty paid computer accessories. The security guard of the godown failed to produce any relevant documents against the import of computer accessories. The market value of seized goods is Rs6 million. Customs ASO during another operation intercepted a non duty paid BMW car which was also

T

cleared through bogus documents from Excise department. The owner of the vehicle did not have legal documents of vehicle.

The same ASO team also impounded a Honda Civic car from Shera Kot. The customs team after registering separate cases of smuggling against relevant persons started further investigations.

court imposes fine on chinese citizen for customs tribunal hears 27 cases attempting to smuggle mobile phones he Customs Appellate Tribu- toms Lahore, Zaineb DF private

T

he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has imposed a cash penalty on a Chinese citizen arrested by the Pakistan Customs Intelligence while making an attempt of smuggling of foreign made mobile phones.

On the basis of proofs and witnesses, the Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling declared the Chinese citizen as convicted and imposed a cash penalty of Rs200000 on him. The court has ordered the foreign citizen, Xian, to

submit the cash until closure of the court where the accused submitted the Vine. During the start of the previous month, the Customs Investigation and Prosecution team presented him before the court and asked for physical remand for investigation which was approved consisting of three days. After the completion of his remand, he was sent to jail for further trial. Now customs court imposed a penalty of Rs200000 after his crime was proved before the court. –CB Report

nal (single & double) bench heard 27 cases and adjourned all for different dates without those cases whose verdicts were reserved. The division bench-II, comprising Muhammad Shabir Gujjar, Member Judicial and Imran Tariq, Member Technical, heard 17 cases including Qazafi Enterprises versus Customs Lahore, Collector Customs Lahore versus Muhammad Naseem two cases, A M Steel Furnace versus Customs Faisalabad, Collector Customs Lahore versus Syed Bhais, Pak Kuwait versus Cus-

limited versus Customs Lahore.

Furthermore, same bench heard cases of Abdul Qadir Shah versus Customs Faisalabad, Imran Khan versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Muhammad Munir Jamal versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Collector Customs Faisalabad versus Techno Textile, Shaheen Builders versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan and Jellan Logistics versus Customs Faisalabad. –CB Report

customs tribunal dismisses appeal filed by Directorate I&I-fBr Lahore

T

LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Appellate Tribunal has dismissed an appeal in a case of seized foreign origin tyres, cloths, electric irons and soaps Viled by Deputy Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Lahore, against one

Tawab, a resident of Peshawar.

Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, Member Judicial Bench-I, heard the parties and announced the order with remarks that the impugned order is modiVied to the extent that department has failed to point out any inVirmity in the said order passed by the earliest judicial forum so instant customs appeal, being devoid of merit, is dismissed.

Staff of the Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Lahore seized abovementioned items being transported from Peshawar to Lahore.

On demand, the driver failed to produce documents regarding the lawful import of goods conViscated under Section 171 of the Customs Act-1969. After a show cause notice, adjudication proceeding was concluded by the authority and Order-

in-Original was passed that the person appeared on behalf of the impounded goods failed to produce the record of payment of taxes and duties and was also charged Rs1.1 million in taxes and duties. Being aggrieved from the order, the appellant Viled the case before the learned collector of customs (Appeals) who adapted the ONO and passed the order to decrease Vine amount.

www.customsbulletin.com

ADVERTISEMENT

5

6

www.customsbulletin.com

LAHORE M HAYAt www.customsbulletin.com

I

7

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

www.customsbulletin.com

mporters and businessmen have expressed concern over gross violation of sections 32-A and 25 of the Customs Act 1969 that forbade anyone from reassessing and reevaluating the goods and articles once cleared by the customs authorities at the ports, including Karachi and Port Mohammad Bin Qasim.

Talking to Customs Today, an importer said that it is illegal and unlawful to break seals of container locks already cleared by the port authorities in their way to the final destination but customs intelligence authorities on the pickets set for inspecting smuggling often stop the cleared containers.

LCCI standing committee on economic reforms chairman Kashif Anwar said that the Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Shaukat Ali should take the notice of the violation by his staff for minting money.

He said that this is an unhealthy trend which is inflicting huge losses to the national economy and demoralising the legal importers.

He added that Customs I&I team deputed at highways illegally intercept the already customs cleared containers on their way and if they do not grease the palms of the officials, they threaten the importers of getting them involved in legal proceeding and fake cases.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation, customs directorates, Collectorates, and all other field formations have no authority to harass importers by unlawfully stopping and opening of the seals of customs cleared containers on their way to

their destinations all across the country, especially in Sukkar and Multan areas, he said. LCCI Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rasheed said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should take strict notice against the customs officials who are involved in this illegal and unlawful practices, adding that the Customs Intelligence, Collectorates and all other filed formations should not stop the containers already cleared by the Karachi and other ports unless they have been provided with specified information about the transportation of smuggled goods and articles.

The importers complained that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation and Collectorates of the Anti-Smuggling Organizations drive the containers to their Collectoerates despite the fact that they never had any laboratory or any other yard-sticks to check the goods on scientiVic lines except at the Karachi Port and Port Bin Qasim. They urged the customs authorities to take the notice of the violation demotivating business activities in the country.

r porte , an im y a d o t b re a k stoms ful to u w c a l o t n u g by talkin al and e a re d l g c e l y l i d s a at it i s a l re he said th er lock ay to t n w i r a i t e n h f co gence es in t seals o intelli horiti t s u m a o t t r s the po but c u t for ation ets se k n i c i t s p e e on the final d top th rities ften s o o h g t u n i a l mugg ers ting s c e p s ontain c n i d e r clea

8

www.customsbulletin.com

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

Ad hocism in economic matters

D

espite hundreds of ups and downs in political and economic matters, ad-hocism remained the only policy which has constantly been pursued in Pakistan since independence. Every government institution and agency is running on ad hoc basis and every policy and programme is the product of this policy. As a result, the nation is far from achieving the cherished goal of prosperity, but the people still fed with daily promises of good days. The government after governments and leaders after leaders have ruled this nation and made it a testing ground for every experiment. Hundreds of industrial, trade and business policies are introduced in the country but all failed at the end. When ad hocism is the base of every policy, the wheel of development will refuse to move beyond a certain limit and this is the cause of failure of every programme in this country. Ishaq Dar, whose current status as the finance minister is held in abeyance, always claimed of the achievement of macroeconomic stability during his years of activeness, but no sooner he left the office, the facade of the financial gains collapsed. Now the government is weighing options to go into another loan programme with International Monetary Fund or wade through a sea of troubles in the coming months. What the most terrible option used by the current government is the depreciation of Pakistani rupee. The government is looking for new options to salvage the economy and next elections are also in hand. How will it cope with the emerging situation is unclear as it has no capacity or mandate to introduce long-term policies or reforms. In the absence of its boss, the Finance Ministry appeared to be struggling to create funds for the next federal budget. A new adviser has been appointed to look after the financial matters, but he has too short time to comprehend the messy affairs. The financial situation will not be improved until long-term policies are adopted and it can only be possible until the states institutions are depoliticized. Until now, the government dossiers are the dumping ground of failed policies and there appears not a single person in the government ranks with ability to extricate the economy from quicksand of troubles.

Saudi Arabia as trade partner A

LAHORE

Dr AftAB AfZAL

www.customstoday.com

fter years of political and economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the current government is still ‘developing a comprehensive package’ in consultation with stakeholders to promote bilateral trade. The government is working on identifying ‘potential’ areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Ironically, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are considered ‘brotherly Islamic’ countries and the political elite of the country has close relations with the Saudi monarchs. However, the long-term personal relations could not bring any benefit for the nation.

The Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia are considered third grade citizens and have no worth or rights despite they have given their blood in the development of the kingdom. The Pakistani labourers as well as businessmen suffer at the hands of their Saudi sponsors but the Saudi officials and courts always decide in favour of their own people without caring minimum norms of justice and fair play. Now winter season has set in in Pakistan and Saudi citizens have started pouring into country to hunt endangered birds and species which migrate from Russia and beyond every year. The Saudi rulers know pretty well the worth of Pakistani ministers

who shamelessly own Saudi work permits without a tinge of conscience. How unfortunate it is that Saudi princes come to Pakistan for hunting and merry making, but keep their investment portfolios in western countries. Pakistan s a land of opportunities which can give them more profit and guarantee the protection of their capital, but still they prefer western nations over Pakistan. Now the current government is ‘looking for’ the common grounds and areas of economic and trade cooperation.

It is not premature to say that the exercise will end in smoke.

Despite years of efforts, the Arab investment is not more than a handful of peanuts in Pakistan. If

honour and respect is something to care, the government should stop gifting hunting licenses to Arab Sheikhs and rid themselves of ‘personal relations’ with Saudi elite. Arabs are not brotherly Islamic countries, and the government needs to introduce basic changes in its foreign policy. Pakistan should only care about its business and trade relations with other countries, whether those are Muslims or non-Muslims. Pakistan doesn’t need such ‘brotherly Islamic countries’ which ditch it and belittle it at every forum. The rulers of the country should learn to live as part of a respectable nation.

Saudi Arabia is not a good trade partner of Pakistan.

9

www.customsbulletin.com

PFA to ensure infant formula products import with help of FBR LAHORE: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in collaboration with Health Department will complete lawmaking for infant formula marketing and its ingredients within a month while PFA will also ensure the affirmation of imported infant formula products with the help of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

PFA Director General Noor ul Amin Mengal said this during his meeting with Infant Formula Association office-bearers at PFA Headquarters on Friday. Mengal said a report would be compiled after evaluation of the local infant formula products with the international formula brands, and PFA will ensure availability of international standard infant formula at shops in Pakistan. He said that PFA would deal with an iron hand with those failing to meet the protocols and standards. He said that some companies were selling low standard infant formula in the market by claiming the French and American products.

IHc settles customs reference filed by M/s Al catel Lusent pakistan Limited

Tuesday January 16, 2018

National

court approves physical remand of lady in gold, mobile smuggling case

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Islamabad High Court (IHC) disposed of a customs reference filed by M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited with directives to Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) to rehear the matter. A division bench of the IHC comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz and Justice Mohsin Akhtar had reserved the decision on the matter after hearing final arguments. M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had filed the case, challenging an announcement made by the ATIR through which it had sustained decision announced by the department’s adjudication pertaining to the show cause notice to the company for outstanding tax recovery. Through both the references, M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had named chief commissioner Inland Revenue, LTU, assistant commissioner Inland

T

KARACHI

A

M B rANA

www.customsbulletin.com

cting Judge of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court sent a suspect, Uzma Mehwish, to the Customs Department on physical remand. She was booked for attempting to smuggle gold and cellular phones worth millions of rupees.

During the hearing, the investigation ofVicer informed the court that a team of Customs Preventive intercepted the suspect, who reached Karachi through Vlight No FZ329 from Dubai, and checked her travel documents and the luggage.

During the search of her luggage, the team found 377 gram gold attached with her body worth nearly two million rupees as well as 10 expensive cellular phones concealed in the travel bag. She also failed to produce lawful documents of the smuggled goods, therefore, the Customs Preventive authorities took the smuggled goods into their custody and Viled a case against the woman.

He sought physical remand of the suspect for further investigation,

therefore, the court granted her physical remand and sent her to the Customs Department and directed

investigation ofVicer to produce her on the next date of hearing along with progress report. A case was reg-

istered against the suspect under section 2 (s) and 16, 156 (1) (8) (89) and 157 of the Customs Act 1969.

cement exports to India falls in first half of fY2017-18 Revenue Withholding, LTU, Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals), LTU, and Federation of Pakistan through the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as respondent in the case. Show-cause notices had been issued for the tax year 2013 in head of income tax under sections of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had prayed the court to direct LTU not to recover the said amount and abstain from taking any coercive action in this regard. The petitioner had prayed the court operation of the impugned notices issued by the tax authority may kindly be suspended till the decisions of appeal pending before the LTU.

KARACHI

P

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

akistani export of cement to India through Land Freight Unit Wagha has plunged to 18 percent in first half of the fiscal year of 2017-18 and it stands at 1.79 million tons. According to sources of Customs Today cement dispatches increased more than 12 percent to 22.243 million tons in the first half of the current fiscal year of 2017-18 despite that subdued exports continued to erode the commodity’s total off take, industry data showed.

All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association’s (APCMA) data showed that total cement sales stood at 19.806 million tons during the corresponding period a year ago. Cement sector has been

witnessing sales boom for the past four years as infrastructure development and construction activities boosted domestic demand of cement. While local consump-

tion surged 17.41 percent to 19.836 million tons in July-December FY2018 cement exports dropped 17.34 percent to 2.406 million tons. APCMA’s spokesper-

son said exports were going down because of high cost of doing business and lax attitude of the regulators. The spokesperson said the government is ignoring malpractices in cement imports and plea of the manufacturers to cut duties and taxes on exports to help the local industry compete in the international market.

“The sector is performing well and contributing a hefty amount to national exchequer, which perhaps is the reason for complacency of the government,” the spokesperson added. Cement units, located in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dispatched 16.455 million tons of cement in the local market during the first half, up 18.12 percent over the same period a year earlier. Exports from Northern region, however, decreased 8.14 percent to 1.799 million tons.

10

www.customsbulletin.com

LHC orders FBR to decide tax appeal filed by food company Tuesday January 16, 2018

National Deputy commissioner-Ir Muazzam to retire on March 24

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to decide an appeal filed by the Big Bird Company.

Justice Aisha A Malik heard the appeal filed by the food company in which counsel for appellant argued that the appeal is under proceeding before the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). So instead of deciding the appeal, the FBR is issuing notices to the food company.

Assistant Director (Audit) Shakeel posted at Interior Ministry

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ISLAMABAD

T

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

uazzam Rashid Khan, a BS-18 officer of Inland Revenue Service, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation.

The officer, presently posted Deputy Commissioner-IR, RTO-II, Lahore, will stand retired from the government service with effect from March 24, 2018. Meanwhile, Dr Manzoor Ahmed, a BS-21 officer of Inland Revenue Service, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, presently posted as Accountant Member, Appellate Tribunal-IR, Karachi, will stand retired with effect 6. Dr Manzoor had relinquished the charge of the post of Chief Commissioner-IR, Regional Tax Office, Sukkur, on October 20, 2015. He had assumed the charge of the post of Chief Commissioner-IR (BS-20), Regional Tax Office, Sukkur on July 14, 2014.

M

fSt remanded back complaint filed by fBr employee division bench of Federal Service Tribunal on Monday remanded back complaint filed by Syed Sultan Abbas against Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). FST bench, comprising members, Syed Rafique Hussain Shah and Dr Nazir Saeed had reserved decision on the case during last hearing. The appellant had filed compliant about implementation. Syed Rafique Hussain Shah and Dr Nazir Saeed also heard complaints submitted by Habib Ahmed, Muhammad Yasin and Muhammad Saleem. Ahmed, who filed this petition in 2011, had submitted in the tribunal that board’s administration had been ignoring FST’s old decision, thereby had not provided him relief granted to him by the tribunal. –CB Report

A

he service of Shakeel Ahmed has been placed at the disposal of Ministry of Interior, Islamabad on deputation basis with immediate effect.

The officer, presently posted as Assistant Director (Audit), (BS-18) at Corporate Regional Tax Office, Karachi, will be on deputation basis for initial period of three years on standard terms and conditions.

Unless otherwise directed by the competent authority, the officer shall stand repatriated to her parent department on completion of deputation period.

Meanwhile, On completion of master degree program in International Studies, Shahid Ijaz Tarar, a BS-18 of-

Vicer of Inland Revenue Service has joined FBR as Second Secretary (HQ) on acting charge basis. The ofVicer completed his master degree from

Seoul National University, South Korea under KOICA Scholarship from August 10, 2016 to and joined FBR as Second Secretary (HQ) on Dec 15. He has also

actualized his promotion to BS-18 on regular basis in pursuance of Board’s NotiVication No.0464-IR-V/2017 dated 15.02.2017 on the same date.

Quetta customs confiscates NDp mobile phones & vehicles worth rs6 million T

QUETTA

wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation conViscated huge quantity of mobile phones and vehicles batteries worth Rs 6 million.

Sources told Customs Today that Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Irfan Javed received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle a large number of mobile phones and vehicles batteries from Quetta.

He immediately constituted a raiding team. The team Incharge, Tuffail Warraich and others enhanced surveillance on the Quetta Highway Road and started searching vehicles. During the search operation, the team intercepted a Truck bearing registration No: GLS-7523 which was going out of the city.

During the checking, he customs team recovered 100 imported non duty paid mobile phones and 200 vehicles batteries worth Rs 6 million. The customs team

seized the all items and arrested two smugglers. The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta registered an FIR against the smuggler and

start investigations. Earlier, Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation confiscated a huge quantity of plastic dana worth Rs 5.50 million.

11

www.customsbulletin.com

PIA officials bid to smuggle lens foiled by Customs LAHORE: A three-member committee has widened the scope of investigation a day after the customs authorities seized eye-contact lens worth Rs 20 million at the Lahore airport.

According to a sources, Lahore Airport Station Manager Tariq Majeed and three other officials were being grilled for facilitating a female passenger who attempted to smuggle the lens from London to Lahore on PIA flight PK-758. Sources said that the Customs Intelligence wing seized the smuggled lens when the woman tried to skip security checking at the airport in connivance with PIA officials. It was also learnt that three officials were providing protocol to the woman, identified as Uzma, at the behest of the station manager.

The smuggler is said to be a close relative of Tariq Majeed.

Multan customs Adjudication decides 33 cases worth rs59.975 million QUETTA

tArIQ DErYA

www.customsbulletin.com

he Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Multan Camp Office decided 33 various seizure cases of worth Rs.59.975 million after completion of trial throughout the month of December 2017-18. As per details, Customs Adjudication Multan Camp Office was presented almost 99 different seizure cases for trial in December 2017-18.

Customs Adjudication Collector, additional collector and deputy collector conducted trial are empowered to adjudicate cases as per their rank and amount of duties and taxes involved against seized or confiscated goods.

These seizure cases were detected by Customs Intelligence and Investigation and Anti-Smuggling Organization in

T

their different actions in the jurisdiction. Deputy Collector Saima Ayyaz has decided 17 different seizure cases of Rs.9.60 million during the month of December while 28 new seizure cases were forwarded for hearing in the Customs Adjudication in December to deputy collector. Additional Collector Customs Talib Hussain decided as many as 14 various seizure cases which involved revenue of amounting Rs25.250 million for the period of December. The decided case of Additional Collector Customs Adjudication includes 13 different smuggled cases of vehicles and other goods. Additional Collector has decided all seizure cases in favor of Customs department except one seizure case after trial due to insufficient evidence against respondent’s goods. As many as 22 new fresh cases were added in the Additional Customs Adjudication court in December for trial.

National

customs Export recovers rs 7.62 million from defaulter companies

rs1.8m of money laundering: customs court imposes fine on smuggler LAHORE

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has imposed a cash penalty of Rs300000 on an accused held by the Pakistan Customs Preventive while making an attempt of smuggling of foreign currencies of Rs1.8million from the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore. The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling declared an accused Shahid Waqas as guilty and imposed a cash penalty of Rs300000. The court has ordered the culprit to deposit the cash until the closure of the court which the accused did. Earlier, the customs investigation and prosecution team had presented him before the court and asked for his three-day physical remand which the court approved.

After the completion of his remand, he was sent to the prison for further trial. The Customs Preventive apprehended the accused and presented him before the court of Tahir Sabir.

The customs authorities have registered a case against him under Pakistan Customs Act-1969.

T

T

KARACHI

wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Export has recovered evaded taxes and duties amounting to Rs 7.62 million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues.

Sources told Customs Today that during scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Zoobi Traders Karachi availed undue benefits and concessions by importing different consignments and misusing the SRO 467.

The company was allegedly involved in tax evasion of Rs 4.12 million. After detecting the tax evasion, the Customs Export issued them with a final notice on November 30, 2017 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days. After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Zoobi Traders Karachi deposited the evaded amount in the official account of the Custom Exports on December 30 2017.

On the other hand, the management of the M/s Zari and Sons Karachi also cleared Rs3.50 million of taxes and duties. Sources said

Tuesday January 16, 2018

the M/s Zari and Sons Karachi also availed undue benefits and concessions and avoided paying taxes according to the customs bylaws.

The Customs Export authorities is-

sued them with a final notice on, 2017. After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Zari and Sons Karachi deposited the evaded amount of taxes.

customs tribunal chairman hears various references

C

ISLAMABAD

NAEEM ULLAH tArIQ www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Appellate Tribunal Chairman Justice (r) Malik Manzoor Hussain heard customs references during Virst week of January at tribunal’s headquarters in Islamabad and also headed administrative measures during his visit.

Chairman Justice (r) Malik Manzoor Hussain heard cases in single and division benches. He heard arguments on over a dozen cases besides having meeting with ofVicials at tribunal. The chairman was heading tribunal’s division bench comprising the other member, Ziauddin

Wazir. The bench heard cases involving Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad, M/s Smart Zone, M/s TCS Private Limited, Saqib Abbas and Ghazanfar Gul had Viled these cases. Hearing of majority cases was adjourned till last week of January.

Earlier the bench had dated in ofVice hearing of cases Viled by Ayyan Ali, Altaf hussain, Muhammad Awais, M/s Universal Gateway, M/s New Ahsan Enterprises, and M/s Teens Enterprises, till 23rd January.

The tribunal would hear M/S Danial Engineering and others, Muhammad Riaz and others, M/S Expert Chemical Trading Co, Fazal

Rahim, and Shaista Gul and others had Viled cases which would be heard by the chairman in single bench. These cases had been Viled against Model Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad. Chairman would also hear cases in division bench.

During his visit he had heard around a dozen cases Viled by These cases were Viled by M/S Waseem Autos, M/S Nisar Traders, M/S Parts & Parts, M/S Chief Autos, M/S Aman Elahi, M/S Kohinoor Traders, M/S Saleem Silk Centre, M/S Five Star Trading, M/S Pakistan Royal Group and M/S Nayatel Private Limited, M/S Degicell & others, M/S Kohinoor Chemical, Mirza Muhammad Majid, M/S Fazal

Razaq, M/S Fazal Ur Rehman and Gul Rehman & others. They also stated that around a dozen cases were included in pending cases list for hearing. The chairman would hear the included in upcoming visit to Islamabad for the Virst time, they added. He had headed tribunal’s proceedings for days at Islamabad where he heard cases besides performing some of important administrative tasks. The chairman had decided a number of cases during his stay at tribunal besides heading administrative matters. He had adjourned hearing on cases involving Model Collectorate of Customs and Directorate General of Investigation and Intelligence, Islamabad.

12

www.customsbulletin.com

Chubb expects a $250m benefit from new US tax law

World Customs

NEW YORK:Chubb has announced an expected benefit from the new U.S. corporate tax law in excess of $250 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Chubb logoThis preliminary estimate reflects the one-time impact of the reduced U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 20%, and the deemed repatriation of foreign subsidiary earnings on the company’.

Tuesday January 16, 2018

turkey seizes cocaine found in cargo package

customs officers seize ton of marijuana NEW YORK

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ISTANBUL

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport

U

www.customsbulletin.com

T

urkish customs ofVicers in northwestern Balikesir province have seized 298 grams of cocaine found in a cargo package, the provincial Governor’s OfVice said in a statement.

According to the statement, the package, which arrived from the Netherlands, was opened by western Bursa’s Customs Enforcement after learning that the sender is anonymous. It said that the receiver, who lives in Edremit district, had gone to the U.S. The efforts are being made to capture the suspect, the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Istanbul police seized over nine tons of drugs during anti-narcotics operations in 2017, security sources said.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restric-

Iran cutting cigarette Imports by 2b ran will have reduced its cigarette imports from four billion to two billion before the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2018). Speaking at the 28th Working Group session of the Headquarters to Combat Smuggling of Goods and Foreign Exchange, Ali-Asghar Ramzi, the head of Iranian Tobacco Planning and Supervision Center, put Iran’s current annual cigarette consumption at about 55 billion, according to Tobacco Reporter. A number of reports in Iran last year described how the country was aiming to become self-sufficient in leaf-tobacco and cigarette production. Ramzi said 1,300 direct and more than 4,000 indirect employment opportunities had been created already in 10 cigarette production plants in the country. However, in October, doubt was cast on claims that Iran would become selfsufficient in the production of leaf tobacco within five years. –CB Report

I

tions on speaking to the media, told Anadolu Agency that during the operations 9.03 tons of drugs and 5,773,235 drug pills were seized.

Also, 45,840 suspects were arrested of which 4,826 were remanded in custody, the sources added. One hundred and ninetythree foreigners from 45 different countries were among those re-

manded in custody. Turkish authorities utilize various ways to track narcotics in the country and a new system will be installed to track narcotic content in the waste waters of metropolitan cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and Adana. Turkey, a transit country for drug smugglers working between Asia and Europe, is looking to curb domestic drug use.

Saudi Arabia gives handout to compensate for new tax

K

ing Salman has ordered monthly payments of more than $260 (£190) for the next year. The kingdom has roughly doubled domestic petrol prices and introduced a 5% tax on most goods and services, including food and utility bills. The Saudi government wants to reduce its dependence on oil following recent turbulence in the crude oil market. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also introduced a

5% sales tax. The Saudi royal decree says citizens using private health and educations services will be exempt and the state will also pay tax on their Virst home purchase. It also says military personnel serving on the front lines with Yemen will also receive a one-off payment of more than $1,000. n 2016 Saudi Arabia announced it was cutting public sector pay to bring down spending, but last year reversed the cuts. –CB Report

S Customs and Border Protection ofVicers found more than a ton of marijuana in a shipment of vegetables in the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

The 197 packages of marijuana were found in a 1996 utility tractor trailer hauling vegetables, according to a news release, entering the U.S. at the Pharr International Bridge. The type of vegetables, their origin and intended destination, were not revealed in the release.

The 19 seizure was detected during a secondary inspection, using a “non-intrusive imaging” x-ray system and dogs, according to the release. The estimated street value of the 2,350 pounds of marijuana is $470,000. Customs and Border Protection seized the shipment and tractor trailer. On the same day, Cus-

B

toms and Border Protection ofVicers found 109 pounds of alleged cocaine on a commercial bus crossing at the Hidalgo International Bridge, also in Texas. The cocaine has an estimated street value of almost $844,000, according to the release.

“These are remarkable interceptions by our CBP ofVicers in the cargo and passenger environments,” Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry Acting Director Carlos Rodriguez said in the release. “They continue to make signiVicant narcotics seizures by combining their experience with the use of technology and other available tools to accomplish the CPB mission.” Meanwhile, Customs and Border Protection apprehended two individuals during two separate enforcement actions over the holiday weekend. CBP ofVicers apprehended a man who was wanted for indecency with a child. According to CBP, ofVicers encountered a 51-year-old U.S. citizen who was driving a commercial bus.

EU takes billion-euro battle to russia russels is ratcheting up pressure on Russia in a tit-for-tat sanctions battle that has raged since the early days of the Ukraine crisis in 2014.

The European Union is now pressing to claw back €1.4 billion each year from Moscow, arguing that the Kremlin unlawfully banned imports of pork meat from Europe in January 2014, just as President Vladmir Putin’s relations with the West slid into a precipitous decline.

People familiar with the dispute said the European Commission’s demand for compensation shifted into a signiVicant new phase this week,

when the World Trade Organization referred the “EU’s request to retaliate against Russia” to arbitration. An EU ofVicial explained this arbitration process would decide whether the value of the EU’s claim was justiVied, before a further procedure would determine whether the measure could be enforced against Moscow.

Russia’s ban on European pigmeat was imposed before Russian forces annexed Crimea, while protesters packed the Maidan square in Kiev to call for the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Moscow justiVied the measures as a response to cases of African swine fever in Poland and Lithuania. –CB Report

world at a loss as china bans import of plastic waste

C

BEIJING

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

hina has literally brought the world to a halt in the beginning of this year by stopped the import of plastic waste on its land.

China was, before it imposed a ban, the biggest importer of plastic waste which used to be recycled into plas-

tic bottles, carpets, pipes and other household materials. The notiVication issued by China to the World Trade Organiation in July 2017 informing it about the ban reads, “By the end of 2017, China will forbid the import of 4 classes, 24 kinds of solid wastes, including plastics waste from living sources, vanadium slag, unsorted waste paper and waste textile materials.” It justiVied

its move by saying, “We found that large amounts of dirty wastes or even hazardous wastes are mixed in the solid waste that can be used as raw materials. This polluted China’s environment seriously. To protect China’s environmental interests and people’s health, we urgently adjust the imported solid wastes list, and forbid the import of solid wastes that are highly polluted.” In 2017,

China imported 7.3 million metric tonnes of waste, including metal, plastics and paper among other waste materials. According to a 2014 study by the International Solid Waste Association, the plastic waste imports in China increased from 5.9 metric tonnes to 8.9 metric tonnes between 2006 and 2012, which is about 66 per cent of the total waste produced globally.

13

www.customsbulletin.com

Iranian tanker carrying condensate ablaze after collision TEHRAN: Iranian tanker, carrying 136,000 mt of South Pars condensate, caught fire late Saturday after a collision with another vessel off in the East China Sea. Iranian oil ministry news agency Shana reported that the ship, the Sanchi, collided with cargo vessel CF Crystal approximately 97 km off the South Korean coast. The vessel, owned by the National Iranian Tanker Co., was heading to South Korea’s Daesan port where it was due to arrive January 810, according to data from cFlow, S&P Global Platts trade flow software. The cargo was purchased by South Korea’s Hanwha Total Petrochemical. The South Korean navy and naval police have also sent two helicopters and a petrol rescue vessel to help coordinate with Chinese and Iranian Maritime authorities, a source at Hanwha Total said.

Desalination plant opens at gwadar port ederal Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo inaugurated a desalination plant on Monday installed at the Gwadar port by China Overseas Port Holding Company for supplying drinking water to the people in the port city. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senator Bezenjo, who is also president of the National Party, said that the New Year will witness massive development in Gwadar under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said that the desalination plant would reduce the shortage of drinking water in the port city to some extent. He said that the people of Gwadar had been facing water shortage for the past many months and they would now get clean drinking water through tankers. “The desalination plant is a true reflection of CPEC and friendship between Pakistan and China. It is a gift for the people of Gwadar,”

F

Ports & Shipping

Britain’s biggest ports set to weather Brexit storm

Havant Mp calls on business to export good to china lan Mak, Havant’s MP, has said the rising Asian market should be at the top of the list of areas to export goods to. It comes after the Tory MP visited southern China to see how one of Havant’s firms was making a success of its expansion to the Far East. Marine parts manufacturer Lewmar, based in Southmoor Lane, has set up an extensive sales and distribution network in China to sell its Havant-made supplies. Mr Mak said: ‘Backing local businesses and strengthening our economy remains my top priority as local MP. ‘That means selling more goods made in Havant abroad to secure jobs here at home. Firms like Lewmar are leading the way in Asia, and I hope others will follow their example this year. ‘Brexit means we must redouble our efforts to promote our exports and find new markets Asia should be top of the list.’ Mr Mak was accompanied to Lewmar’s China base by the British consul-general Karen Maddock who heads up the UK diplomatic mission in the region. –CB Report

A

LONDON

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

A

t the Port of Tilbury in Essex, as well as at its rival DP World London Gateway further down the River Thames, the scene is one of frictionless international commerce.

It is a model that the operators of the two ports believe can continue after Brexit, even if the UK’s departure from the EU results in a new customs border with the rest of Europe. The risks to the sector post-Brexit, however, are well known. Currently, 95 per cent of Britain’s international trade is moving via ships, according to the data from the UK Chamber of Shipping. If physical customs checks are introduced following Brexit, it could have a “catastrophic” impact on British ports and shipping, and could result in miles of tail backs at Dover on the Southeast coast of England, the head of the chamber Guy Platten has warned. “The

Tuesday January 16, 2018

nightmare scenario is actually having physical customs borders… it would be absolutely a catastrophe for the ports and for our sector,” reports cited Mr Platten as saying.

“You’ve suddenly got lorries stacked up, you’ve got sailings cancelled… the whole supply chain is completely affected.”

Dover, Europe’s busiest ferry port, currently handles around 500 non-EU trucks a day and around 8,000 from the EU. The sheer num-

ber underlines the UK’s heavy reliance on trade with its EU neighbours. While few expect movement of goods to be as smooth as it is now after Brexit, some of the port operators are taking proactive steps to ensure they are able to weather the storm. Tilbury Port – a key shipping hub serving London – is busy putting in place plans for it 152 acre-expansion, a move aimed at enhancing its post-Brexit trade links with Europe.

Egyptian exports to turkey increased by 44.2% Mir Hasil Khan Bezenjo said. The desalination plant is the result of the visionary thinking of Chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority Mir Dostain Khan Jamaldani and the Chairman of China Overseas Port Holding Company. He expressed the hope that the water crisis of Gwadar will be resolved this year and more such plants were in the pipeline. He said that the water supply from the Gwadar port would be cheaper than the water provided from the Mirani Dam in Turbat. The minister later inspected the plant, where Chinese officials briefed him about the plant’s capacity. Earlier, he was received at the airport by officials of the port authority and local administration. –CB Report

ISTANBUL

M

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

inister of Trade and Industry Tarek Kabil said that Egyptian exports to Turkey increased by 44.2% during the Virst10 months (10M) of 2017.

Moreover, he explained that Egyptian exports to Turkey increased to $1.657bn in October 2017 compared to $1.149bn during the same period last year.

Kabil pointed out that the Egyptian exports to imports ratio rose from 50% during the Virst 10 months of 2016 to 90% during the same period of this year.

These results came according to the report handed to the minister from the Egyptian Commercial Service OfVice (ECS) in Istanbul regarding the indicators of trade movement between Egypt and Turkey

during the Virst 10 months of this year. On the other hand, the minister said that Egyptian imports from Turkey declined by 18.7% in the period from January to October 2017.

Moreover, €œEgyptian imports from Turkey declined in the period from January to October 2017, to record $1.8bn compared to $2.2bn during the same period last year, bringing the total trade volume dur-

ing the same period to $3.457bn,€ Kabil explained.

For his part, Ahmed Antar, Virst deputy minister of industry and trade and ECS president, said that the increase in Egyptian exports to Turkey came as part of the Istanbul ECS€™s efforts to increase Egyptian exports of traditional and non-traditional items to the Turkish market, as it is forecast to be one of the main

markets for Egyptian exports in the future. €œThe large increase in Egyptian exports to the Turkish market during the Virst 10 months of this year is due to the increase of Egyptian exports of methanol by 299.5%,€ Antar explained.

He added that Egyptian exports of methanol during the period from January to October 2017 recorded about $93.5m compared to about $23.4m during the same period last year. Meanwhile, Antar said that Egyptian exports of urea fertilisers increased by 145.6% during the Virst 10 months of 2017, to reach about $282m compared to $114m during the same period last year.

Finally, he assured that Egyptian exports of canvas and denim amounted to about $66.8m compared to $42.3m during the same period last year, with a 57.8% increase. In August, Kabil announced in a press release that Egyptian ex-

14

www.customsbulletin.com

FIA arrests human smuggler Tuesday January 16, 2018

Business

LAHORE: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujrat has conducted a raid at Sohawa Bolani Mandi Bahauddin and arrested a human smuggler.

According to FIA spokesman, the team also recovered two Pakistani passports from the possession of Javed Akhar. A case has been registered against the accused.

Further investigation was underway.

Abbasi calls for increased trade with Sri Lanka ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

P

rime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has invited Sri Lankan businessmen to see for themselves that Pakistan is not ‘what the West portrays,’ declaring that ‘Pakistan is not what one sees on CNN’.

“Pakistan is a vibrant democracy with a vibrant press and its foreign investment policies are liberal, apolitical, non-partisan and consistent,” the prime minister said.

Mr Abbasi made these comments in a video message on the opening day of the Third Pakistan SingleCountry Exhibition in Colombo.

ANf constable arrested on corruption FAISALABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport

While inviting Sri Lankan businessmen to trade with and invest in “emerging Pakistan” the premier said that Pakistan is a robust economy holding much promise for international investors and is hardly

MoU singed to enhance pak-china cooperation in research, training

www.customsbulletin.com

IA team arrested a constable of Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) on the charge of abuse of powers and accepting illegal gratification.

According to FIA spokesman, a citizen Badar Muneer had filed an application, alleging that ANF constable Yasir Shah received Rs 250,000 as bribe for exonerating an accused from a narcotics case registered with the ANF department. During the investigation, the allegations were proved.

F

like the way it was projected in the Western media as a place replete with terrorism and violence. He said that the Pakistan economy registered a growth rate of Vive per cent and was aiming 7pc target with a

higher foreign investment. “There is not a single case of a foreign investment in Pakistan which has not made money,” Abbasi said, adding that Pakistan had the highest consumer growth rate in the world at 8.3pc. He further said that Pakistan had won the ‘war against terror’ with courage and sacriVice.

Pakistan’s single-country exhibition held for third consecutive year was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. Among dignitaries present were Sri Lankan cabinet ministers Sarath Amunugama, Arjuna Ranatunga, Champika Ranawaka and Rishad Bathiudeen, Pakistan Minister of Commerce Pervaiz Malik and High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Dr Shahid Ahmad Hashmat.

P

BEIJING

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

akistan Foreign Service Academy and China Foreign Affairs Studies University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further enhance cooperation in research, academic exchanges and training of young diplomats. Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid and President, China Foreign Affairs Studies University, Qin Yaqing signed the memorandum.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Khalid expressed the conVidence that both the sides would jointly work to further enhance their cooperation in Vields of research, training, academic interaction and academic exchanges.

He said both the institutions enjoyed deep rooted friendly relations and informed that Pakistan’s young diplomats were sent to learn Chinese language, culture and history in this university. He informed that at present, five Pakistani diplomats were getting training here and added, “Every

year, new officers join this university for training.” He said cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the field of education and science and technology had increased manifold after the signing of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. At present, around 22,000 Pakistani students were presently studying medicines and natural sciences in China. Under the language and culture programmes, different provinces had also sent students on scholarship to learn Chinese language.

gold import rises 50% in 5 months ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he import of gold during first five months (July-November) of current fiscal year increased by 50.58 per cent as compared to same period of previous year. During the period under review, 217 kilogram of the yellow metal valuing US $7.768 million was imported against import of 164 kg gold worth $5.823 million last year. On yearly basis, the import of yellow metal in November 2017 also witnessed an increase of 66.1 per cent as compared to same month of the year 2016 as it rose to $1.367 million in November 2017 from $823,000 in November 2016. However, on month-on-month basis, the import went down by 21 per cent as during October 2017 the import was recorded at $1.737 million, latest data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported. Similarly, the overall metal group import also increased by 33.02 per cent in July-November (2017-18) to $2.134 billion from $1.6 billion in same period of previous year. Iron and steel scrap import also surged by 92 per cent as it rose to $656.2 million in first five months of current fiscal year from $341 million in July-November (2016-17).

T

SEcp amends public offering regulations to promote quality listing ISLAMABAD

S

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ecurities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has amended regulations related to public offerings to promote quality listing, ensure fair price discovery through book-building process and increase investors’ base.

In a statement issued on Monday, SECP said that in order to encourage

quality listing and minimize the subjectivity involved in the approval process, certain speciVic requirements for listing have been introduced to the regulations. The said requirements include at least 3 years operational track record of the company with two years proVitability from its core business activities and the book value per share of the company shall not be less than its face value per share. Moreover, the sponsors of the company, i.e. per-

sons holding not less than 51% of the shares, shall be same for the last two years. However, these conditions shall not apply in case of a green Vield project.

To ensure fair price discovery for IPOs through book building mechanism, certain changes have been made to the book-building process, which include the introduction of concept of price band with the upper limit of not more than 40 percent of the floor price.

Floor price in case of book-building means the minimum offer price per share set by the Issuer.

The concept of price band will encourage setting up a more realistic floor price by the issuers for IPOs through book-building method. In order to increase the investor base, the basis of allotment has been changed from time priority basis to proportionate basis.

To ensure participation by high net worth individuals in price dis-

covery process, the minimum bid size has been reviewed from rupees one million to rupees two million and minimum number of bids required have been increased from 40 to 100 bidders, to arrive at a more transparent bidding process. In order to facilitate the book-building process, bidders have been allowed to revise their bid downward in terms of volume provided the total bid amount remains the same.

15

www.customsbulletin.com

Processed food exports earn $2b in 9 Months TEHRAN: Iran exported about 1.37 million tons of processed food products worth more than $2.07 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year (March 21-Dec. 21) to register a 13% and 0.5% growth in weight and value respectively compared with the similar period of last year.

Secretary-General of the Federation of Iranian Food Associations Kaveh Zargaran also said processed food exports accounted for close to 6.6% of Iran’s total non-oil exports over the period. Chocolate with around $188 million, cheese and dry whey with $154 million and yoghurt with $141 million were the main processed food shipped to overseas destinations, together accounting for 23% of the value of exports, ILNA quoted Zargaran as saying.

kccI not to support facilitators of Bhatta Mafia, says chairman BMg

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Chambers

New president fpccI vows to focus on resolving key issues of businessmen

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

hairman Businessmen Group (BMG) & former President Karachi Chamber Siraj Kassam Teli has categorically stated that the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry will never support nor assist any individual, small trader, shopkeeper or association who are involved in facilitating the activities of Bhatta Mafia. He said that any small trader, who has been arrested by Rangers on charge of ‘facilitator’ to Bhatta Mafia and has admitted the same, will have to face the consequences. “KCCI will not support such small traders or associations.

However, we will only request Rangers to share information about the where-

C

abouts and give access to the family members of such persons on humanitarian grounds”, he added while speaking at the First Meeting of KCCI’s Special Committee for Small Traders which was held under the Chairmanship of Abdul Majeed Memon. The meeting was also attended by President KCCI Muffasar Atta Malik, Senior Vice President KCCI Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, Chairman Law & Order SubCommittee Mansoor Ahmed Kadwani, Deputy Chairman Special Committee for Small Traders Talat Mehmood, PCLC Chief Hafeez Aziz, Managing Committee members, large number of small traders and representatives of associations of all major commercial markets of the city. Siraj Teli stated that it has been observed that small traders refrain from lodging their complaints and usually approach KCCI and Law Enforcing Agencies after paying the extortion money.

ISLAMABAD

G

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

hazanfar Bilour, newly elected President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry vowed that he would work hard to resolve the key issues of business community of the country to facilitate it in better growth of business activities. He was exchanging views with Muhammad Naveed, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry who called on him along with Yousaf Rajput to congratulate him on his election as new President of FPCCI. Ghazanfar Bilour pledged that he would make efforts for promotion of economic activities and take measures for the protection of interest of business community for ultimate welfare and prosperity of the people of Pakistan. He thanked the entire business community of the country for supporting UBG in winning the FPCCI elections and assured that during his tenure, he would always use the platform of the apex trade body of the country to promote best business and economic interests of

Pakistan. Muhammad Naveed, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that consecutive victories of UGB in FPCCI elections showed the trust and conVidence of the business community on its good performance. He

said FPCCI should take all chambers and association on board while Vinalizing key policy recommendations for the government. He said about 90 percent enterprises in Pakistan belonged to SME sector and stressed that FPCCI should focus on

LccI calls for solid steps to curb smuggling LAHORE

L

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for putting in place effective measures to curb smuggling, which is inVlicting huge losses on the national exchequer and local industries. LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said here that smuggling had become a big threat to economic growth and any sector was hardly left untouched by this menace, as the smuggled goods through the borders of Afghanistan, Iran, China, India and Afghan Transit Tradeform a chunk of informal economy, volume of which ranged between 50 to 60 per cent of the formal economy, and it was costing the national exchequer in billions.

He mentioned markets across the

country were Vlooded with smuggled goods and local industries were struggling for survival, as smuggled goods were not only easily available everywhere but also attracting buyers who prefer foreign merchandise.

The LCCI president said that smuggling was being done in a number of shapes like under invoicing, under-valuation of goods, misclassiVications, falsiVication of documents, mis-declaration of country and short landing transit or re-export of goods.

“The causes of smuggling are actually the incentives which motivate people to engage in smuggling.

These causes basically arise from the desire of consumers to satisfy their needs. People who use smuggled goods satisfy their need to purchase desired goods. On the other hand, people who supply the illicit smuggled goods seek to satisfy their income needs,” he added. Malik Tahir

Javaid said that smuggling was also encouraged by the large tax rates difference between neighbouring countries, which means that goods were cheaper in one country than the other, resulting in enactment of import duties to protect local industries and this scenario encouraged smuggling. LCCI President suggested the government to review Afghan Transit Trade agreement as it had become the main source of smuggling into Pakistan, citing that under cover of ATT, the Afghan imports were back smuggled into Pakistan with the help of Afghan traders. He said that its annual volume had been estimated at over $6 billion. He suggested that in order to control the cross-border smuggling, scanners should be installed at the border checkpoints and crackdown should be launched in the ‘Bara Markets’.

promoting SMEs so that they could contribute more effective role in strengthening the economy of the country. He assured that ICCI would fully support FPCCI in its endeavors aimed at serving the cause of business community of the country.

kAtI delegation shares trade issues with new fppcI body delegation of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) lead by Senior Vice President Salman Aslam called on The Federation Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). The delegation offered congratulations to The Petron in Chief of United Business Group (UBG) SM Muneer, newly elected Senior Vice President Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, Vice Presidents of FPCCI Zahid Saeed and Tariq Haleem on the remarkable victory in recent elections of the Federation, said a KATI statement. On the occasion SM Muneer Said that to fight back economic challenges faced by Pakistan business community they should show unity and come forward with solutions to the situations. –CB Report

A

16

www.customsbulletin.com

Peshawar’s court acquits accused of drug smuggling charge PESHAWAR: A local court of Peshawar acquitted an accused charged with smuggling of huge quantity of narcotics from Afghanistan into Pakistan via Torkham Border.

Additional District and Sessions Judge of Peshawar Alia Lodhi acquitted accused Behram, a resident of Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency, in the narcotics case after the public prosecutor failed to prove the charges.

During a course of arguments, counsels for accused Ambreen Gulzar and Sana Gulzar submitted before the court.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Quetta customs seizes white plastic dana worth rs7 million QUETTA wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta conViscated a quantity of white plastic worth Rs7 million.

Sources told Customs Today that Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Irfan Javed received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle huge quantity of white plastic Dana from Quetta to different cities of Afghanistan.

He immediately constituted a raiding team. The team in charge, Sami Ullah Soomro and others enhanced surveillance on the highway near Balili check post and started searching of vehicles. During the search operation, the team intercepted truck bearing registration no: AAB-387 which was going out of the city. During the checking, he customs team recovered 200 packets of white plastic dana worth Rs 7 million. The customs team seized the all items and arrested three smugglers. The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta registered an FIR against the smuggler and start investigations. Earlier the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigations Quetta con-

Viscated imported carpets worth Rs 6.50 million before some days. Source

said Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta Irfan Javed call

meeting to all staff and intelligence ofVicers on 9 January, in this meeting will

take review the performance of Customs Intelligence and Investigation.

faisalabad customs steps up efforts to curb smuggling FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEIkH

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Customs AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) Assistant Collector Shah Samand Hamdani has said that surveillance has been stepped up in Faisalabad to curb smuggling of items in guise of trade. Talking to Customs Today Shah Samad Hamdani has said that all these measures have

been taken following the directions of Faisalabad Customs Collector Muhammad Sadiq, adding that the ASO teams were performing their part efficiently in order to save the national economy and local markets. It is necessary to mention here that ASO teams under the supervision of Assistant Collector Shah Samand Hamadani established different check posts on the roads where every vehicle, including passenger buses and trucks were being checked.

The ofVicials were also warned

the drivers that stern actions will be taken against the accused person if anyone found involved in the transporting of non duty paid items. Meanwhile, The Field Investigation Unit (FIU) Sargodha of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad conViscated foreign origin (F/O) used computers and LCDs worth Rs4million involving customs duties and taxes of Rs2million besides impounding a trailer valued at Rs3.3million being used for transportation of smuggling items. Sources told Customs Today that Superintendent Muham-

mad Tahir received a tip off about some smuggling attempts.

He immediately constituted a customs team comprising Intelligence OfVicer Ansar Saleemi.

The team intercepted a trailer with registration No: JU-5572 near Moosa Khel, district Mianwali. During the checking, the customs team recovered F/O used computers and LCDs. The team asked the driver, Mansoor Ahmed Khan son of Haji Lal Khan, to show the documents regarding its legal import but he failed to do the same. The customs ofVicials seized the goods

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).

under the Import and Export Control Act-1950 punishable under Section 156 (1) 89 and 178 of the Customs Act-1969.

A few days later, owner Khawaja Muhammad Bilal son of Khawaja Muhammad Irfan appeared in the ofVice and submitted an afVidavit on the stamp paper claiming the ownership of the impounded items and showing his willingness to pay the duties and taxes. The Sargodha Intelligence Authority has forwarded the seizure report to the customs adjudication for further legal action.