Janu 17 layout 1

Daily on www.customsbulletin.com

Find us on

pAkiStAn’S fiRSt inDeptH newSpApeR on cuStoMS

Daily

ABC Certified

Karachi, Tue January 17, 2017

ISLAMABAD

M ARSHAD

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Finance Division has transferred Rs 4,638.431 million to the Export Development Fund (EDF) during the last Vive Viscal years. This amount had been collected under Export Development Surcharge (EDS) which was levied on exports @ 0.25 percent of the export value vide Section 11 of Finance Act, 1991. Presently, the same is being collected under SRO 10(1)/2003 dated 04-01-2003. Collection of EDS was entrusted on the State Bank of Pakistan which authorized all scheduled banks to deduct the EDS upon

Vol 2, Issue No. 69

Price Rs. 14.00

realization of export proceeds. “The rate of levy of EDS @ 0.25 percent remained unchanged during the past Vive years,” ofVicial sources at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today.

The year wise break-up of the transferred amount reveals that maximum amount Rs 1,281.378 million was transferred during the Viscal year 2015-16 and minimum amount was released Rs 479.134 million during Viscal year 2014-15.

The second biggest amount was released during the Viscal year 201112 and total amount released this year was Rs 1,279.810 million.

Similarly, Rs 845.494 million were released in FY 2013-14 and Rs 752.614 million were provided in the Viscal year 2012-13.

Heroin smuggling case is about to resolve soon: Collector Preventive Saifuddin

Customs Dry Port earns revenue Rs3011.722m during H1 of FY2016-17

Premier set to leave for Davos to attend WEF: PM Nawaz

Customs Appraisement collects Rs6696m duty, taxes in Dec 2016

Sialkot’s exports increase by 10.1pc during 1H of FY 2016-17:Ahmed Reza

TheMCCPDrSaifuddinhasconfirmedthatthe customsauthoritiesareveryneartoresolve | See pAge 02 |

The Customs dry port collected revenue of Rs 3011.722million in head | See pAge 03 |

PM Nawaz is expected to leave for the Swiss city of Davos ahead of the WEF | See pAge 04 |

Collectorte of Customs Appraisement has collected Rs6696 million revenue | See pAge 14 |

TheMCCSialkot,AhmedRezasaidtheexports from Sialkot have increased by 10.1 pc | See pAge 16 |

2

www.customsbulletin.com

Faisalabad FIA arrests human trafficker from Gojra Tuesday, January 17, 2017

National

Faisalabad: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a human trafficker from Gojra city during an action. According to details, Deputy Director FIA Syed Imam Zaidi and Sub Inspector Muhammad Ajmal conducted a raid at Awami Hotel near railway station Gojra along with FIA team and arrested a human trafficker who was identified as Shehroz Saleem son of Muhammad Saleem resident of Mehnsi Mohallah Gojra city, district Toba Tek Singh. The accused was running an illegal business of sending innocent people abroad after extorting huge amounts from them after showing golden dreams of their lucid future abroad.

Heroin smuggling case is about to resolve: collector Saifuddin Junejo

HYDERABAD

KARACHI

ASLAM AnJuM QuReSHi

S R kHAn

www.customsbulletin.com

www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Investigation and Intelligence, Field Investigation Unit (FIU) confiscated non-duty paid foreign origin Ruby cigarette in an operation. According to the details, a team of FIU following tip-off received by Deputy Superintendent Qaim Ali Alvi established a check post near bypass Halanaka to hold non-duty paid cigarette. The team comprising Sepoyes Noshad Khan, Azam Ali, Imran Ali, Ghiasuddin and Musrat Shah under the supervision of Customs intelligence officer Irfan Ghani intercepted a public vehicle at the said check post. The team recovered four non-duty paid cartons of Ruby brand slim cigarette. The confiscated cigarette is said to be worth Rs 200, 000 involving duty/ tax amounting to Rs 79,668. The ASO staff asked the possessor to produce documents regarding the possession and transportation of the cigarette. After his failure the ASO team seized the cigarette.

After registering case the team deposited the confiscated cigarette to Hyderabad state warehouse and forwarded the case to Customs I&P for further investigation.

T

T

he Collector of Model Customs Collectorate Preventive Dr Saifuddin Junejo has conVirmed that the customs authorities are very near to resolve the case in connection with seized heroin of 17kilogram. Talking to Customs Today exclusively at his ofVice, the Collector Preventive Dr Saifuddin Junejo said that the customs authorities have almost resolved the case of heroin seizure and will soon to be disclosed before the media.

Replying to a query, Dr Saifuddin further said that the he was not in position to apprise the detail of the case, as the investigations in this regard has entered into the Vinal phase and the culprits of the seized smuggled heroin would be in court of law soon. Responding to another query, the collector Preventive informed that he is in continuous touch with the investigation team of the Collectorate and taking report of the case on daily basis.

The collector Preventive further said that the Pakistan Customs has already made the scrutinized procedure into the Vlights more effective in order to uproot the menace of smuggling of drugs.

It may be mentioned here that the patrolling and reemerging staff of the Collectorate during the scrutiny of the PIA Vlight bound to

Hyderabad fiu seizes four cartons of non-duty paid cigarettes

Manchester (United Kingdom) was recovered 17 kilogram of Vine quality heroin worth Rs170million.

Meanwhile, The Collectorate of Customs Preventive has collected Rs 12,670 million under the head of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and the federal excise duty during the month of December 2016. The ofVicial sources told Customs Today that Customs Preventive collected Rs 12,670 million in the whole month of Decem-

ber 2016 that included Rs 3,689.19 million customs duty, Rs 7,633.82 million sales tax, Rs 1,248.28 million income tax and Rs 99.49 million the federal excise duty (FED). SigniVicantly, the Customs Preventive collected Rs 471.20 million as customs duty and Rs 1,107.50 million as sales tax on the last working day i.e. December 31, 2016. At all, the Preventive Collectorates has collected Rs 66,746.26 million from July 1, 2016 to December

31, 2016 that included Rs 18,406.99 million customs duty, Rs 40,911.90 million sales tax, Rs 6,140.40 million income tax and Rs 1,286.97 million the federal excise duty. Sources said that the newly posted Collector Preventive Dr Saifuddin Junejo lauded the performance of the ofVicials of the collectorate in attaining the revenue targets and hoped that the ofVicials would put up extra efforts to achieve more than the set targets.

Dc Asma Hameed issues ono in favour of customs Afu

D

FAISALABAD

nAeeM SHeikH

www.customsbulletin.com

eputy Collector Customs Adjudication Asma Hameed has issued Order-in-Original (ONO) in favour of the Customs Intelligence and Investigations (I&I) while declaring the seizure of cell phones as legal. As per details, the Customs Air Flight Unit (AFU) recovered foreign origin smuggled mobiles phones of different brands

from a suspect, Nadir Ali son of Niamat Ali who is a resident of Sarfraz Colony. The customs staff forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings taking stance that the seized phones were prohibited and brought into country without payment of duty/taxes.

In the light of facts it is clear that the seized goods foreign mobile phones are restricted ones and brought into the country illegally, thus the same are liable to conViscation in favour of Customs Adjudica-

tion under the relevant customs law.

Further more, during the hearing of the case, no one appeared to defend the case on behalf of respondents nor was any written reply was submitted despite giving many opportunities. While Inspector Khalid Mehmood appeared from the prosecution side and asserted that the seized goods falls under the ambit of Section 2(s) of the Customs Act, 1969 read with current import policy order. It is therefore, established that the respondent have nothing to

defend against the allegation framed in the show cause notice. After hearing the arguments, Deputy Collector Asma Hameed decided case on the basis of facts and material available on the Vile and issued ONO and declared the seizure of cell phones as legal under Section 156(1)89 of the Customs Act, 1969 read with Import Policy Order, 2013. Meanwhile, The Deputy Collector Customs Adjudication Asma Hameed has issued Order-in-Original (ONO) in favour of Anti-Smuggling Organization Faisal-

abad. According to details, a team of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted a Suzuki Jiminy jeep bearing registration no. JAF – 042- Quetta. The smuggled vehicle was brought into country without payment of customs duty and taxes through unauthorized way. The Customs team arrested the driver of the vehicle who was identiVied as Hijratullah son of Muhammad Saleem Khan who is a resident of Gulistan tehsil Karaiz Gulistan , district Qila Abdullah.

3

www.customsbulletin.com

Sialkot dry port handles 728,320-tonne cargo in Nov, Dec SIALKOT: Sialkot dry port handled recorded movement of 728,320-tonne cargo during the months of November and December, 2016 including 407,880-tonne of import oriented consignments and 320,440-tonne of export oriented consignments.

As per the details the dry port handled 678,346-tonne cargo during the corresponding period of 2015. The traders imports leather, raw material for soccer balls, surgical instruments and etc while in the exports included sports goods, leather garments, gloves and other sports and leather industrial related items. Customs official told Customs Today that Sialkot Customs cleared the consignments, which will be sent abroad by sea from Karachi.

Delay in auction policy causing losses of billions: Hanif khan

Tuesday January 17, 2017

National

customs Dry port earns Rs3011.722m during 1H of fY2016-17

SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAn SHeikHu www.customsbulletin.com

he auction policy of non-customs paid mobile phones has not declared by the government as yet and the Customs Department is bearing losses worth billions of rupees annually. Sources told Customs Today that all customs collectorates have confiscated a large number of non-duty paid mobile phones during various raids. Sources said that these mobile phones are still in the custody of the customs collectorates and locked in stores while the prices of these mobile phones are decreasing day after day. Sources added that the department is bearing loss of billion of rupees due to delay in cell phones auction policy.

T

Dc usman tariq reshuffles five inspectors FAISALABAD

nAeeM SHeikH

www.customsbulletin.com

he Model Customs Collectorate Headquarters Deputy Collector Usman Tariq has reshuffled five customs inspector with immediate effect and assigned their duty in three different shifts after instructions from Collector Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary. Sources told Cutoms Today that deputy collector headquarters already issued notification in this regard. The deputy collector transferred Inspector Muhammad Asghar from Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO ), Mianwali to Faisalabad International Airport in shift- A, Abdul Rehman has assigned duty at airport in shift-B, and Inspector Mazarul Haq, Rashid Munir has been transfer and perform his duty at airport in shift-C. Furthermore, according to notification Nadeem Chaudhary has been transferred at Air Freight Unit (AFU), Faisalabad airport and deputes his duty in shift-D.

T

ISLAMABAD

tARiQ DeRYA

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Customs dry port collected revenue of Rs 3011.722 million in head of all duty and taxes during Virst half (July to December) of Vinancial year (FY) 2016-17. Assistant Collector Amanat Ali Khan told Customs Today that during Virst quarter of FY 2016-17 the dry port collected revenue of Rs 1574.651 million under head of all duty and taxes. While, during second quarter of FY 216-17 the dry port collected revenue of Rs 1437.071 million in head of all duty and taxes. He said that the dry port collected revenue of Rs 462.094 million during the month of December, Rs 559.592 million during the month of November and Rs 415.385 million during the month of October under head of all duty and taxes.

He added that the dry port collected revenue of Rs 416.381 million under head of all duty and taxes during the month of September, Rs 809.402 million during the month of August and Rs 348.868 million during the month of July FY 2016-17.

Meanwhile, Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) foiled an attempt to transport smuggled fabric and impounded offending vehicle worth Rs.1.5 million during an operation.

Deputy Collector Shahid Jan told Customs Today that in the pursuance of information shared by Collector Dr. Arslan Sebectgeen that

a Corolla car bearing registration No PR-163 coming from Peshawar and heading towards Rawalpindi is loaded with huge quantity of nonduty paid fabric. After receiving information, the ASO deputy collector immediately constituted a team and started checking vehicles on a check post near Swabi on GT road and intercepted the offending vehicle. The ASO team searched the vehicle and recovered around 500 kilogram of foreign origin fabric.

He added that the dry port collected revenue of Rs 416.381 million under head of all duty and taxes during the month of September, Rs 809.402 million during the month of August and Rs 348.868 million during the month of July fY 2016-17

customs collects Rs535.9b in 1H of fY2016-17

T

KARACHI

wAQAR AHMeD AnSARi

www.customsbulletin.com he overall revenue collection

by Customs in 1st half of fiscal year (FY) 2016-17 (July to December 2016) was Rs535.9 billion which is 2.8 percent up against Rs521.3 billion revenue in the same period of last fiscal year 2015-16.

According to details, the customs duty collection increased by 8.02 percent to Rs156.57 billion during 1st half of FY2016-17 as

compared to the collection of Rs144.93 billion in same period last year. Customs duty collection

by South region increased by 8.06 percent to Rs134.24 billion in the above said period as compared to the collection of Rs124.16 billion in the same period of last fiscal year 2015-16.

Overall sales tax collection at import stage was Rs289.606 billion during the above said period which is 1.6 percent up against Rs285.05 billion revenue in the same period

of last year. Customs Appraisement South collected sales tax at import stage Rs247.7 billion which is 3.03 percent up against Rs240.39 billion collected last year in the same period. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is quite satisfied with performance of Customs as all the formations have been achieving their assigned targets successfully. Since the dollar rates are stable for some time there have been no abnormal fluctuations in the revenue collection figures.

The ASO staff asked the possessor to show documents regarding the possession and transportation of the fabric which he could not show any legal document. After his failure the ASO team seized the non-duty paid fabric also impounded offending vehicle. The ASO team after registering a case against the accused took the conViscated items to state ware house and forwarded case to Investigation and Prosecution department for further proceeding.

Mianwali ASo seizes smuggled cigarettes he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO), Mianwali, has seized foreign origin smuggled cigarettes and soap worth Rs 45,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs 1181. Sources told Customs Today that ASO Deputy Collector Rizwan Khan received credible information about some smuggling attempts.

T

4

www.customsbulletin.com

Google offers services to digitalize Pakistan’s economic activity ISLAMABAD: Google Director Ms. Ann Lavin called on the Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad and discussed the possibilities of her company’s collaboration in digitalization of economic activity in Pakistan. During the meeting, Ms. Lavin acknowledged the economic progress of Pakistan in last three years. She said her company can play a role in IT development, promotion of E-Commerce and assist in attracting investment in Pakistan. The Finance Minister asked Google’s Director for Public Policy and Government Relations, Southeast Asia and Greater China to submit a complete plan so that the same is considered by the relevant stakeholders.

Tuesday January 17, 2017

Business

premier leaves for Davos to attend wef ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

P

rime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to leave for the Swiss city of Davos ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s annual meeting which opens on January 17. The visit is taking place at the invitation of WEF’s Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab, said an ofVicial statement issued.

Former army chief General Raheel to speak at World Economic Forum “The prime minister has a full agenda at Davos, including a number of bilateral meetings with heads of states, as well as with business leaders,” it said. Among others, he

LSM expanded 8pc in november ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt

will meet the new secretary feneral of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, as well as the Swiss President Doris Leuthard at Davos.

pakistan's foreign policy — the rising trend of regionalism

www.customsbulletin.com

arge-scale manufacturing (LSM) grew 8.02 per cent in November on a year-on-year basis. Some interpret it as start of a revival in the industrial production. With the higherthan-expected growth in LSM, the government is expected to achieve the GDP growth target of 5.7pc for 2016-17.

In July-Nov, LSM grew 3.24pc over the corresponding months of the last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Thursday.

L

Nawaz will also address a large group of about 60 top business leaders on “Investing in Pakistan: The New Reality”. In addition, he will have

a roundtable meeting in which the premier will share, with a select group of business leaders, the dramatic economic changes taking place in Pakistan and the immense investment and trade opportunities that are opening up in the country. Over 3,200 heads of states, public Vigures, top business leaders, academics and media leaders will participate in the WEF Annual Meeting 2017. The theme for the 2017 WEF Annual Meeting is “Responsive and Responsible Leadership”. The WEF Annual Meeting provides an unparalleled platform to discuss wide-ranging economic and political issues. Major hopes for Gen Raheel at WEF Participants at WEF 2017 will reVlect on the key challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Strengthening global collaboration, and revitalising the global economy.

F

KARACHI

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

oreign policy of any country is naturally aimed at safeguarding its national interests. In that, ensuring and/or strengthening country's security and stability is the prime interest. For a long period of time, Pakistan's Foreign Policy goal has been deVined by this prime interest which was parochial but on a deeper analysis, might seem inevitable. With the seeds of the Kashmir conVlict with India have sown right at the time of

partition and consequent inheritance of various problems (very weak institutions, water disputes, economic compulsions) to the new-born state not only determined the contours of Pakistan's foreign policy in the early years but also set the highlighters that were to greatly squeeze and inVluence Pakistan's foreign policy goals in the following decades. With the threats from India, Afghanistan's previous hostilities, invasions and presence of external major powers in the region and adding to that - the horrors the "war on terror" brought to Pakistan; it is not difVicult to see that the state's

foreign policy remained desperately reactionary in most cases and dormant in others. Whatever the compulsions for Pakistan have been in the previous decades, the current regional and global structures are different and very opportunistic for Pakistan. Khursheed Mahmud Kasuri, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan writes, highlighting foreign policy issues to the country, "The emerging new international economic environment inVluenced in several different ways by the process of globalization has placed new responsibilities on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

indian black tea imports plunged 34% KARACHI

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

ndian black tea imports plunged 34 per cent year-on-year to 11,708 tonnes in 2016 amid soaring tensions between the two countries. The import deficit was met through improved arrivals from Kenya, Vietnam and Rwanda, thus pushing up overall imports. Pakistan procures tea from northern and southern regions of India, which are the second-biggest source of imports after Kenya. Sources said that 8,626 tonnes arrived from South India at an average price of $1.2 per kilogram as compared to 14,011 tonnes ($1 per kg) in 2015. From North India, tea imports fell to 3,082 tonnes ($1.87 per kg) in 2016 from 3,742 tonnes ($2.46 per kg) in the preceding year.

Foreign media reported earlier that Pakistani traders had trimmed purchases of Indian tea due to heightening tension. However, an importer said lower imports in 2016 had nothing to do with fragile relations between the two neighbouring countries as tea trade still continued.

“Actually, tea imports from India are not feasible due to higher price in South India,” he added. Overall tea imports stood at 173,000 tonnes ($428.6 million) in 2016, in which the share of Kenya stood at 130,000 tonnes ($350m).

I

55 companies to be conferred cSR Awards on Jan 19 ISLAMABAD

P

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

akistan’s 55 most prestigious companies with signiVicant contribution for social development through different remarkable projects and activities will be given awards January 19 Federal Minister for Planning & Development Ahsan Iqbal will be chief guest at the ceremony, said a

press release here Saturday.

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FPCCI) President Zubair Tufail will open the inaugural session while Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Syed Abu Akif, Chairperson Benazir Income. Support Program Marvi Memon and others will chair the second session. This event is being organized by National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH).

According to NFEH President

Naeem Quershi, all the award winning companies have played a vital role in empowerment of society in the Vields of education, health, environment, socio-economic development, welfare projects for under privileged and under-served masses of the country. Jury comprsisng renowned personalities of the corporate sector, including Mirza Ishtiaq Baig and Shamsul Haq Memon, has selected the awardees. Oil and Gas Development Company Limited,

Mari Petroleum Gas Company Limited, Pak Arab Oil ReVinery Limited, Crown Group, Searle Pakistan, Mehria Group, SICPA Ink Pakistan, Siza Foods (Pvt.) Ltd., National Bank of Pakistan and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company are among the major sponsors of the event. Besides companies, non-governmental organizations will showcase their various activities and projects in the CSR Gallery. Companies selected for outstanding CSR activities are Agha Steel

Industries, Albario Engineering (Pvt.) Limited, Archroma Pakistan Limited, Arif Habib Commodities, Asian Food Industries Limited, Atlas Honda Limited, Berger Paints Pakistan Limited, Bestway Cement Limited, Bin Qutab Foundation, Crown Group, Diamond Jumbolon – Symbol Industries (Pvt.) Limited, DP World Karachi, Engro Corporation, Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited, Feroze1888 Mills Limited

www.customsbulletin.com

ADVERTISEMENT

5

6

www.customsbulletin.com

KARACHI S R kHAn www.customsbulletin.com

t

he Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has become non-operational during the last couple of years which has increased smuggling activities on borders, particularly in Karachi.

According to details, the Federal Interior Ministry had constituted an Inter-Agency Task Force comprising all major intelligence agencies, including Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Pakistan Rangers in 2014 in order to uproot smuggling activities. However; there was no such coordination has been established among all intelligence agencies for eradicating the menace of smuggling from the country.

The IATF after its formation was fully activated in Virst four months, but after that not even a single meeting of the heads of all intelligence forces/agencies was held during the last two years or so.

Although, it is fact that all intelligence agencies during the same period have done remarkable jobs individually in uprooting the smuggling activities, but coordinated efforts are also needed to fight smuggling, sources

maintained.

Chief Collector-Enforcement South Muhammad Zahid Khokhar, while talking to Customs Today, said that the Pakistan Customs was ready to perform coordinated efforts with any other intelligence agency, as the department is determined to eradicate the menace of smuggling from the country.

Meanwhile, The rift between the two federal entities is intensifying with every passing day over the issue of recovering the huge amount of heroin from a plane of a national carrier stand in a hanger.

Sources informed Customs Today that the high-ups of both the federal entities are in continuous touch over resolving the issues.

However, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were of the view that its staff was not involved in smuggling of the contraband items. However, Chief CollectorEnforcement (South) Muhammad Zahid Khokhar and the investigative team of MCC-Preventive have reportedly found that the PIA staffers were allegedly involved in transporting the heroin from one destination to other.

Replying to a query, the Chief Collector-Enforcement (South) while talking to Customs Today said that the PIA staff including loaders

were also found involved in transporting the heroin from one destination to other in the past, adding that the investigation into the case is underway.

tuted consti d a h l ing al nistr y mpris ior Mi r o c e t e n c i r al ask fo luding feder enc y t es, inc i g c A n r e e g a o rc e an int gence otics f i l c l r e a t n n i i cg), s, Ant major ustom a rd s ( p c u g n a t t s enc y pakis an coa r i t y Ag pakist u , c ) e f S n e 14 in (A aritim s in 20 M r e n g a n t a pakis vities stan R g ac ti d paki n i n l a g ) g A (pMS ot smu o u p ro t r e d or

www.customsbulletin.com

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

7

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

pakistan’s economy: miles to go

A

constant outcry by economists and financial experts about the falling exports, industrial stagnation and growing loans has gone unheard by the men in authority in Islamabad who are programmed to watch and listen to the news of their choices. The exports are falling as the country has failed to produce industrial surplus. The industry is facing the challenges of electricity shortage, rising tax tariffs and rising cost of production. Most of the industry still relies on the old methods and old machinery. No research and development section has been established in any large-scale industrial concern and the concept of diversification of products is also missing in this sector. The Pakistani products are facing tough competition in the international market, but the officials concerned are sleeping in their chambers, big industrialists have lost their interest in the business and small entrepreneurs are struggling to make both ends meet. The business chemistry has been changed all over the world, but we are stubbornly stuck to the old methods and are reluctant to face new realities. The result is that the country is facing rising debts, falling exports and closure of industrial units. The current situation requires the government to revisit its policies and should adopt a new strategy from development to implementation levels. There is a need to devise policies to stimulate industrial growth and produce industrial surplus for economic survival of the country. The financial stability of which the government is proud of should come through business activities and not through the foreign loans.

The current blind policies are pushing the country towards de-industrialization. A main point which the economists miss to point out is the responsibilities of the provinces in the industrial development. The provinces are almost independent in their policies, but they still look towards federation for economic policies.

Despite having all the financial resources in their hands, the provincial leaders have failed to show their administrative skills to change the lot of their people. Apart from business related issues, surplus funds are available with provinces to launch health and education projects, but many a time funds lapse unused.

new electricity projects T

LAHORE

DR AftAB AfZAL

www.customstoday.com

he Minister for Water and Power has hoped that the construction of DiamerBhasha dam will start this year and various countries have expressed interest in Vinancing the mega project costing $14 billion.The minister has already inaugurated a $1.8 billion Suki Kinari hydropower project which is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework.The project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to add 3,081GWh units of electricity each year to the national grid by 2022. The provincial government will earn around Rs1.3 billion each year as

water use charges. The project is being developed on a build-ownoperate-transfer basis under the Power Policy 2002 and will be transferred to the province in 30 years.Various other thermal power projects,which will be operated on re-gasiVied liqueVied natural gas,are in the testing phases and nearly 1000 MW Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project will start electricity generation in six months. Besides, the federal government has prepared the draft of national water policy and is going to send it to the Council of Common Interests for formal approval. The Nandipur power project, which got media hype, will be converted on to natural gas by April this year.

The country has been facing

severe energy crisis for the last several decades which has not only affected the industrial production of the country but also every Vield of life. Electricity is the basic requirement in modern age and Pakistan being the sixth largest country of the world has been in severe grip of load shedding which has not only eroded the industrial base but also affected the quality of life of the people. The rising cost of electricity has increased the cost of production, making it impossible for the Pakistani entrepreneurs to compete in the international market. The water policy was also the need of the hour as the current Indian government has been showing hostile posture since it came to power two years ago.

There is no hope for normalization of relations with India as it has started building dams on the rivers in violation of the Indus Water Treaty. Without considering the consequences of the violation of international laws, the present Indian government is bent upon spoiling peace in the region and jeopardizing other international commitments which Pakistan is still horouring, including the TAPI gas pipeline project.

It is hoped the new electricity projects will be completed within their schedules and will cater to the energy needs of the country to a large extent.The government should also pay attention to other sectors not only to improve industrial activities but also stimulate the economy.

9

www.customsbulletin.com

Medical tourism revenues double TEHRAN: Iran’s revenues from medical tourism have more than doubled over the last 12 months, according to the vice president of the Association for Development of Medical Tourism Services. Speaking to the travel news website Safar, Mohammad Panahi added that revenues from health tourism were “around $1.2 billion last year”, stressing that Iran is slowly realizing its potential as a medical tourism hub in the region. However, Panahi noted that there were no precise data on the number of medical tourists who visited Iran in 2016, which brings into question the source of the reported figure. Financial Tribune was unable to corroborate the $1.2 billion revenue as relevant organizations were closed on Friday, which is the weekend in Iran. Nevertheless, there is little reason to doubt that the country’s annual health tourism revenue is now well over the $400-500 million reported for several years.

Lcci opposes fBR raids on industrial units LAHORE

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

he Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Tuesday appealed to the federal finance ministry to stop Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from conducting raids at industrial units and business premises under Section 38, which creating unrest among the business community.

LCCI President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan stated here expressed concern that bureaucracy was creating an atmosphere of harassment for businessmen, the backbone of economy. They added that manufacturing sector was already passing through very critical times due to high input cost and in dire need of handholding by the public sector to run their businesses. The LCCI office-bearers said it came into their notice that FBR officials were

T

not only hurling arrest threats on the owners of the manufacturing units but also confiscating record of these units. Private sector was ready to supplement all government efforts aimed at revival of economic activities in the country if they were provided breathing space but these steps would made it difficult for them to continue with their businesses. They said the federal finance minister should take notice of the situation and stop the FBR officials from entering into the business premises. They said that if there was an urgent need to take action against any particular industrial unit, the FBR officials should be directed to take concerned association or the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on board.

Tuesday January 17, 2017

Chambers

completion of palestinian embassy to help in improving bilateral trade: icci A

ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by President Khalid Iqbal Malik visited Palestine Embassy and congratulated H.E.Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of Palestine and Palestinian nation on completion of Embassy in Islamabad and hoped that its completion would help further improving bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Palestine.

Khalid Malik Senior Vice President, Tahir Ayub Vice President ICCI, Khalid Chaudhry, Muhammad Faheem Khan, Muhammad Naveed, Amin ur Rehman, Syed Nadeem Mansoor and Syed Bilal Adil were in the delegation.

Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan and Palestine have good potential to complement each other in many areas and both countries should focus on developing bilateral trade to create better economic opportunities for their people. He said both countries had

agreed to form a Joint Ministerial Commission to improve two-way trade and economic relations and stressed that all possible efforts should be made for achieving solid results. He said Pakistan wanted peace in Palestine so that trade and economic activities could Vlourish and people of Palestine could enjoy a better living standard. Khalid Malik Senior Vice President and Tahir Ayub Vice President ICCI also un-

derscored the importance of strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries. H.E.Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of Palestine said that many Palestinian products including marble & stones, food items, agro products, industrial goods, handicrafts, technology & communications, leather goods, construction, tourism related products could Vind good market in Pakistan.

icci congratulates uBg for landslide victory in fpcci elections

I

ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

slamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has congratulated S. M. Munir Patron-inChief, Iftikhar Ali Malik, Chairman, and all members of United Business Group (UBG) for sweeping the elections of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for the year 2017 and hoped that UBG winning team would work hard for resolving the key issues of business community of the country.

Khalid Iqbal Malik President, Khalid Malik Senior Vice President and Tahir Ayub Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the third consec-

utive victory of UBG in FPCCI elections showed that the Group was delivering up to the expectations of its constituents.

They also congratulated Zubair Tufail newly elected President and Aamer Ata Bajwa Senior Vice President of FPCCI. They congratulated UBG’s all newly elected Vice President of FPCCI. They said Mian Shaukat Masud former President ICCI has been elected as Vice President on the Federal area seat which was an honor for our Chamber.

Khalid Iqbal Malik said that UBG has introduced a merit based election system and democratic culture in the FPCCI elections which was laudable and hoped that UBG would continue to nominate competent business leaders to lead the apex trade body of the country.

He was optimistic that under the leadership of Zubair Tugail, FPCCI would become a further stronger apex trade body to promote Pakistan’s business and economic interests. He assured that ICCI would extend its full cooperation to the new leadership of FPCCI and UBG in efforts aimed at resolving the issues of trade and industry and promoting the interests of private sector. They also appreciated the services of outgoing President FPCCI Abdul Rauf who worked hard to serve the business community of the country. Khalid Javed, Chairman, Founder Group also congratulated UBG and its newly elected candidates for FPCCI and added that victory of UBG was the victory of democratic forces in the business community.

The Ambassador was of the view that direct interaction between the private sectors of both countries could help in exploring ways and means for enhancing bilateral trade.

He said though it was difVicult for Pakistani businessmen to do direct trade with Palestine due to Israeli factor, however, they could export to Palestine through Jordon, Egypt and Turkey which were facilitating it in trading activities.

economic indicators moving in right direction: experts arious economists on Monday said that country would be among developed countries as national economy indicators were moving in a right direction. Talking to APP, renowned economist Dr Ashfaq Hassan said the PML-N government was paying full attention to the development of different sectors, including power, gas, education, health and roads.The completion of road infrastructure in the country would definitely bring about prosperity and development, he added. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI) Convener on Standing Committees on Customs, Dry Ports Aftab Ahmed Vohra said political stability, improving security situation and low inflation due to low international oil prices and low interest rates. —CB Report

V

10

www.customsbulletin.com

Rs5b tax collected from retailers Tuesday January 17, 2017

National Hyderabad customs seizes non-duty paid cng cylinders HYDERABAD

ASLAM AnJuM QuReSHi www.customsbulletin.com

SIALKOT: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has promulgated Act 40 B to achieve target in Gujranwala and Sialkot Regions.

Official sources told Customs Today that these regions have started raids on sweets’ shops and bakeries to collect tax and they collected tax more than Rs5 billion whereas the campaign will continue during the month of January.

Sources added that the department has done survey of the above mentioned shops and bakeries and the team reviewed that the shopkeepers are earning in billions per month but they are not paying sales tax.

Add collector Beelam issues ono against owner of smuggled vehicle C

FAISALABAD

ustoms Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) seized foreign origin CNG cylinders 27 pieces worth Rs405, 000 involving duty and taxes Rs 300,406 in the last week of December 2016. According to sources Field Investigation Unit (FIU) of Customs Intelligence received credible information from director Customs Karachi about transportation of non-duty paid CNG cylinders in the Hyderabad region. FIU immediately constituted a team comprising Deputy Superintendent Qasim Ali Alvi, Inspector Irfan Ghani, Sepoys Muhammad Imran, Noshad Khan, Sikandar Malaha, Azam Ali Chandio, driver Rao Abdul Sattar and Hanif Somroo.

The team started checking vehicles at Hyderabad bypass. While checking, the team intercepted a trawler bearing registration number JU-5121 near Hatri Police Station, bypass Hyderabad and recovered 27 CNG cylinders.

C

fiA nabs three suspects involved in selling fake medicines he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested three suspects who are involved in selling and supplying unregistered contraband medicines. According to FIA Deputy Director Administration Lahore Khwaja Hammad, along with Sub-Inspector Javaid, conducted a raid in Dogar Basti near Harianwala Chowk and recovered 2,000 unregistered tablets containing Sildenafil citrate (Viagra).

Sources said that the FIA authorities have registered cases against the accused persons namely Hassan Tariq, Zafar Abbas and Abdul Razzaq. Hassan Tariq and Abdul Razzaq were arrested on the spot. Further investigations are underway.

T

iQRA SHeHZADi

www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has issued Order-inOriginal (ONO) against owner of non duty paid vehicle and directed to seize the vehicle.

According to details the Anti Smuggling Organization team intercepted a foreign origin Toyota Premio car bearing registration number LEB -14- 1111. The driver of the vehicle failed to provide any legal documents to ASO authorities after which they impounded the vehicle and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication. The examination team of customs along with representative of Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) during examination observed that

the condition as well good of the

vehicle smuggled one. It was sus-

pected that high tariff good have been replaced with low tariff good. Therefore, the officials seized the items and registered FIR against the accused company.

It is necessary to mention here after arrival of the said vehicle neither importer nor his authorized person approached for clearance of their consignment. Superintendent Sardar Mohammad, Inspector Abdul Jabbar, Safdar Ali and Masood Saeed Chohan appeared before the authority, while no one appeared to defend the case from respondent’s side nor any written reply was received from the respondent. Therefore, Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan ordered to seize the goods under clause 14 of Section 156 (1), 157(1) and (2) of the Customs Act, 1969.

central Region collects Rs7,279m wHt in 6 months

T

LAHORE

M HAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Central Region has collected Rs 7,279 million on account of withholding tax during Virst six months (from July to December) of the Vinancial year 2016-17.

The withholding tax has been collected by all the four customs collectorates, including Collectorate of Customs Preventive, Collectorate of Customs Appraisement, Colletorate of Customs Multan and Collectorate of Customs Faisalabad. As per details, Collectorate of Customs Appraisement collected Rs 3,314 million on account of withholding tax during the period under review while the collectorate of Customs Preventive collected Rs 3,786 million during the Virst six months of Vinancial year 2016-17. Similarly, Collectorate of Customs Multan collected Rs 115 million during the six months of the current Vinancial year. On the other hand, the Collectorate of Faisalabad collected

Rs 63 million on account of withholding tax during the six months Vinancial year 2016-17.

Overall the customs Central Region collected Rs 7,279 million withholding tax during the first

six months of the financial year 2016-17. The withholding tax has been collected from import and export by all the four collectorates that come under the limits of Central Region.

Sources told Customs Today that Chief Collector of Customs Central Region Samaira has urged all the collectorates to expedite their efforts to meet revenue collection target for FY 2016-17.

11

www.customsbulletin.com

DG Valuation issues revised values for disposable foam cups KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of disposable foam cups through Valuation Ruling No 1002/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.

According to details, customs values of disposable foam cups were earlier determined through Valuation Ruling No. 433/2012 dated 17.02.2012. The Valuation Ruling No. 433/2012 dated, 17.02.2012 was more than 04 years old therefore an exercise was undertaken to re-determine the customs values of disposable foam cups in terms of Section 25-A of the Customs Act 1969 with a view to reflect the current prices of these items prevailing in the international market.

faisalabad customs intelligence seizes smuggled items worth Rs 19m FAISALABAD

nAeeM SHeikH

www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation seized smuggled goods worth Rs 18769,384 involving duty and taxes of Rs, 4834,018 besides impounding offending three vehicles worth Rs 900,000 in different anti-smuggling activities during the last week of December 2016.

The customs official told Customs Today that the Customs Intelligence conducted operations on the instructions of Deputy Director Muhammad Riaz Hussain against the smuggled goods and vehi-

T

cles in different areas of its jurisdiction including Sargodha, Khushab and Faisalabad. The Customs has made confiscations 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 required legal documents of imported items. As per details, the smuggled goods confiscated by the Customs Intelligence teams include computer systems worth Rs 9839,319 involving customs duty of Rs 2059,482, laptops worth Rs 6881,378 involving customs duty worth Rs 1305,218 and food processors (New), Deuron brand ( 1280Units), worth Rs 2048,687 involving custom duty of Rs 1469,318. During the raids, the customs officials asked the accused to produce the legal documents of the abovementioned items, but they failed to do so. The intelligence officers, comprising Senior Intelligence Officers Muhammad Tahir, Muhammad Siddique, Mohammad Saleem and Liaqat Ali, Israr Ahmed and Shoukat Hayat, participated in the operations.

National

nawaz directs fBR, other departments to give proposals for boosting economy T

ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

he Federal Board of Revenue’s Board-in-Council meeting has been held under the chairmanship of FBR Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan r to bid farewell to Member Accounting Seema Majid on her retirement from service.

In line with the tradition in FBR, the BiC meeting, attended by all FBR Members, paid glowing tributes to Seema Majid, a BS-21 ofVicer, for her meritorious services for the promotion of public policy and tax culture while working on various senior positions in the Board and Vield formations of FBR. The Members shared their reminiscences of pleasant memories and experiences while working with the retired officer. Seema Majid, speaking on the occasion, expressed her gratefulness to the Almighty Allah for enabling her to complete a remarkable phase of her life with dignity and pride and spoke profusely of the enabling and equally challenging work environment in which she shouldered her multifarious responsibilities in various positions in FBR. The FBR

chairman, in his remarks, appreciated the services of Seema Majid and her hard work and commitment to the organization. The chairman and all the Members highlighted the moral values and high professional standards practiced and maintained by the outgoing officer and unanimously praised the high level of integrity

Tuesday January 17, 2017

and honesty exhibited by her during their entire career. Nisar emphasised that the retired officer with her enriched experience behind her must continue contributing to the society. He wished her a healthy and prosperous life in future. At the end, the FBR chairman presented souvenirs and flower bouquets to the outgoing Member.

gujranwala customs impounds non-duty paid prado worth Rs3m SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAn SHeikHu www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Intelligence and Investigation Gujranwala impounded a non-duty paid Prado worth Rs 3 million at Chan Da Qila, GT road Gujranwala. According to details, Customs Intelligence team comprising Inspector Syed Majid Raza and constables Usama, Mubashir, Sajid Raza and Boota were on routine checking of vehicles on GT road Gujranwala. The team intercepted a Prado bearing registration number BS-6763-Sindh at Chan Da Qila, GT road Gujranwala which was coming from Sheikhupura and heading towards Lahore. The team asked driver named Muhammad Ali to provide customs duty paid documents of the vehicle but the driver was failed to produce the required legal documents. After his failure, the team seized non-duty paid vehicle and shifted it to the compound of Customs Gujranwala. The team has forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceeding. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Gujranwala is on the swing in its region to curb smuggled and nonduty paid goods as for as vehicles.

T

Dg Valuations issues order in Revision of Sulphonic Acid

T

KARACHI

wAQAR AHMeD AnSARi www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed Order in Revision of sulphonic acid Revision No, 283/2016 under section 25-D of the Customs Act 1069 against Valuation Ruling No, 999/2016. Hearing in the case was Vixed on 28-12-1016. The stakeholders stated that the local manufacturer M/s Tufail chemicals industries (50,000 MT) and M/s Colgate industries (20,000 MT) are producing 80% of Pakistan requirement subject Items, M/s Tufail Chemicals Industries Limited are the largest

supplier in the local market and M/s Colgate industries are meeting their own requirements. M/s Tufail Chemicals also agreed to Vix the value of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid at 1160 per metric ton and 1150 per metric ton for Iran.

According to details, Customs Valuation has gone through the record of the case and submission by all the stakeholder i.e. commercial importer and local manufacturer of these items. The arguments of the importers and local manufacturer have been considered. The value of the items was checked from ICIS (scam).The International data conVirmed that the prevailing value of Alkyl benzene sulphonic acid is US$

1160 metric ton. The Customs Values of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (all origin) is determined at US$ 1160 per metric ton whereas for land route of Iranian origin goods is Vixed at US$ 1150 /MT accordingly. Meanwhile, Director General Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed issued revised customs values of McCain brand potato frozen french fries Indian origin at $1.12/kg and McCain brand spicy peri peri fries/smile fries of all origins at $2.5/kg and amended the Valuation Ruling No.976/2016 accordingly. M/s Quick Foods Industries Private Ltd and others had approached the director general agitating against the customs values of potato fries determined vide Valua-

tion Ruling No.976/2016. The director general examined the case record and written as well as verbal submissions. The importers stated that the prices have been determined on higher side whereas import prices of the subject item are available on lesser side on international market as well as in the local market. According to sources, a market survey was conducted which revealed that some of the values are correct. The contention of the importer that value of frozen french fries was Vixed at $1.20/kg from USA, $1.15/kg from Europe and $1.22/kg from India is not suitable for the importer as freight from India is much less than USA and Europe.

12

www.customsbulletin.com

Italy’s unemployment rises to 11.9% Tuesday January 17, 2017

World

ROME: Unemployment in Italy rose to 11.9 percent in November 2016, the highest level since June 2015, the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reported on Monday.

The jobless rate rose by 0.2 percent on a monthly basis, and by 0.5 percent over November 2015.

Unemployment among youths aged 15 to 24 years increased to 39.4 percent, from 36.4 percent in October 2016. It was the highest level registered since October 2015. ISTAT also released an increased participation in the labour market in November. Some 22.7 million people were employed, and 3.08 millions unemployed, which marked a 0.1 per cent and a 0.2 per cent increase on a monthly basis, respectively, the agency said.

Sri Lanka customs nabs iranian with Rs30m in euros

customs delists 71 importers engaged in illegal trade

COLOMBO

www.customsbulletin.com

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

Bali police thwart coral smuggling attempt ali police reportedly stopped smugglers from illegally exporting coral reefs, which are severely endangered in Indonesia. The coral reefs had come from Bima, Sumbawa and had been found by police at a warung in Gianyar, Bali, being stored in four boxes.

Of the reefs, 12 had died, while 74 were still alive when police found them. Police suspect the coral reefs were meant to be exported abroad, but apparently no one came to claim the reefs as police surveilled the scene. “We were getting reports about the discovery of different types of coral reefs stored at a warung, in the Ketewel area of Gianyar, but no one had taken the reefs,” Bali Water Police Director Sr. Comr. Sukandar said, as quoted by Sindo News. Sukandar said police have previously made similar findings to the reefs, at a different crime scene. —CB Report

B

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt

T

A

32 year old Iranian national arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by the Customs ofVicers while he was trying to smuggle foreign currencies amounting Rs.30 million. Customs Spokesman Dharmasena Kahandawa said, the suspect was attempting to smuggle the stash out to Doha via Iran when he was arrested around 7.00 pm.

During investigations Customs ofVicers found € 177, 000 hidden inside his baggage wrapped inside sarongs. Dharmasena Kahandawa said investigations revealed the suspect was an employee of a project in Sri Lanka and he was holding only a residence Visa. The currency was conViscated and further investigations are being carried out by the Customs Department’s BIA Unit.

MANILA

The raid was carried out by the Deputy Customs Director Anuradha Jayawardane, under the instruction of Deputy Customs Director Parakrama Basnayake. The investigations were carried out by the Customs Directors Ranjith Fernando, U.K. Piyasena, Assistant Customs Superintendents W.T. Krishantha, E.D.H. Geethika, I.P. Rathnayaka, Ravi Samarasinghe, A.G.M. Amrin and Ms. Indu Ranathunga. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considering to

inking a free trade agreement between the two countries. Attention was drawn towards this initiative during a meeting held between Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah at the Finance Ministry on Friday. The discussion was centered on the beneVits to be tapped by both countries from such an important regional trade agreement of this nature. In addition, strategies to minimize the impact on the economies of the two countries.

china banks extend record 12.65 trillion yuan in new loans in 2016

C

hinese banks extended a record 12.56 trillion yuan ($1.82 trillion) of loans in 2016 as the government encouraged more credit-fueled stimulus to meet its economic growth target, despite worries about the risks from an explosive jump in debt. China’s top leaders pledged after a key meeting last month to stem the growth of asset bubbles in 2017 and place greater importance on the prevention of finan-

cial risk, while keeping a “prudent and neutral” monetary policy. But in December alone, Chinese banks extended 1.04 trillion yuan in net new yuan loans, far more than expected and lifting the yearly total well above the previous all-time high set in 2015. Analysts polled

by Reuters had expected December new lending would fall to 700 billion yuan from November’s 794.6 billion yuan. New bank loans last year. —CB Report

he Bureau of Customs has delisted some 71 importers and brokers found to be engaged in illegal dealings but Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said they have three days after receiving their notices to appeal the decision.

Faeldon said Vive of the importers have so far Viled their appeals.

He said the names of the importers would be published even as he explained that the reason for this is to inform the public and not part of a “shame campaign.”

“It’s not shame campaign because the public needs to know.

They are smugglers. When you misdeclared your commodities and were seized because of violation of customs laws you try to smuggle commodities,” he said.

“Sabi namin (We said) previously

T

turkey earns $28.73m in tea export urkey earned revenues of over $28.73 million after exporting tea to 86 countries in 2016, according to Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association data. Turkish tea exporters’ revenue soared by 20.4 percent last year compared to the previous year, read the data. The volume of tea exports from the country increased by 11.4 percent to stand at around 6.67 million tons in 2016 compared to the previous year, the association said. Turkey exported around 6 million tons of tea and earned around $23.9 billion in return in 2015, according to the data. Belgium topped the list of Turkey’s tea

Seafood sales keep soaring into 2017

N OLSO

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

orway’s seafood industry, especially salmon, is starting the New Year off with even more record high prices and strong demand.

Salmon prices are also expected to rise by another 10 percent in the Virst half of this year, and the industry is con-

sidered one of the country’s most secure. “It looks like 2017 will be even better than our record year in 2016,” Piotr C Wingaard, sales director for Fish Pool, told newspaper Dagens Næringsliv (DN) this week. Fish Pool sells salmon in the spot market, where the price for Norwegian salmon is NOK 72 per kilo, much higher than the earlier record prices set in 2016.

He thinks the “salmon party” will con-

we would be delisting importers, brokers who practice illicit trade (over) the past six years,” he said.

The BOC chief added that the records were reviewed manually since the agency has no electronic record of importers and brokers.

Meanwhile, Global Vinancial giant HSBC expects the Philippines to continue its stellar economic growth and stand out among its Asian neighbors this year. “The Philippines continues to stand out as one of Asia’s strongest performers. Despite an uncertain external environment and weak regional growth, the economy expanded by 7.1% year-on-year in Q3 2016, the fastest pace in almost 3 years… and placing the government’s 6-7% growth target for 2016 well within reach,” said HSBC economist Joseph Incalcaterra in the HSBC Asian Economics Quarterly Report for Q1 2017 released on Thursday, January 12. The Vinancial giant raised its 2016 GDP forecast for the country to 6.8% from 6.5%, as well as its 2017 GDP forecast to 6.5% from 6.3%.

tinue through next year at least. He noted that production in 2017 will be a bit higher than in 2016, “but the increase will be so little that the market isn’t fully satisVied.” The re-opening of the Chinese market, after Norway and China normalized diplomatic relations just before Christmas, will also boost demand. “I actually haven’t any idea about salmon prices, we’re just producing here,” Inger Marie Pedersen,

exporting countries with more than 2.1 tons, worth $10.56 million, read the data. “Turkey mainly exports to European Union member countries due to the vast majority of the Turkish population. Especially Turkish population in Belgium and Germany prefers Turkish tea,” Ahmet Hamdi Gurdogan, the chairman of the association, said. Gurdogan pointed out the impact of tea advertising activities helped the country to increase its tea exports. “One of the most important reason of tea export’s upward trend every passing year is CAYKUR’s, a leading tea producer company in Turkey. —CB Report

who works in Marine Harvest’s salmon processing plant at Eggesbønes south of Ålesund, told DN. She’s born and reared in Eggesbønes and is now raising her own family there, thanks to the jobs the salmon industry is providing. Called oppdrett (Vish farming), it remains controversial because of a lice problem at offshore farms that has threatened Norway’s wild salmon as well.

13

www.customsbulletin.com

IHC to resume hearing of tax matter filed by M/s Biafo Industries ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will resume the hearing of a tax matter filed by M/s Biafo Industries challenging a recovery claim of Rs783.3 million. A single bench of the IHC comprising Justice Aamer Farooq will hear the matter. The bench held the initial hearing last week and had adjourned it. M/s Biafo Industries had filed the case challenging a show cause notice issued by the Large taxpayers Unit, Islamabad. The company named the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), officers of the LTU, including the commissioner Inland Revenue, and others as respondents in the case. M/s Biafo Industries had submitted that the LTU had issued the show cause notice in ignorance of law and the appellant’s submissions were not addressed.

Sargodha ASo seizes auto parts, vehicle during crackdown

National

iRS playing role in strengthening economy: Dc ch naeem Ahmed

T

SALeeM AwAn SHeikHu

nAeeM SHeikH

www.customsbulletin.com

www.customsbulletin.com

customs court adjourns hearing of 16 customs related cases

T

he Customs Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of 16 cases related to the customs matters. During the hearing of the most of the cases, the counsels for accused requested the court to postpone the hearing of their respective cases for preparation of arguments on which the court adjourned the hearing for different dates. According to the cause-list, three out of 16 cases were Vixed for formal hearings of accused namely Shehzad, Shaukat Ali, Tariq Fatmi and others. Pre-arrest bail pleas were also scheduled for Friday’s hearing. The court also adjourned the cases of narcotics, tax evasion, smuggling and other customs matters. The cases from Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan were also scheduled for hearing. —M Imran Mehar

Sialkot customs generates Rs10.46m as customs duty in Dec SIALKOT

FAISALABAD he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO), Sargodha, has conViscated foreign origin smuggled auto parts worth Rs3,46,500 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs 88,449 besides impounding the offending vehicle worth Rs 10,00,000. According to details, Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan Khan received information that auto parts would be smuggled from Rawalpindi to Sargodha through Khushab without the payment of duty and taxes. After receiving information, Deputy Collector Rizwan Khan constituted a raiding team comprising Superintendent Chaudhary Muhammad Sardar, Inspector Maher Ameer Ali, Ansar Saleemi, Bashir Ahmad, Sepoy Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Imran, Mehmood Muhammad Feroz and Muhammad Mansha.

The ASO staff intercepted a vehicle Hundai dala bearing registration no LES-523 nearSalam Interchange Sargodha.

Tuesday January 17, 2017

he Model Customs Collectorate has collected Rs10.469 million in the wake of import, rebate and export duties. Sources told Customs Today that the department has surpassed revenue target under the head of customs duty made by during the last year to the tune of Rs8.533 million. Sialkot region had collected Rs29.65 million as customs Import duty during December 2016 which is Rs5.31 million more than the Rs3.333 million collection of the same period of last year, 2015. Sources added that Sialkot Customs collected Rs8293.1 million as export duty whereas Rs60 million cheques issued to exporters.

The department was striving to achieve the revenue collection target under all heads for the running fiscal year 2016-17. Sources also denied the impression that customs officials received customs duty in advance from the importers in order to meet the targets. Federal Board 0f Revenue (FBR) has to revise the revenue collection targets sometimes keeping in view the unfavourable circumstances, adding that tax collection was increasing every year due to effective policies of the department. Collection of said revenue is much better as compare to first four months of current fiscal year.

T

LAHORE

MuHAMMAD nAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

D

eputy Commissioner Regional Tax OfVice, Zone-II, Chaudhary Muhammad Naeem Ahmed has said that the Inland Revenue Services is playing a vital role in progress and prosperity of the country.

During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, the deputy commissioner said that the government was taking every possible step to facilitate and encourage the IRS to work as an earning head, adding that prosperity of the nation depends on economic stability. He said that the District Management Group and police services are important

but Inland Revenue Service was the most important and the government should put special focus on this department. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Naeem Ahmed said that Inland Revenue Services has brightened the future of Pakistan.

Overall, the services is growing day by day because Pakistani society is moving from agrarian side to the industrialist side.

Talking about the working environment, Naeem said that working environment and relationship among ofVicers from top to bottom is very healthy and interactive. Inspite of some problems such as shortage of staff, the ofVicers of the Federal Board of Revenue are achieving their targets as they are more hardworking and committed persons as compared to the other groups.

Talking about the jurisdiction,

Chaudhary Naeem said that he collects taxes from the territorial jurisdictions which include Lahore Cantonment, Walton and some area of Gulberg Town. Adding more, Naeem said that the Inland Revenue Services also collects taxes from the wholesalers, distributors and retailers. He said that most of cases came under his jurisdiction are non-corporate like individuals and Association of Persons (AOP). Few manufacturing units in the area of Kot Lakhpat also come under his control from where he collects taxes. Talking about the laws applying by him for tax collection, he told that he collected taxes under the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 Section 111, 122, 182, 114, 148, 153, 161, 140, 112 (c), Sales Tax Act 1990 under Sections of 11, 24, 38, 48.

Dg Valuation issues values of artificial leather waist belts

T

KARACHI

wAQAR AHMeD AnSARi www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued the reference values for artiVicial leather waist belts.

According to details, the Directorate General initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has been observed that declarations were of wide range and did not correctly reVlect values of the items as traded in

the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it was observed that artiVicial leather waist belts falling under PCT headings 4203.3000 were being assessed at different values and certain transactions were on very low side. This Directorate General, after carefully examining the clearance data, also conducted market inquiries to verify the authenticity of declarations. Online prices were also obtained to corroborate the Vindings of the market surveys. This ofVice, therefore, has found that the

customs values of artiVicial leather waist belts of China origin is $5.50/kilogram. These values are, however, for reference/guidance only and Vinal assessment may please be made after considering other factors which have hearing on the customs value.

The clearance collectorates may like to consider the values given above before Vinalizing the assessment of the subject items. If further Vine-tuning in speciVications and ensuing values are required, collectorate may forward a reference

along with detailed justiVications and worksheets so that requisite adjustments are accordingly issued.

In case of any grievance, the importer can Vile a request to the Directorate General along with substantiating evidences/record for reconsideration/review. Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation revised the customs value of Polyester/Acrylic pile fabric for blankets (225 GSM and above) through valuation Ruling No 1003/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act 1969.

14

www.customsbulletin.com

FIA detains two notorious human traffickers Tuesday January 17, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has detained two human traffickers during two operations in different areas.

The FIA official told Customs Today that anti-human trafficking cell of the agency raided a locality in Lahore and arrested Muhammad Sadique and Ahsan. Both were land route agents and notorious human traffickers involved in sending people abroad.

The FIA has registered cases against the culprits under sections of human smuggling and fraud with citizens. The arrested accused were involved in sending innocent citizens to foreign countries on bogus documents and also looted millions of rupees from them.

customs court extends judicial remand of gold smuggler LAHORE

M iMRAn MeHAR

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has extended the judicial remand of the accused allegedly involved in smuggling of gold, diamond and precious watches, for another 14 days.

Earlier, the court had sent the accused to jail in on a 14-day judicial remand. Customs investigation and prosecution team of Customs Preventives had presented an investigation challan against the couple.

As per the detail, customs authorities at Lahore airport recovered smuggled diamonds, 2.5kg gold and eight watches of Rado brand worth Rs15 million from passengers, Rana Muhammad RaVique who

Anf nabs five drug traffickers in different operations he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) arrested five drug pushers in different operations and recovered 8.3 kilogram drugs from their possession. According to details, the ANF team intercepted a car near Faizpur Motorway Toll Plaza Lahore and recovered 6 kilogram fine quality hashish. The ANF team also arrested three drug dealers named Ubaid-Ullah and Abu Bakar Sidique, residents of Nowshehra and Muhammad Safdar, a resident of Lahore. The ANF team arrested a local drug pusher who was identified as Ansar Ali for possessing 600 grams of opium. He was arrested from Daska Chowk, Sambrial Sialkot. In another operation, the ANF airport team deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport arrested a passenger who was later identified as Muhammad Ansar resident of Mandi Bahaudin. The accused was boarding on a flight for Madina and recovered 1.7 kilogram amphetamine concealed in his luggage. —M Imran Mehar

T

was travelling from Sharjah to Lahore. After arresting them, the customs investigation team presented him before the court and got their physical remand for further interrogation. However, the hearing of the case has also been adjourned until next week.

Meanwhile, The Customs Court adjourned hearing of 16 cases related to customs matters. During the hearing of most of the cases, the counsels for the accused persons requested the court to postpone the hearing of their respective cases for preparation of arguments on which the court adjourned the hearings of cases for different dates. According to the cause list, three out of 16 cases were Vixed for formal hearing Viled against accused namely Shehzad, Abdullah Tariq Fatmi and others. Pre arrest bail pleas were also scheduled for Friday that the court has also adjourned for next hearing.

customs Appraisement collects Rs6696m duty, taxes in Dec 2016

LAHORE

M HAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com

C

ollectorte of Customs Appraisement has collected Rs6696 million revenue in-

pcA unearths Rs 2,883,677 tax evasion by M/s grace chemicals

D

irectorate of Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has detected Rs 2,883,677 duty and tax evasion by M/s Grace Chemicals, Circular Road Lahore on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 (I) 2006 and SRO 1007 (1)/ 2005. According to details, the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit Lahore observed that certain importers having their principal activity of manufacturer of pesticide and other agrochemicals are involved in the evasion of duties and

tax during customs clearance of zinc sulphate 33 percent which are classified under PCT heading 2833, 2940 by availing irregular exemption of customs duty under S No 4 of SRO567 (1)/2006 and exemption of sales tax S NO 5 of table-II of SRO 1007 (I) 2005. The PCA observed that the said SROs were meant for poultry ingredients only. It was observed that M/s Grace Chemical has imported consignment of the aforesaid impugned goods. —M HAYAT

cluding all duty and taxes during the month of December 2016-17.

As per details, the Collectorate under the supervision of Collector Customs Appraisement Muhammad Sadiq collected Rs 2763 million under the head of customs duty during the period under review.

The Collectorate collected Rs

C

3467 million under the head of sales tax revenues during the month of December 2016. Similarly, the Collectorate collected Rs464 million under the head of withholding tax (WHT) during December Vinancial year 2016-17. The Collectorate collected Rs 0.86 million as federal excise duty (FED) during the month of December 2016-17 against the target of Rs 0.3 million during the same period of last Vinancial year 201516. Over all the Collectorate collected Rs 6669 million revenue including all duty and taxes during the month of December Vinancial year 2016-17.

The Collectorate collected all the revenue from Mughalpur Dry Port, Thokar Niaz Baig, Prem Nagar and other stations. The collection has been made on account of duty and taxes on import and export from all the dry port in and around Lahore Sources said that collector of customs Appraisement instructed additional collector of all stations to collect as much revenue.

customs Appellate tribunal reserve on 8 cases ustoms Appellate Tribunal (CAT) bench-II comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Technical Member Imran Tariq heard 10 cases on Monday and reserved verdict in eight and adjourned two cases of them until the next hearing. The tribunal heard 10 cases, which includes Customs Faisalabad versus Safar Khan, M.S Amina Khan versus customs Lahore. Customs Tribunal reserve verdicts in eight case including D.K Industries versus directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Gujrat, Abdul Rehman versus customs Sambrial, Shahnaz Parveen versus directorate of Intelligence and

Investigation Lahore. On Monday, Customs Appellate Tribunal heard cases, including Maxi Inch versus valuation Lahore, Sakhwat Ali versus directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Gujrat, Zulifqar Ahmed versus customs Faisalabad. Furthermore, the tribunal heard the cases of Ali Shan versus customs Multan and Kashif Malik versus customs Multan. In all cases, the counsels for the appellants appeared before the court and presented arguments. After hearing the arguments from the appellant and recipient side, the tribunal member adjourns the hearing of two cases only for the next dates. —Muhammad Nawaz

LHc issues stay order in nHR company case

T

LAHORE

MuHAMAMD nAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

he Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued stay order in NHR Company case. The court has suspended the impugned notice of the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) until the next date of hearing. The NHR Company (Private) Limited had challenged

the selection of petitioner’s case for the audit by the FBR. Justice Shahid Karim heard the case Viled by the company through advocate Sumair Saeed Ahmed. The counsel for the petitioner Viled the case before the LHC under the article 199 of the constitution against the Federal of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Member IR, Commissioner IR zone-I, LTU, Additional and Deputy Commis-

sioner. The appellant Viled the case on the grounds that the company is private limited engaged in the business of manufacturing of household electric appliance. The petitioner always Viled the income tax returns under the section 114 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. Besides all the payment of tax liabilities the respondent Commissioner Inland Revenue zone-I of Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) has selected the

case for audit. Adding more, the counsel argued that the said commissioner is not authorized to select case because the section 177 of the Income Tax Ordinance empowers the tax ofVicers to call the record for audit. The counsel also gave reference of the case of M/s Chen One Store Limited against the FBR and said that section 177 of the Income Tax Ordinance only empowers the FBR to conduct audit.

15

www.customsbulletin.com

New cranes arrive at Khalifa Port ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) has announced the arrival of three new ship-toshore gantry cranes at Khalifa Port. These are amongst the largest cranes of their type in the world. Transported from China on a heavy lift ship, the cranes complement the existing 9 ship-to-shore gantry cranes at the port. Their arrival will boost capacity by around 600,000 teu a year. Each crane has an outreach of 65m and a lift capacity of 90 tonnes. According to ADT chief executive, Martin Van De Linde, “Our customers demand the fastest possible turnarounds with the highest levels of operational performance and safety. At ADT we are constantly investing in cutting-edge equipment to meet, and even exceed, their needs.”

ports of Auckland to explore electric shore power for cruise ships orts of Auckland in New Zealand is exploring the feasibility of powering cruise ships from the national electricity grid, or LNG- or methanol-powered barges, when they are berthed in port. Currently ships in port need to keep their generators running to supply onboard power when berthed in Auckland, but the port has commissioned a feasibility study to evaluate the benefits of alternative methods. By providing shore-based power, Ports of Auckland would be able to reduce locally generated emissions and shipping’s carbon footprint, supporting Auckland Council’s carbon reduction goals. “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon

P

neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040,” said Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO. “This work will support both those goals. Initially we will look at the feasibility of providing alternative power just for cruise ships, but we aim to extend that across the whole port longer term.” Ports of Auckland will work closely with the cruise lines to identify their requirements, and with New Zealand company Vector to understand the capability of the local grid. “CLIA and its member cruise lines welcome the feasibility study and look forward to working closely with Ports of Auckland on it,” said Steve Odell, chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia.

“The cruise industry is committed to ensuring that its environmental footprint continues to be minimal through world’s best practice and technology.

Our member lines are developing and deploying innovative technologies to reduce emissions and we will be sharing these initiatives with Ports of Auckland.” —CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Tuesday January 17, 2017

transshipments at the port of gdansk exceed

Haifa port fined nearly niS2.2b over environmental violations

WASHINGTON

he Environmental Protection Agency has fined the port of Haifa nearly NIS 2.2 billion (NIS 2,196,480, or $ 570,030) over its failure to prevent air pollution. The fine included charges aimed at its dock workers who were unloading the cargo in a way that could create dust pollution. Port authorities also failed to install equipment intended to monitor dust pollution levels, according to the Hebrew-language Ynet site. Nor did the port management carry out inspections for dust pollution levels in accordance with the ministry’s instructions.

However, the ministry has reduced the fine by 40 percent because it said the port took action to reduce the damage, and has acted to prevent the same issues from happening again. According to a report published by the Environmental Protection Agency in January 2016, air quality in the area around Haifa Bay had improved by 11 percent in the northern coastal city, and by 65 percent since 2009. —CB Report

T

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

W

ith 2016 not yet over, the volume of transshipments was already higher than in the previous record year, being currently estimated at more than 36.3 million tonnes. This is a result which, until recently, would have been out of reach for any Polish port, but today it has become reality. It puts Gdansk in sixth place among Baltic Sea ports, its highest position so far. This is what is shown by recently published data on the Baltic ports, with a summary of the Virst 11 months of this year.

In spite of the rather difVicult market conditions and the increasingly strong competition, this has turned out to be yet another year – now the sixth in a row – of continuous growth in commodity turnover at the Port of Gdansk. Apart from the new record and the move up in the ranking of the largest Baltic ports, it also brought a record tonnage of general cargo, which will

have the highest percentage share in Gdansk’s commodity turnover for the Virst time since time immemorial. For many years the dominant role has been played by liquid fuels, of which the port will handle a slightly reduced quantity this year – about 13 million tonnes. 2016 will doubtless also be remembered as yet another period of growth in container turnover.

As of now, 1.27 million TEUs have been handled at Gdansk, 16%

more than in 2015 and 5% more than in the record year of 2014. But we already know that this increase will be even greater when we sum up the full 12 months of the current year. The passing year has also been particularly good when it comes to coal transshipments. We currently need just under 100,000 tonnes more to exceed a volume of 5 million. In practice, this will mean the highest tonnage of coal at Gdansk in a decade.

charleston ports agency to close $38m HQ sale T

WASHINGTON

cuStoMS BuLLetin RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com

he State Ports Authority’s $38 million sale of its headquarters building overlooking Charleston Harbor will rank among the top prices ever fetched for an ofVice building on Charleston’s peninsula. Nearly a year after announcing plans to sell its waterfront headquarters, the SPA is expected to close the deal Wednesday with Los Angeles-based hotel developer Lowe Enterprises.

The transaction received Vinal approval last week from the state’s Fiscal Accountability Authority, which disclosed the sale price that until now had been a closely held secret.

Lowe is buying the SPA’s building at 176 Concord Street and an adjoining parcel where the Fleet Landing Restaurant now operates. Lowe plans to tear down the existing of-

Vice structure and build a luxury resort on the property. Fleet Landing will continue to operate until its lease expires in 2024. The SPA, meanwhile, is moving ahead with plans to build a new headquarters at its Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant. The authority has Viled a permit application with the Army Corps of Engineers showing a fourstory building with room for 424 parking spaces on a 19.4-acre parcel at the container terminal. the new ofVices will have more conference rooms and meeting spaces than the SPA’s current location. The town of Mount Pleasant last month reviewed a conceptual plan for the new building.

Lowe, which also owns the Wild Dunes resort on Isle of Palms, is planning a 225-room hotel with indoor and outdoor dining options. a fullservice spa, a rooftop bar and lounge, and a continuation of the city’s walk-

ing path along Charleston Harbor. Architect renderings submitted to the city also show a pool, Vitness center, ballroom, meeting rooms and ground-Vloor retail space. After the sale is Vinalized, the SPA plans to lease back the Concord Street property for up to two years while the new headquarters complex is built.

Lowe plans to have the hotel ready for operation by 2020. The SPA announced plans to sell its Concord Street site last January, drawing 12 potential bidders with a variety of plans to reuse the property. The SPA said Lowe “submitted the best Vinancial offer for the property.”

Meanwhile, Port ofVicials lauded the passage earlier this month of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act in Congress.

It calls for cost sharing for all channel projects over 50 feet deep. Other infrastructure changes are planned at the port: New oil docks under con-

struction along the ship channel will directly beneVit two port tenants M&G Resins USA and NuStar Energy.

Oil Dock 14 is being built for $24.8 million on land where M&G is constructing a 412-acre PET plant for plastics. NuStar Energy recently announced plans to expand its storage capacity near Oil Dock 15 to more than 3.6 million barrels. Port ofVicials are nearly Vinished adding more storage capacity to its 43-mile rail network. The Virst phase, an $18 million project, created eight unit train sidings and provided rail storage for nearly 1,300 rail cars. Phase II called for more rail car spots and storage for $28 million, and will wrap up in the Virst quarter of 2017. Outbound petroleum volumes for ports like Corpus Christi’s are likely to increase as the energy sector begins to recover, said Ray Perryman, CEO of The Perryman Group, an economic research and analysis Virm in Waco. “

16

www.customsbulletin.com

Customs Intelligence seizes LCDs, monitors worth Rs1.787m FAISALABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation has confiscated smuggled goods worth Rs 1.787 million, involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs5,77,107 during a road checking. Sources told Customs Today that the intelligence team following the directions of Deputy Director Muhammad Riaz Hussain conducted raid to foil smuggling attempt in the region. The Customs Intelligence impounded a Trailer bearing Registration No, TLE-558 loaded near pansera Jhang Road, Faisalabad loaded with 545 pieces of foreign origin, LCDs, Monitors of different brand and size.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Sialkot’s exports increase by 10.1pc during 1H of fY 2016-17: Ahmed Reza SIALKOT SALeeM AwAn SHeikHu www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Collector Customs, Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot, Ahmed Reza Khan said the exports from Sialkot have increased by 10.1 percent during the Virst six months of the current Fiscal Year 2016-17 due to advance facilities provided by the Customs Department.

Talking to Customs Today on the other day, Ahmed said the volume of exports from the Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) and Sialkot International Airport has increased to Rs 7.17 billion during the abovementioned period. He said the exports of leather from Sialkot has increased by 9.3 percent, sports goods 7.1 percent, surgical instruments 7.9 percent, textile 15.8 percent, cutlery 4.8 percent and other goods by 5.5 percent. He said new steps, being taken by the Customs Sialkot, are encouraging exporters to increase their volume of exports as clearance issues are also being solved through one window operation and WeBOC system to facilitate the exporters.

He said the exports from Sialkot were increased by 19.1 percent whereas the volume of exports

from the Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) and Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) was increased by 13.17 billion during the Fiscal Year 2015-16. He said the

Customs Sialkot has started paying pending refund claims to Sialkot exporters on priority basis and has already distributed Rs 1,400 million among them. He said we are

working to make the Customs Sialkot a center of excellence with the cooperation of the Sialkot based industrialists, exporters and importers. He lauded the role of ex-

porters in making the country proud and termed them “roaming ambassadors of Pakistan” who travel all around the world to bring business with their personal efforts.

Advance telecom challenges tax recovery notice in SHc KARACHI

M BiLAL

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition Viled by M/s Advance Telecom against impugned show cause notices for recovery of super tax to the tune of Rs 101.5 million.

A two-member bench, headed

by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi,

also directed them to Vile their respective comments on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the hearing for January 12, 2017. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is importer, exporter and trader of mobile phones of different brands and fulVilling all liabilities regularly.

However, the tax authorities issued two show cause notices dated 27/12/2016 under section 122 (G) read with section 122 (5A) for amendment of assessments for the tax year 2015 and 2016 wherein it was alleged that the petitioner was liable to pay super tax for rehabil-

itation of temporarily displaced persons under section 4B, (1) (III) of the Income Tax Ordinance for 2015 to the tune of Rs. 58.84 million and for 2016 of Rs 4.26 million. Citing Secretary Revenue division, commissioner Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU), additional commissioner Inland Revenue Taxpayer Unit LTU as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala Vide and arbitrary.

The importer also pleaded the court may set aside impugned show cause notices issued by respondents.

Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained the tax authorities from taking any Vinal decision on a constitutional petition Viled by M/s ICTSI Mauritius against show cause notice for recovery of levy support tax.

The notice was issued by additional commissioner Inland Revenue Audit Range B Zone-01, Corporate Regional Tax OfVice. The court adjourned the hearing for fourth week of January 2017.

A two-member bench headed

by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi issued notices to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general of

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by Dhoom Printing Building No RY/A, 11/6,11/7, Mashoor Mahal,off I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi

Pakistan, directing them to Vile their respective para-wise comments on the next date of hearing.

Sources told Customs Today that counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is a non-resident company in Pakistan and is wholly, solely and permanently resident of the Republic of Mauritius and fulVilling all liabilities regularly. According to the petitioner, additional commissioner Inland Revenue Audit Range B Zone-01 Corporate Regional Tax OfVice issued show cause notice under section 122 ( 9) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 on December 7, 2016.