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Karachi, Sat January 7, 2017

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan held a meeting with Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Abdul Rauf Chaudhary in his ofRice and discussed important issues related to revenue cases.

Sources told Customs Today that during the meeting, the FBR chairman requested the Federal Tax Ombudsman that revenue cases should be decided on priority basis, and

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assured him that the FBR will extend all out support to the FTO. The FBR chairman said that outstanding issues of the business community will be decided soon. Sources said that the FBR chairman assured the FTO that he will pay more attention on Rield formations and Rield ofRices of the FBR, because most of the complaints received by the FTO relate to the Rield ofRices.

The Federal Tax Ombudsman has also lauded the work and the performance of Chairman FBR during his tenure of chairmanship. It is pertinent to mention here that chairman FBR Nisar Mohammad Khan is going to retire from service on January 17, 2017.

DG Valuation rejects plea challenging customs values of ball bearings

Senate body asks Commerce Ministry to take steps to enhance exports

Tax evaders' life to be made difficult: Ishaq Dar

Collector Preventive assures work on release of refunds to leather exporters

FBR collects Rs1447 billion net tax revenue till 30th December

DG Valuation SyedTanveer has rejected the review petitions filed by M/s Inaya Impex | See pAge 02 |

The NA Standing Committee on Commerce on expressed grave concern | See pAge 03 |

Dar said that the government would not tolerate tax evaders in any case | See pAge 04 |

Pakistan Customs and PTA agreed to evolve a comprehensive mechanism | See pAge 14 |

FBRhascollectedRs.1437bnettaxrevenuein thefirsthalfofcurrentfinancialyear2016-17 | See pAge 16 |

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FIA detains notorious human trafficker Saturday, January 7, 2017

FAISALABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a human trafficker namely Asim Azeem khan son of Muhammad Azeem khan residential of Chak No, 83 JB Gill Faisalabad. Sources told to Customs Today, that accused was running illegal business of sending innocent people to abroad after extorting huge amounts from them.

Customs sources said that Asim Azeem extorted Rs700,000 from different people by promising them to send abroad on employment visa specially Gulf countries and Canada.

After receiving information, FIA Deputy Director Syed Imam Zaidi along with inspector conducted raid at his residential place and arrested the accused.

National

Dg Valuation rejects plea challenging customs values of ball bearings

FAISALABAD

KARACHI

NAeeM SheIkh

wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI

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he dry port management has lodged FIR at Chak Jhumra Police Station and filed a case against 5 top officers of the Faisalabad Dry Port Trust, on charge of embezzling Rs25.3 million from the dry port funds. As per the details official said that the accused including Ex General Manager Nasar Hayat, Manager Operation, Naveed Imran, Deputy Manager Rana Nasarullah, Import Officer Tariq Saeed,and Manager I.T. Farhan Ali. The case has been registered on complaint of Colonel Amer Majeed (Retd), General Manager (Administration) Dry Port. Source’s told Customs Today that in his complaint lodged with police under section 408 PPC it has been alleged that the accused inflicted a financial loss of Rs25.3 million. Former General Manager Nasar Hayat also took away a new car worth Rs1.9 million mobile phones and Laptop after quitting their jobs. The accused manipulated to get re-employment of the dry port in 2015 with the help of some influential trustees of the dry port. According to Nazir Ahmad Chishti, Secretary Dry Port Trust Four of its Employees, Naveed Imran, Rana Nasarullah, Tariq Saeed and Farhan Ahmad left their job without any intimation to the management and they including General Manager.

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irector General Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed has rejected the review petitions Riled by M/s Inaya Impex and others and upheld the customs values of ball bearings vide Valuation Ruling No.953/2016.

The petitioners submitted that determination of customs values of bearings was required surely to bring it in line with the prevailing prices in the international market.

However, the Valuation Department acted contrary to the rates in the international market, has ruined business of the petitioner as well as other stakeholders and accordingly has encouraged smugglers to bring the bearings into the country through illegal channels.

This situation consequently shall cause losses to the national exchequer in addition to depriving the stakeholders of their lawful earning. There is no evidence with the department regarding enhancement of values of either raw material or bearings in the international market. They claimed that values of Chinese origin bearings had reduced considerably but the beneRit of such reduction in prices had not yet reached the importers due to higher valuation on Chinese bearings.

Meanwhile, Director General Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed

Five dry port officials plead guilty in embezzlement of rs 25.3 million

issues Order in Revision No.232/2016 under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969 against Valuation Ruling No.932/2016 dated 2209-2016, the revision petition was Riled by M/S Madni Traders & Others.

The petitioner said that being highly aggrieved by and dissatisRied with the valuation ruling issued by the Respondents, the appellant above named Rile this review application

with the submission that the respondent has issued the subject valuation ruling for Hair Brush and Cleaning / Washing / Sweeping / Dusting and similar kind of brush from China etc. (subject to importability conditions as per IPO) Europe, USA and Canada origin without evaluating the nature of the goods in question and the dictum laid down by superior courts of Pakistan, hence this review before the

honorable review authority for decision after consideration of the facts and enumerated herein below. The Director General Customs valuation in his order stated that hearing of case was Rixed on 15-11-2016. On the request of petitioners Director Valuation Lahore was assigned the inquiry for conRirmation through market survey regarding all types of brushes of which customs values.

ecc endorses FBr proposal for extending 0.4% wht rate period

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ISLAMABAD

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he Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has endorsed the proposal of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for extension in the period of applicability of existing reduced withholding tax rate of 0.4 percent for non-Rilers of income tax returns from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017.

The ECC, under the chair of Finance

Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, has also allowed exporting 225,000 metric tons of sugar after ascertaining that there would be 1.23 million metric tons of surplus sugar available in the country. The ECC also decided that the Ministry of Commerce should ensure that there are adequate checks and balances available to maintain the price stability in the domestic market at the current level. In case the domestic price stability is disturbed, the commerce ministry would bring summary to consider

cancelling the export permission to sugar exporters. Unlike previous years, it was decided that there would be no freight/export rebate payable by the government to sugar exporters on such exports. Furthermore, only those mills will be allowed to export which have cleared outstanding dues of farmers relating to the last season and have started crushing at full capacity. Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) had recommended the Ministry of Commerce to give permission to export 0.5 million tons of

sugar by March next year. The PSMA has noted that sugar would be on surplus almost 1.7 million tonnes on September next year, as the total quantity of the commodity will be 6.7 million tons against the consumption of almost 5 million tons. However, Ministry of Commerce has agreed to support export of 225,000 tons of sugar, which was approved by the top economic decisions making body of the country, the ECC. The Finance Division apprised the ECC that State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) principal

debt amounting Rs54.460 billion outstanding against Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), as on December 31, 2015, is being converted into redeemable preference shares carrying a proRit of 7.5 percent per annum, redeemable in 10 years in one bullet payment on December 31, 2025. In this regard, the ECC of the Cabinet approved issuance of guarantee of Rs54.460 billion by the government of Pakistan in favour of SBP for principal debt of the preference shares and returns thereon.

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Notice to M/s Five Star Industries for ‘evading duty and taxes’ LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Adjudication has issued show cause notice to M/s Five Star Industries for allegedly evading duty and taxes on three consignments of Poly Gel Batteries of MPG Series 200AH/lSO along with Inverters of 600 W-1000 watts. it has been reported by the Assistant Director Directorate of Intelligence Investigation—FER Lahore hereinafter credible information was received that M/s Five Star Industries a commercial importer of Gujranwala had imported M/s Five consignments of Poly Gel Batteries of MPG Series 200AH/lSO AH along with Inverters of 600 W-1000 Watts Out of five consignments two consignments of Batteries.

pcA detects rs 456,178 tax evasion by Four Brothers Biological

Thursday January 5, 2017

National

Senate body asks commerce Ministry to take steps to enhance exports

LAHORE

M hAYAt

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he Directorate of Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has detected tax evasion of Rs 456,178 by M/s Four Brothers Biological AG Pakistan, Lahore on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 (1) 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 agro-chemicals 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.

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Sialkot customs achieves 92% target of Nov, Dec SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAN SheIkhu www.customsbulletin.com

he Model Custom’s Collectorate Sialkot achieved 92 percent revenue target during the months of November and December 2016.

Collector Ahmed Reza Khan told Customs Today that the Sialkot will definitely achieve the remaining target before the end of the current fiscal year 2016-17. Meanwhile, the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) lodged 14 cases of smuggling during the months of November and December 2016. He said that during the above mentioned period, the ASO foiled many smuggling bids. As per details, the total value of seized items during the month of November and December is Rs37 million while the C.I.F. value of imported items is Rs5.13 million. Official said that the collcetorate has already adopted strict measures to curb the smuggling.

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ISLAMABAD

M ArShAD

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he National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce on Friday expressed grave concern over the declining trend in exports and pressed for necessary policies to enhace exports. The committee also stressed the need for capitalizing the massive potential in the country and prefer the exports of value added goods. In this regard, the committee asked the Ministry of Commerce to address the declining trend in exports, especially the exports of textile products to the international market and to explore new markets for the Pakistani products through its representatives posted in Pakistani missions abroad.

The committee met here with Siraj Muhammad Khan in the chair and showed concerns on decrease in cotton production in the country leading to the import of cotton from foreign markets. In this regard, the committee decided to get a brieRing from the Ministry of Textile and All Pakistan Textile Mills Association in its next meeting. The committee observed that the exports encouraging policies of the government would help capitalize the GSP+ status granted by the European Union.

The secretary commerce apprised the committee that there are multiple factors which caused decrease in exports.

However, the government had initiated various short and long term measures for incentivizing manufacturing and export sectors.

He said that exports during the current year have witnessed substantial increase and he was conRident that the situation would further improve in coming years. He informed that cotton production was due to decrease of cotton area and non-availability of pest-resistant seed in the country.

In this regard, the committee decided to get a briefing from the Ministry of textile and All pakistan textile Mills Association in its next meeting. the committee observed that the exports encouraging policies of the government would help capitalize the gSp+ status granted by the european union

customs earns rs31.5m through auction

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MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

www.customsbulletin.com he Customs Collectorate generated Rs.31.5 million revenue through auction of impounded vehicles and miscellaneous goods during December 2016. The Collectorate of the Multan Customs has organized public sale of seized vehicles and goods for generation of revenue in the Customs House. Multan Customs has offered nine various non-customs paid vehicles in the auction. The vehicles

presented in the auction includes Toyota Caldina ,Toyota Town Ace, Toyota Premio, Toyota Hiace,Toyota Corolla Vitz and others. Multan Customs has disposed 8 presented vehicles of worth Rs 11.4 million during auction process.

Only Toyota Hiace vehicle were rejected due to fewer price than average price evaluated by the Federal Board of Revenue. There were 29 lots offered of different articles including foreign origin blankets, grease, art silk cloth, welding electrode, re-roll-able scrap, auto scrap, old and used telephone sets of

various auto parts, plastic rolls, CCTV cameras, LEDs ,tyres and other items.

Multan Customs has sold out 11 lots of goods worth Rs.20.14 million during the auction. All auction items including vehicles and various articles were seized by the Anti-Smuggling Organization of Multan Customs. The auction held in the Multan Customs were supervised by Additional Collector Muhammad Ismail, Assistant Collector Zohaib Sandhila and auctioneer Muhammad Akram proceed the auction of goods and vehicles.

The committee approved the Marine Insurance Bill, 2016 referred to the standing committee by the House.

The committee viewed that Bill, an encouraging step for promotion of marine insurance sector in Pakistan. The committee deferred brieRing on issues and concerns of APTMA regarding exports and import policies for its next meeting due to inability of Chairman APTMA to attend the meeting.

commissioner ch Safdar to retire on Feb 28 h Safdar Hussain, a BS-22 officer of Inland Revenue Service, is going to retire from the government service, on attaining the age of superannuation. Ch Safdar, presently posted as Chief Commissioner-IR, Large Taxpayers Unit, Lahore, will stand retired from the government service with effect from February 28, 2017.

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Pakistan, Malaysia to further reduce duties under FTA Saturday January 7, 2017

Business

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia are negotiating to further reduce duties on existing and additional tariff lines under Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to facilitate businesses of both countries Malaysia and Pakistan.

According to official sources, both the countries inked the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for Closer Economic Partnership back in 2007. This Agreement was Pakistan’s first comprehensive FTA incorporating trade in goods, trade in services, investment and Economic Co-operation and Malaysia’s first bilateral FTA with any south Asian country.

tax evaders' life to be made difficult: Dar ISLAMABAD

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inister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar said that the government would not tolerate tax evaders in any case and the time to come would be very difRicult for them. He however assured those tax payers who were paying their taxes honestly would be further facilitated and the FBR would treat them as a Friendly Board of Revenue.

Addressing a ceremony held here to conduct computerized balloting for audit tax year 2015 (income tax, sales tax and Federal Excise Duty), the Rinance minister said those selected

10.3m cotton bales reach ginneries MULTAN

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for audit should need not to be worried if they were honest tax payers.

He said due to hard efforts of the government, Pakistan succeeded to become a signatory of the multilateral

pakistan’s exports to the europe are dominated by textiles

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akistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) released its fortnightly report indicating national cotton production at 10.366 million bales, showing a percentage increase by 11.72 per cent.

Seed cotton (Phutti) equivalent to 10.366 million or 10,366,703 bales have reached ginneries across Pakistan till Jan 1, 2017 registering an 11.72 per cent gain compared to corresponding period of last year.

Out of total arrivals, Phutti equivalent to 10,202,247 or 10.2 million bales have undergone the ginning process.

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Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and after becoming the member of OECD, Pakistan could now have access to information about the tax evaders any-

where in the world. “That is why I am saying that tax evaders can not run anywhere and ultimately they must have to pay their taxes honestly otherwise they would have to face legal process”, Dar added. He also directed the FBR ofRicials not to bother the tax payers needlessly and they should not be dealt with heavy handedness, however he asked the FBR not to leave tax evaders in any case. Similarly he added that the present government also had introduced a new Companies Act, 2016 according to which all the companies holders would be bound to maintain their global assets. Ishaq Dar said that although the stakeholders were trying their hard to inRluence politically in order to stop this law but he hoped that very soon this act would be approved and would become a law.

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LAHORE

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akistan’s exports to the Europe are dominated by textiles and clothing as well as leather products while Pakistan’s imports from the Europe mainly comprise mechanical and electrical machinery as well as chemical and pharmaceutical products. Europe is Pakistan’s most important and largest trading partner accounting for 21.2% of Pakistan’s total exports and 16% of its total imports. Presiding over a monthly meet-

ing of the executive committee of PFC here on Wednesday , Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq said PFC will send delegations one each to Italy, Portugal, Germany, Denmark and United Kingdome instant month to explore the avenues of export of made in Pakistan furniture and share the expertise ,new designs and modern skills with their counterparts. Pakistan Furniture Council, an apex body in private sector will send 5 high level delegations of leading furniture exporters and importers to European countries in one month for promo-

tion of trade links through mutual collaboration in areas of common interests in the second week of this January. He made it clear that the trade volume of Pakistan and EU is not very impressive, as compared to India. The business community of Pakistan needs to explore the European market and exploit it to its maximum potential. In this regard, he said PFC is focusing on marketing activities in key markets of the European Union and a concerted action is being taken for holding exhibitions; websites; international trade fairs and indepth market analyses.

Accelerating the Android experience with huawei Mate 9 LAHORE

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uawei’s latest flagship device – the Mate 9 is surely a step ahead of its competitors with its innovative features and powerful performance, as it has taken over the international market and gained a tremendous response from the Pakistani consumers. The Mate 9 consists of a state of the art machine learning algorithm making it the first-ever Android smartphone whose speed increases with usage over time. Huawei’s widespread ‘Market Research and ConsumerSurveys’ have revealed that: The highest demand and priority of the ‘Millennial’ consumers in today’s highly-connected world is higherspeed. Most of these tech-savvy consumers believe in having a phone which takes minimal time to charge, retains the battery for longer periods and doesn’t slowdown with continuous usage over time. To address these concerns, Huawei’s team of 161 leading Android technicians joined forces with the in-house hardware team over a period of 15 months. A series of groundbreaking solutions were developed, including more than 30 new patented technologies.

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kcr to be a part of cpec, says rafique ISLAMABAD

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ass transit projects in Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi have been included in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the federal government has arrived at an understanding with the Sindh government regarding the provision of land and technical inputs for various projects in-

cluding the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), Minister for Railways Saad RaRique said a news conference.

The decision to include the KCR in CPEC was taken in a recent meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. A working group has been formed and railway ofRicials will hold meetings with Sindh government ofRicials to prepare the terms of reference for the project. The initial plan for the 43km-long KCR pro-

poses that it could be extended up to Dhabejee on mainline via Drig Road, Drig Colony, Karachi airport, Malir city and Landhi. While the project is yet to be evaluated, the ministry will fully support it, he assured. Mr RaRique explained that there were 35 small and large railway stations along the KCR route and hinted that the Karachi Urban Transport Corporation may not exist in its present form after the establishment of KCR. Pakistan and China are close to sign-

ing an agreement to launch the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project which will connect Gwadar with the national railways network, the minister disclosed. Working groups on both sides have been formed and a formal negotiation will start this month. The project will be completed in three phases. The line capacity under ML1 is currently 32 trains per day, which will increase to 171 trains per day after it is upgraded. In the second phase, the Quetta-Zhob track will be

upgraded and Havelian will be connected to Khunjerab. The third phase of the project involves doubling the track between Peshawar and Lahore and constructing a dry port at Havelian. The project proposal has been submitted for evaluation to the transport working group of the joint cooperation committee. If it gets a go ahead from the working group, the committee will approve it during the next session scheduled after six months.

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ISLAMABAD tArIQ DerYA www.customsbulletin.com

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he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Peshawar auction cell collected revenue of Rs127.57 million through public auctions of seized goods and vehicles during 2nd quarter (October-December) of Financial Year2016-17. According to details, during 2nd quarter of FY2016-17 the auction cell collected handsome revenue by auctions of non duty paid vehicles and smuggled goods adding that the customs stations which falls under the jurisdiction of MCC Peshawar includes Kohat division and Customs Intelligence Peshawar held auctions of smuggled goods and vehicles separately but all the revenue collection transferred in the account of MCC Peshawar at the end.

Sources said that during the above said period MCC Peshawar collected revenue of Rs73.42 million, the Kohat division auction cell collected revenue of Rs31.79 million and Customs Intelligence and Investigation collected revenue of Rs22.36 million through auctions. Sources said that customs collectorate already expedited their efforts to collect outstanding amount from defaulters.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs In-

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Saturday, January 7, 2017

telligence and Investigation (I&I) Peshawar collected revenue of Rs.159 million during 2nd quarter, which comprises October to December Rinancial year (FY) 2016-17 and registered 110 cases against the possessors of NDP vehicles and smuggled goods.

According to details forwarded by Mohammad Saleem, Director I&I Peshawar, that during the abovementioned period, the directorate conRiscated huge quantity of non-duty paid (NDP) various kinds of goods and a number of vehicles involved in smuggling in the jurisdiction of I&I Peshawar. The directorate also collected handsome revenue from the area.

The Director I&I said the Collectorate collected revenue of Rs.42 million by impounding 33 offending vehicles and registered FIRs against possessors adding that offending vehicles were playing a main role in facilitating smuggling activities, so the I&I took strict actions against them to prevent smuggling trends.

Muhammad Saleem said the I&I Peshawar collected revenue of Rs.40 million during 2nd quarter of Financial Year 2016-17 and registered 33 FIRs against the possessors of NDP vehicles adding the possession of NDP vehicles were damaging the economy of the country. He said that during the 2nd quarter

of FY16-17, the Directorate of I&I collected revenue of Rs.77 million and registered 44 cases against the smugglers of miscellaneous goods.

of ve n u e e r d e lec t sion ar col t divi w a a h h o s k e of , the M cc p ve n u e illion e r m d 2 e 4 llec t ms rs73. cell co c u s to n d o n i a t auc ion llion s t i g at 79 mi e . v 1 n 3 I s r and .36 f rs22 gence i o l l e e t u In ve n ns te d re uc tio a h g collec u n t h ro millio

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

eDItorIAL

textile industry woes

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n a meeting of the senate standing committee on textiles, the State Bank of Pakistan governor has sought proposals from the stakeholders to resolve their problems and boost the textile sector. Ashraf Mahmood Wathra not only asked the banking sector to extend soft loans to the textile industry, but also requested the members of the business community to bring their money back to the country to strengthen the textile industry. It is unfortunate part of the national economy that the textile sector has not fully used its potentials and is leaving a vacuum in the international market only to be filled by regional competitors. The textile sector needs tax concessions, uninterrupted electricity supply and the government support to find new markets in foreign countries. Bangladesh has achieved new laurels in garment export in recent years and Pakistan as the leading textile exporters has gone far behind it. The policymakers will have to study the causes of declining the exports. The sector needs not only subsidies for exporters, but also financial support and it will only happen when the government will come up with a fresh textile policy.

The textile sector expects the government to provide uninterrupted electricity and gas supplyto the country as well as rebates and concessions. The proposed textile city in Karachi has already been discarded and the sector is also blamed for tax evasion. Until a conducive environment is created for the business community, especially for the stakeholders in the textile industry, the low performance will continue to haunt the national economy. The government policymakers should study Bangladeshi model that how it has become the second largest garment exporters of the world in few years. It is the time the government should help the local investors in setting up business-tobusiness contacts with their foreign counterparts and concessions should be extended to attract foreign investment in this sector. It is a good omen that the State Bank of Pakistan is encouraging private banks to provide soft loans to the textile industry but this is not enough. The government as well as the stakeholders in the textile sector will have to fulfill their parts of responsibilities for the cause of the national economy.

plea bargain option M LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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any in the country are raising eye-brows on the plea bargain option which the National Accountability Bureau offers to the corrupt elements to go clean even after they are caught red handed. A recent incident in Balochistan, in which the bureau allowed a government ofRicial involved in a mega corruption scandal to pay Rs 2 billion and walk free, is the issue to be taken seriously. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has also expressed its reservations on the handling of the situation. The problem is not in the options available to the corrupt elements,

but in the procedural Rlaws which allow corruption to Rlourish in the ofRicialdom. Though the National Accountability Bureau is getting Rlak over the plea bargain option yet the government at the highest level is not tired of presenting one amnesty scheme or the other for tax evaders and others to whiten their ill-gotten money.

The newspaper reports suggest that the government is now ready to offer a general tax amnesty scheme to persuade the corrupt elements to bring back their money allegedly stashed in foreign countries. This will be probably the fourth scheme the government is going to offer during the last three years. If tax amnesty schemes are the only panacea with the government,

why it is not introducing structural reforms in the prevailing tax collection methods to block tax evasion and money laundering.

Investors only believe in the protection of their wealth and it is not difRicult to adopt revolutionary methods to convert the country into a tax haven. Soft tax laws and lower tax rates not only help enhance tax base, but also give impetus to business, trade and investment activities. People invest in offshore company because they are offered tax relief and big profits. Tough and complex tax system always creates troubles for the government machinery as well as for the business community. The Pakistani stock market has emerged as one of the best performers in 2016 and the world

is looking for business opportunities in the country. Going against investors will bring more chaos in the already cash-strapped investment climate in the country.

Instead of opening the past tax evasion cases, the government should look toward future. The witch-hunt of businessmen will create bad image for the country for the foreign investors. Revenue generation is the government job to run its affairs, but the method should not discourage potential investors. One point is clear in the whole scheme of things; unless the government brings structural changes in the tax laws and launches capacity building meetings for the ofRicials, the hide and seek will continue between tax ofRicials and tax evaders.

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Govt asked to reduce taxes on edible oil imports ISLAMABAD: The business community has urged the government to consider reducing taxes and duties on import of edible oil to promote this sector The demand was raised by Businessmen Panel and Pakistan Business Group Alliance of FPCCI Chairman Mian Zahid Hussain, FPCCI Presidential Candidate Abdul Rahim Janoo, FPCCI Candidate for SVP Mian Anjum Nisar and Chief Convener Election Cell Syed Abdul Waheed Shah. The import duty, sales tax and other government revenues are highest in Pakistan compared to neighbouring countries, therefore problems of edible oil sector should be recognised and resolved on a fast track basis, they said. They said that Pakistan imports around 2.1 million tonnes of palm oil products worth $1.8 billion from Indonesia and Malaysia to fulfil domestic consumption of around 3.2 million tonnes of ghee and cooking oil annually.

LeSco to introduce online system for new connections LAHORE

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ould be the year of happiness for the industrial and domestic users of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) as they would be given huge relief in many counts. Online application system is being introduced for new connections.

This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer of LESCO Wajid Ali Kazmi while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The LCCI President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan also spoke on the occasion while former Vice President Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi, Executive Committee Members Mian Abdul Razzaq, Mian Zahid Javed, Mian Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry, Moazzam Rasheed, Syed Mukhtar Ali and renowned businessman Mian Aziz ur Rehman Chan

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were present in the meeting. While showing total commitment to purge LESCO of all ills including power thefts, power breakdowns and corruption, CEO LESCO said that online application system for new connections would not make all the process very easy but human links would also be abolished. He said that initially this system would be started from general consumer in around 191 sub divisions.

He said that line losses are being reduced while recovery is getting better.

He said that LESCO has set the target to bring the line losses to the single digit. He said that mobile meter reading has helped reduce line losses.

Soon big consumers would also come in this setup and a new software is being introduced in this regard. He said that LESCO is contributing 25% in the total revenue generation of the distributions companies.

Saturday January 7, 2017

Chambers

IccI lauds cDA for resolving longstanding issues of traders I

ISLAMABAD

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slamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Khalid Iqbal Malik has lauded the efforts of Mayor Islamabad Municipal Committee (IMC) and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Sheikh Anser Aziz for resolving the two longstanding issues of business community viz. lease renewal of commercial plots and construction of additional storey in Marakaz and hoped that he would address other key issues of trade and industry with similar positive spirit. He said lease renewal of many commercial plots in Islamabad was pending for many years due to some reasons causing great difRiculty for business community. Similarly traders have been demanding for construction of additional storey in Marakaz to meet the current day business requirement, but these two issues remained unaddressed for years. However, CDA Chairman in its recent meeting with ICCI delegation has agreed in principle to resolve these issues after fulRilling necessary legal requirements which was a

very positive development. He also congratulated the business community for this great achievement.

Khalid Iqbal Malik said that after assuming charge of Chairman CDA

by Sheikh Anser Aziz, ICCI delegation led by him held many meetings with the civic body for the resolution of these two important issues and in every meeting the response of Chairman CDA was very positive. He said

now the Chairman CDA has agreed in principal to allow renewal of pending leases of commercial plots and construction of additional storey in Marakaz for which the whole business community of the region is thankful to him. He said CDA Chairman has constituted a Committee to revise and upgrade CDA byelaws that would pave way for renewal of pending leases and construction of addi-

SccI, gccI and gujranwala chamber of commerce & Industry forms consortium

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SIALKOT

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akistan’s three main chambers of commerce namely Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GCCI), joined their hands and made a consortium, besides, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their high pledges to make all out sincere joint efforts for boosting the mutual trade and export activities, strengthening the national economy , increasing the national exporters and Righting together on this joint platform for the amicable solution to their problems.

President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Majid Raza Bhutta and President Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), signed a MoU during a special ceremony held at GCCI. SCCI president Majid Raza Bhutta told the newsmen here today that this MoU would help a lot the businessmen , industrialists, traders and exporters of Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala cities, besides, booming up and jazzing up the pace of the mutual trade activities in Pakistan’s Rirst ever “Golden Export Triangle” comprising Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala districts. He said that this MoU has also provided a joint platform to open the new vistas of socio-economic and human development in this region as well.

SCCI president added that the main purpose is to encourage , promote and facilitate economic cooperation among the respective business communities in accordance with the law and regulations between Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala cities , besides, establishing a joint “ Practical Framework” for the development of stronger business relations between these cities and to set forth the procedures for cooperation for mutual cooperation which could enhance the implementation of reciprocal economic adjective.

Majid Raza Bhutta added that under this MoU, the signatories, would also encourage the exchange the business trade delegations, experts and economic missions and shall also support the following up of such activities.

tional storey in Marakaz. He hoped that Chairman CDA would also address other key issues of business community with same positive approach so that trade and industrial activities could Rlourish smoothly in the region that would contribute positively towards creating new jobs, reducing poverty & unemployment, improving tax revenue and strengthening the regional economy.

Sialkot exporters demand special incentives resident Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Majid Raza Bhutta has said the Sialkot exporters have been playing a pivotal role in strengthening national economy by earning the foreign exchange to the tune of $ 2 billion annually.

Talking to the newsmen, the SCCI President said the national economic and political stability was vital for flourishing the national exports saying political uncertainty had been the major reason behind the visible decline in the national exports during the last few years. SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta also urged the government to announce a special package of trade and export-related incentives for Sialkot exporters from the Export Development Fund (EDF) through the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.—CB Report

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Customs ASO impounds 37 cartons of smuggled cigarette Saturday January 7, 2017

National 47 Ir officers promoted as Assist commissioner ISLAMABAD

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LAHORE: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Lahore has seized 37 cartons of foreign made non-customs paid cigarettes of superior quality worth millions of rupees.

Sources told Customs Today that the Customs authorities intercepted a bus on the outskirts of the city and recovered the smuggled cigarettes.

The sources said that the legal documents were not produced by the owner party and being fully satisfied, the customs authorities confiscated 37 cartons of the superior quality of the cigarettes.

Ltu Zone-II taking steps to boost revenues: Nawal Sheikh Z

LAHORE

he Federal Board of Revenue has promoted 47 Inland Revenue Service officers of BS-16 as Assistant Commissioner (BS-17) on regular basis with immediate effect. According to a notification issued by Secretary (Mgt-IR-IV) Amir Rehman, the promotions will take effect from the date of their joining, subject to the condition that no disciplinary proceedings are pending against them. The officers, if drawing performance allowance or FBR;s fixed allowance, they will continue to draw it on their promotion, it said. All the officers have been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available at all FBR major filed offices or by using IJP login. It is important to mention here that Sadiq Ali Bangash at Sr No 47 will actualise his promotion on January 2 against the vacancy to be vacated

by Mohsin Sghir Khan at Sr No 35 on his retirement on January 1.

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Faisalabad customs generates rs2.86m through auction he model Customs Collectorate has generated Rs2.863 million from two auction of impounded vehicles and miscellaneous goods. According to details, Customs office has conducted auction of confiscated vehicles and smuggled items. These items were seized in the jurisdiction of AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) of Faisalabad, jhang, Mainwali, Sara-EMuhajir, and Sargodha City. Customs has offered various foreign origin vehicles including Toyota Hilux Surf, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Crown, Mitsubishi Pajero, Land Cruiser, Toyota Vitz and others in different model and design. The impounded vehicles were attracting all bidders during auction process.—Naeem Sheikh

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MuhAMMAD NAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

one-II of Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) is especially focusing on non-Rilers to boost tax collection for strengthening national economy. The Zone-II is also ensuring assessment of income of taxpayers and imposition of taxes for huge collection in the targeted sectors. This was stated by Nawal Shaikh, Additional Commissioner LTU, Zone-II Enforcement Unit, during an exclusive interview with Customs Today. Talking about the jurisdiction, Nawal said she deals with the textile, auto and telecom sectors and added that enforcement-two of zone-II collects taxes from the world call, Honda Motors, Sazgar Rickshaw, New Asia Rickshaw, United Auto Industries, Nishat Mills, Nishat Chunian, Koh-e-

Noor Textile Sefam, Ali Embroidery, Sarena Industries and Ibraheem Fiber (Pakistan’s largest unit of polyester Riber in Pakistan). Answering a question, she said the enforcement unit works start after the audit division creates demand and sends it to the enforcement. She works to meet

the demand through the tax collected sent by the audit wing. With the enforcement, she makes assessment of income of taxpayers under the section 11(2) of sales tax act 1990 and section 161 of income tax ordinance 2001. In many cases, the compliance rate is very good, but in

few cases taxpayers go in the appeal and challenge the department’s decision before the relevant judicial forum after receiving the order. In case of enforcement of returns from the non-Rilers, she sends notices under section 114 of income tax ordinance to the taxpayers. In case of non-compliance in sales tax, the LTU suspends taxpayer’s entity whereby his imports are stopped and his all transactions and status is nulliRied.

Finally, if taxpayer does not coordinate with the department then LTU declares taxpayer blacklisted where his all business transactions become zero. Nawal said Zone-II also ensures regulations and monitoring of withholding tax under the laws. The additional commissioner said that with the current demand, she also collects arrear demand and super tax from the taxpayer.

Multan customs collects rs.3850.403m in Dec T

MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

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he Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has made revenue collection of Rs.3850.403 million throughout the month of December 2016-17.

The Collectorate of the Multan Customs has collected customs duty of Rs.744.616 million by surpassing the assigned revenue target of Rs.635 million in the month of December of Riscal year 2016-17. The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has posted 17% growth in their revenue collection of customs duty and the Multan Customs was able to collect only Rs.587.650 million customs duty during the matching period of the December of previous economic year 201516. The Collectorate of the Multan Customs was assigned the sales tax collection target for the month of December, which was almost Rs.3338 million and the Multan Customs has collected amount of Rs.2042.790 million under the head of sales tax during the month

of December. But the MCC Multan has collected sales tax of Rs.2303.298 million throughout the December of the corresponding Rinancial year 2015-16. The Federal Board of Revenue has assigned the revenue collection target of the

federal excise duty of Rs.21 million to the Multan Customs for the month of December and the Multan Customs has set Rs.27.049 million in the December. The Multan Customs has collected 29 % excess revenue collection of the federal ex-

cise duty during the December of ongoing Riscal year 2016-17. The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has collected income tax of Rs.19.690 million against the assigned collection task of Rs.38 million during December FY 2016-17.

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FBR proposes Shariah-compliant criteria for companies ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suggested Shariah-compliant criteria for companies whose shares are traded on a stock exchange to avail the reduced rate of tax under Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

According to the SRO.1173(I)/2016 issued by the FBR, the Board has proposed amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002. To avail reduced rate of tax, the FBR has proposed Shariahcompliant criteria for a company whose shares are traded on a stock exchange.

Firstly, the business of the company should be Halal ie it shall not include processing or manufacturing of pork, liquor, non-Halal products, pornographic material or any other activity not permitted by Shariah.

customs Intelligence seizes 16,000-litre non-duty paid oil HYDERABAD

ASLAM ANJuM QureShI www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Intelligences and Investigation has seized-16,000 litres smuggled diesel worth Rs1.21 million along with an oil tanker valuing Rs3 million during a successful operation.

Sources told Customs Today that on special instructions of Directorate General Shaukat Ali the customs intelligence has started crackdown against smugglers.

The director received information regarding the smuggling of oil in the city.

On this he formed a team comprising Deputy Superintendent Qasim Ali, Intel-

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ligence Officer Irfan Ghani, and other.

The team formed check posts at main entry and exit point of the city and started the checking of vehicles. During the checking vehicles the team intercepted an oil tanker bearing registration no SWN-133 on Super Highway near Toll Plaza Hyderabad. During the checking of the tanker the team found 16,000 litre non-duty paid high speed diesel. Teh team asked the driver to provide legal documents regarding the import of oil but he remained failed to produce the same. On this the team confiscated the oil along with oil tanker The customs team an oil and tanker were taken into the custody and FIR was lodged under sections 2 (s) 16 and 157 of the customs Act, 1969. Meanwhile, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized foreign origin 24 bundles of decoration light jahler valued Rs760,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs.454, 843 during a raid in Hyderabad. Following the instructions of Karachi Customs Intelligence Director Feroz Alam Junejo, the field investigation FIU Hyderabad Unit is taking stern action against the smugglers in the region.

National

Additional collector Beelam issues 3 oNos against smugglers T

FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has issued three Orders-in-Original (ONOs) against the culprits who were involved in the smuggling and tax evasion.

Sources told Customs Today that Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan issued an ONO in favour of the Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sargodha by deciding a case of conRiscated Land Cruiser bearing registration no. B-1948 Charsadda which was brought into country without payment of duty and taxes. The adjudication also settled a case of M/s J.K Spinning Mills Limited. The case was registered by Customs Collectorate, bond section.

Customs authorities also issued an analysis certiRicate of certain input goods to be consumed in manufacturing of one Rinished items meant for export with wastage of 12%.

This means that 88% input raw material was to be net consumed. This results into excess consumption of raw material causing non realiza-

tion of government revenue amounting to Rs 15,85,976. Customs Adjudication decided the case in favour of the department.

In another case, the ADC issued ONO in favour of Sargodha ASO in a case of a non-duty paid Toyota Hilux bearing registration no.

AJKF-8137 impounded near Factory Area Chowk Sargodha. Furthermore, the adjudication author-

Saturday January 7, 2017

ity decided a case and issued ONOs in favour of the customs department according to customs rules and regulations. Meanwhile, The Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has served show-cause notice to M/s W.A international for taking illegal benefits of rule 351 and 352 of SRO 450(I)/2001, and causing huge loss to national exchequer.

Shc to hear appeal filed by hyderabad customs against M/s Shahzad on Jan 18 KARACHI

M BILAL

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has fixed January 18, 2016 as a date of hearing of an appeal filed by the Collector of Customs Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad against impugned judgment of the appellate tribunal directing the release of Hino Bowser TTC 221 which was used for smuggling of high speed diesel. A twomember bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, was hearing the petition.

Earlier, counsel for the applicant stated that the patrolling staff of Hyderabad Anti-Smuggling Organization found Hino bowser bearing registration no TTC 221 parked at a hotel on Super Highway, near Toll Plaza, Jamshoro. According to the applicant, the driver and cleaner of the vehicle were not available. During the examination, it was revealed that a small hole measuring 4&4 was found on the roof of the vehicle which was being used for filing/ unloading the high speed diesel in the bowser. The staff took the vehicle into custody and issued a show-cause notice to its owner. The counsel argued that being aggrieved, M/s Shahzad moved an appeal before the authority.

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Senate body asks FBr to launch amnesty scheme for all sectors

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ISLAMABAD

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enate Standing Committee on Finance recommended Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to introduce amnesty scheme for all sectors especially for industrial sectors along with the real sector.

The amnesty scheme for the real sector was formally launched on pressing demands of real sector stakeholders on December 7 and up to December 26 2016, 1919 transactions have been made under the scheme. FBR Member Rehmatullah Wazir informed the committee that under

these scheme transactions worth Rs 1.4 billion had been made so far and the FBR had collected Rs 50 million taxes under the scheme. Committee Chairman Saleem H Mandviwala, however, showed concern over giving amnesty to only real sector saying that other sectors should also be given a chance to avail the facility so that the money could be used for productive purposes. Discussing on another agenda item regarding Qarz Utaro Mulk Sanwaro Scheme introduced in 1997, Dr Secretary Finance Waqar Masood informed the committee that under the scheme there were three sub schemes namely dona-

tions, Qarz-e-Hasna and Term Deposit. He said that under the scheme, total donations stood at Rs 2.032 billion while people deposited Rs 470.659 million as Qarz-e-Hasna and Rs 302 million as term deposit.

The committee was further informed that out of donations of Rs 2.032 billion, the most expensive domestic debt of the federal government amounting to Rs 1.7 billion carrying mark up rate of 17.29 per cent was retired on June 30, 1997. Saleem Mandviwala asked ministry of finance to settle the amount under Qarz-e-Hasna and Term Deposit schemes on priority as the people who deposited

their money were not being responded positively from the banks concerned. Dr Waqar Masood said that the ministry would issue a circular to all the concerned banks in this regard and it would prepare a list of all those who had deposited their money under the schemes. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) representatives also gave briefing to the committee regarding draft amendment proposed by the PPC to declare sale of banknotes on premium as a punishable offence. The meeting was also attended by Senators Mohsin Khan Leghari, Kamil Ali Agha, Mushahidullah Khan, Mohsin Aziz and Osman Saifullah Khan.

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Saudi Arabia bans Indian poultry import due to bird flu Saturday January 7, 2017

World

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has placed a temporary ban on the import of Indian poultry products, following the recent outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu in several parts of the country, reported foreign media.

Saudi Arabia joined other West Asian countries such as Kuwait in banning the imports of poultry from India, which reported about seven instances of bird flu outbreak during 2016 with the latest being in Khordha district of Odisha. Saudi Arabia was the second largest buyer of Indian poultry products in 2015-16. As per DGCIS, India’s poultry exports to Saudi Arabia stood at 95.64 crore Indian rupees, accounting for over 12 per cent of the country’s total poultry shipments of 766.71 crore Indian rupees in 2015-16.

police seize gang for smuggling cocaine, cannabis into uk

turkey to upgrade customs deal with eu ANKARA

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LONDON

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London drug gang led by an electrician and a company CEO smuggled cocaine and cannabis into the UK by disguising the drugs as fruits and vegetables.

Crack cocaine was dyed orange to look like pieces of dried papaya and cannabis was hidden in fake yams from Jamaica during the massive smuggling outRit. Five men including a painter and decorator, electrician and recording studio owner – were jailed for a total of more than 38 years after being busted in a big police operation. Police seized boxes containing bags of dried fruit labelled ‘fancy island mix’ – but found they contained two kilograms of rocks of crack cocaine which had been coloured orange to look like papaya. OfRicers arrested the painter and decorator who was

Japan, Vietnam ties can boost ag exports he former Minister of Agriculture of Japan, Takebe Tsutomu, said Vietnam is selling mangoes, dragon fruit and bananas to Japan, but these fruits are only for desserts, while the country has a huge demand for other products used in every meal, such as carrots, onions, ginger and vegetables. While more and more Vietnamese agro-products, such as dragon fruit, mangoes, bananas, rice and tuna, have been shipped to the Japanese market, Tsutomu said Vietnamese exporters can do better if they are able to identify and meet the exact demand of Japanese consumers. For instance, he elaborated, the top priority of Japanese consumers is food safety, so Vietnamese businesses should ensure the land and water used in their production are safe.—CB Report

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carrying the boxes and later raided the north London home of another gang member where they found 33.8kg of cannabis disguised as yams. The cannabis, camouRlaged as yams, was hidden among real yams in the boxes. In the coming months, border force ofRicials at Gatwick airport seized a shipment of 36kg of cannabis disguised as yams as well

as 40kg of herbal cannabis. Further inquiries led the police to the owner of a recording studio in Reading, where ofRicers seized 1.8kg of herbal caanabis. Detective Constable Catherine Pearson said: “This police operation successfully dismantled a sophisticated crime network that was regularly importing drugs into the UK disguised as food.

customs plan to build world class port facilities in Manila

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ureau of Customs is planning to build world-class port facilities in Manila to be at par with other countries in the Asia-PaciRic region in terms of trade facilitation, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said.

“Right now, we are working with some engineers and developers to come up with a conceptual framework or concept on how to build world-class port facilities, both at the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port,” Faeldon said. “This is around 300

hectares. This is huge. These facilities will include everything that we need.”

Faeldon said the country’s ports must have its own rendering facilities so that destroying such products as meat need not take more than a year. He said the country has to take advantage of its geographical position which is better than Singapore’s since the Philippines is situated between the South China Sea and the PaciRic Ocean, enabling it to cater to the Asian region as well as the PaciRic, including Australia.—CB Report

hese days it is a rare incident that a move made by Brussels is received with genuine enthusiasm in Ankara, yet this is precisely what happened last week when the European Commission asked the European Council for a mandate to launch negotiations with Turkey to upgrade the twentyyear old European Union (EU)Turkey Customs Union.

Turkey is in the awkward position of being bound by a Customs Union agreement despite not being a full member of the EU. In fact, when the customs deal was signed back in 1995, it was deemed a temporary, preliminary step towards Turkey’s full membership. Two decades have passed since, and while the deal has done much to boost bilateral trade and investment, with Turkey’s

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prospects for being a full member of the European community being bleaker than ever, and the dynamics of global trade having radically changed since the time when the deal was inked, the time is ripe for revising the agreement. As the European Commission stated in its press release, the revision needs to “reRlect current EU-Turkey trade relations” as it “would bring substantial economic beneRits for both partners.” Both sides realize that they have robustly beneRited from the Customs Union so far. According to data by the Turkish Statistic Institute, 44.5 percent of Turkey’s exports last year were destined to European markets, whereas the share of the EU countries in Turkey’s imports was 38.0 percent. In other words, Europe is the major export marker for Turkey, whereas the Turkish market is vital for European producers, too. Moreover, two thirds of the foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Turkey has originated from European countries.

china apple imports increase by 15% BeneRitting from the growing consumption demand in China, the Yuanxing company imported and sold 15% more fruit than in the same period last year.

Also the range of apple varieties has increased. At the same time we also acquired sales rights for multiple exclusive apple varieties. When it comes to pricing, we Rind that consumers are more keen on Rinding cheap fruit and Chinese fruits have a low price. The combination of these two factors make the price of imported fruits go down as well,” says Mr. Lu from Yuanxing Fruits in Shenzhen. “Challenges and opportunities

live side by side on the fruit import market. On one side, the Chinese market is opening up to more and more imported fruit, so foreign cultivators generally have a favourable attitude towards the Chinese market. Chinese consumers are also becoming increasingly familiar with imported fruits, so the market demand is growing. From the other side, the exchange rate between RMB and foreign currencies continues to be unstable. Importing costs also keep going up and consumers don’t want to spend as much as before on fruit due to economic circumstances.—CB Report

teen among three caught smuggling cigarettes

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COLOMBO

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ndia’s Agents of Chennai Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), India’s Customs intelligence unit have seized 8.7 kg of gold smuggled from Sri Lanka by sea at Mandapam near Rameswaram and arrested one person.

A DRI special team intercepted a luxury car at Uchipuli railway gate near Mandapam and on interrogation, the driver of the vehicle Mujibur Rehman (31) has admitted to the concealment of smuggled gold bars in the car. He confessed that he was transporting the gold which was received in the Mandapam coastal village brought from Sri Lanka to India through a Rishing

boat. On detailed examination of the car, the DRI team recovered 87 gold bars with foreign markings of 99.9 percent purity, each weighing 100 grams and totally weighing 8.7 kilograms. The seized gold is valued at Rs 2.44 crore (about 53 million Sri Lankan rupees) in the market. Judicial Magistrate Court in Madurai remanded the suspect when he was produced before the court today.

Further investigations are being conducted to Rind out the gang behind the smuggling and the Rishing boat that clandestinely smuggled the gold bars to India. Meanwhile, A 16-year-old teenager was among three Sri Lankans detained by Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while trying to smuggle in 350 cartons of top ten brand cigarettes.

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Customs Court grants bail to suspect in mis-declaration case KARACHI: Custom Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has granted pre-arrest bail to a suspect, Muzammil Khan, proprietor of M/s MR Enterprises. The suspect was booked in a case of mis-declaration.

During the hearing, counsel for the suspect filed an application for pre-arrest bail and submitted that the applicant is innocent and falsely implicated in this case. The counsel said that the suspect is ready to face trial, but fears arrest and the court may grant him pre-arrest bail. After the arguments, the court granted pre-arrest bail to Muzammil Khan against surety of Rs 100,000 and directed him to join investigation and appear before the court on the next date of hearing.

customs I&I impounds non-duty paid vehicles worth rs 29 million

National

Dc Asma issue notices to owners of non-duty paid LeDs

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IMrAN ALI

M hAYAt

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Sialkot customs achieves 92% target of Nov, Dec he Model Custom’s Collectorate Sialkot achieved 92 percent revenue target during the months of November and December 2016. Collector Ahmed Reza Khan told Customs Today that the Sialkot will definitely achieve the remaining target before the end of the current fiscal year 2016-17. Meanwhile, the AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) lodged 14 cases of smuggling during the months of November and December 2016. He said that during the above mentioned period, the ASO foiled many smuggling bids. As per details, the total value of seized items during the month of November and December is Rs37 million while the C.I.F. value of imported items is Rs5.13 million.

Official said that the collcetorate has already adopted strict measures to curb the smuggling.—Saleem Awan Sheikhu

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Multan customs handles 658 export consignments worth in Nov MULTAN

LAHORE

irectorate of Intelligence & Investigation–FBR, seized 11 non-duty paid/smuggled vehicles worth Rs. 29 million sources told Customs Today. The sources said that the Customs I&I car cell impounded Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, Hilux Surf, BMW, Mercedes Benz car, MarkX, Premio, Crown, Honda Civic, Honda Accord and Vitz car during July 2016 to December 2016. The sources said that the luxury vehicles were impounded on the instructions of Deputy Collector Ali Zeb Khan while the operations were conducted against the smugglers on the directions of Director of Customs Intelligence Zeba Hai Azhar. The sources said that the non duty paid vehicles were seized from various places and areas in Lahore including Ravi Road, Gulberg, Defence, Allama Iqbal Town, Green Town, Ichra, Anarkali, The Mall and Cantonment Board.

Saturday January 7, 2017

FAISALABAD

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he Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued a show cause notice to owners of non duty paid LED and almonds which were brought into the country through unauthorized routes.

Sources told Customs Today that Faisalabad Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted a vehicle near Guttwala Toll Plaza and recovers smuggled large amount of LEDs and foreign origin almonds . The team asked the owners /drivers of the vehicle who was identiRied as Qaiser ,

Saad and third person named as Abdul Majeed to show documents regarding legal import of the LEDs and foreign origin almonds . But they failed to produce any legal documents regarding possession of the above said items. Therefore, the ofRicials impounded the goods under customs laws and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further legal action. Now, deputy Collector Asma Hameed issued notices to the accused persons on the violation of Section 10-A. 89(1) and 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under Section 156(1)89 of the Custom Act, 1969 and served him a show cause notice as to why the seized item should not be conRiscated under aforementioned provisions of the law besides penal action as war-

ranted in law. However, the adjudication has directed the accused to Rile reply on next date of hearing. The seizing agency has also been directed to Rile reply in the respective case.

The adjudication authority also directed Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan to attend the hearing on schedule date along with relevant record. Meanwhile, The Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued a show cause notice to owner of non duty paid foreign origin stationery items.

These items were brought into country through unauthorized route. Sources told Customs Today that Mianwali Anti Smuggling Organization intercepted a vehicle near M.M Alam Raod Mianwali and recovers smuggled items.

he Model Customs Collectorate handled 658 export consignments through Multan dry port during the month of November. The dry port witnessed increased in the movement of export consignments during correspondence period. Major export commodities which handled from Multan Dry Port were cotton yarn, Fabrics, leather products, garments, textile made ups and others. The department has swiftly cleared 658 different export consignments of various commodities of worth Rs2478 million during November. Multan Customs handled 270 various goods declarations (GD,s) worth RS1084.575 million during the same period of previous Riscal year 2015-16. The export situation at the dry port has been improved due to effective measurements taken by the collectorate for enhancement of export items. The enhancement in the export brings positive impact on the import of the local manufacturers and it will also raise the revenue of the Multan Customs due to collection of Customs duty and others. Multan Customs has exported 2475 consignments valuing Rs7985.344 million during the Rirst Rive months of the existing economic year 2016-17.

Dg Valuation revises value of upVc, cpVc, pprc pipes

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KARACHI

M BILAL

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of UPVC, CPVC, PPRC pipes and pipe Rittings through Valuation Ruling No 1001/2016 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.

The customs values of UPVC, CPVC, PPRC pipes and pipe Rittings were earlier determined vide Valuation Ruling No.369/2011 issued

on August 20, 2011. Representations were received from commercial importers for determination of customs value of UPVC, CPVC, PPRC pipes and pipe Rittings afresh.

Hence, the existing valuation ruling, which is over Rive year old, is required to be revised in the light of the Sindh High Court decision in a constitutional petition no. D6918/2015. Since 90 days have passed and representations were received from commercial importers regarding the values determined in afore mentioned valuation

ruling, an exercise was initiated to re-determine the values of UPVC, CPVC, PPRC pipes and pipe Rittings.

Two meetings of the stakeholders, including importers, local manufacturers and representatives from clearance Collectorates, were held – one on August 22, 2016 and another on December 27 — to discuss the current prices of the subject items in the international market.

The viewpoint of all participants was heard in detail and considered to arrive at Customs values of UPVC, CPVC, PPRC Pipes and pipe Fittings.

Valuation methods provided in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were duly applied in their regular sequential order to address the particular valuation issue at hand. The transaction value method as provided in Sub-Section (1) of Section 25, found inapplicable in light of the wide variety of invoices submitted at import stage the veracity of which could not be ascertained fully, hence requisite information required under law was not available to arrive at the correct transaction value.

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FIA unearths 7 illegal gateway exchanges in Mianwali Saturday January 7, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: A Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) team has unearthed seven illegal gateway exchanges of 96 ports and arrested two persons.

According to FIA spokesman, the team conducted a raid in Mohalla Mustafaabad near Railway Lines, Piplaan, District Mianwali and recovered seven illegal gateway exchanges with four laptops, router, antennas, about 200 different cellular company SIMs and other relevant apparatus.

The officials also arrested Samar Iqbal and Mudassar Imran, residents of Moza Rahdari, tehsil Nurpur.

FIR has been registered against the accused.

Fto for warding off fear of taxpayers, traders

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LAHORE

M hAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com ederal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has organised an awareness workshop regarding its project titled “Public Awareness and Advocacy About Dispute Resolution Mechanism of Federal Tax Ombudsman” for medium and small scale enterprises at a local hotel of Lahore. M Siddique, Advisor (Implementation & Monitoring), shed light on the historical perspective of the ombudsman ofRice. He gave detailed presentation about the working of the FTO ofRice. He said at present, there are 150 ombudsman ofRices in the world. In Pakistan, the ombudsman ofRice was established in 1983 and in year 2000, an independent ofRice of Federal Tax Ombudsman was established. He elaborated in detail the complaint Riling

customs holding auction of confiscated goods, vehicles he Customs Department is going to hold an auction of vehicles, spare parts and goods confiscated during different actions. As per details available to Customs Today, the impounded cars, spare parts, wood, fabrics floating glass, ball bearings, wires, poly propylene printed sheets and other goods will be presented for the auction on ‘as it is where it is basis’.

Interested parties and persons were allowed to check the goods December to participate in auction. Customs auctioneer has issued directions that any person who want to participate in auction of vehicles and other goods should bring his national identity card with him on the day of auction. The National Tax Number (NTN) is also mandatory to participate in the auction.

Auctioneer of Customs Appraisement at NLC container terminal said that impounded cars, generators, tyres, cloths and other items.—M Imran Mehhar

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procedure and other available facilities provided by the FTO ofRice to aggrieved taxpayers. He said the mandate of FTO ofRice is to ensure prompt and inexpensive redress of taxpayers’ genuine grievances against maladministration by the tax employees of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)/Revenue Division, Government of Pakistan. He said an average 1500 complaints annually are currently being handled by the FTO ofRices across Pakistan. Siddique also highlighted the success stories of the FTO ofRice since its establishment in year 2000. He said the taxpayers can Rile their complaints by courier, by hand, online or through email. He said the services of FTO ofRices are free of cost, citizens friendly and the complaints are decided in 60 days. He said Form-A is available on the website (www.fto.gov.pk) of the FTO on which taxpayers can lodge their complaints.

collector preventive assures work on release of refunds to exporters

LAHORE

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M hAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com akistan Customs and Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) agreed to evolve a comprehensive mechanism to release the refunds of leather exporters.

Addressing a meeting of PTA North

Zone, Customs Collector ZulRiqar Younas assured the leather exporters of early clearance of their all pending rebate claims on priority basis. Long delay in the payment of refunds was affecting the industry, he added. The collector pledged to provide all necessary facilities to the Lahore-based exporters and importers, besides removing hurdles to motivate them to

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do their business through Lahore Dry Port. Pakistan Customs, he said, was introducing the business-friendly policies for encouraging the business community to struggle hard for the promotion of exports, he mentioned.

PTA North Zone Chairman Azam Malik said the second largest industry was facing cash Rlow crunch and urged the government to help steer it out of Rinancial crisis. He claimed that the leather industry employed over one million people and earned foreign exchange of around $1 billion, but non-payment of its exporters’ refunds was hampering its growth. The FBR, he said, was bound to release refunds within 45 days. PTA chairman Anjum Zafar claimed that over Rs 250 million on account of sales tax and duty drawback refunds was outstanding. This had created a liquidity crunch for the export-oriented industry, he added. He also demanded the government to take steps to reduce cost of doing business by 8-10 percent for Rinished leather exports.

Lhc suspends rs 425m tax recovery ANF on high alert at Lahore airport he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) notices to Jahangir tareen Sugar Mills team deployed at Allama Iqbal

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he Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended Rs 425 million tax recovery notices served on Jahangir Tareen Sugar Mills. Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza reserved the verdict in the case of Jahangir Tareen sugar mills. Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza heard the case in which counsel of appellant on behalf of the administration of sugar mills argued that the federal board of revenue (FBR) sent Rs 425 million tax recovery notices for the year 2011. He further said

as Jahangir Tareen is a central leader of opposition political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf therefore he is being victimised. He said the Jahangir Tareen sugar mills paid all the tax liabilities for the year 2011. The counsel said the income tax commissioner Lahore sent a notice but according to the jurisdiction only commissioner of Multan region can serve a notice on his client. On the other hand, the counsel from the federal board of revenue.—Muhammad Nawaz

International Airport is on high alert to foil any kind of drugs smuggling. Sources told Customs Today (ANF Punjab Regional Director Brig Khalid Goraya has visited the airport ofRices of the department to inspect the existing procedure and arrangements which are used to search and scan outbound and inbound passengers and baggage.

Sources said that the ANF director discussed various proposals with the customs ofRicials to improve information sharing, pooling of human and material resources for

joint operations and to enhance overall effectiveness of their agencies. The ANF regional director instructed his Rield staff to extend all human and material cooperation to Pakistan Customs to make Lahore airport free from the menace of smuggling.—M Imran Mehhar

NAB recovers rs 45 billion in recent time

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LAHORE

M IMrAN MehAr

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hairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Qamar Zaman Chaudhry said that NAB always performs with in ambits of the constitution, adding the provision of the plea bargain exists not only in the laws of many countries

but in Pakistan too which, helped recover money from the looters and plunderers and its returned to the coffer. While talking to media, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry said under Section 25-B of Accountability Ordinance, every criminal is bound to place a request for plea bargain for settlement of case, adding the request for plea bargain was thoroughly reviewed and opinion of the

law experts was also sought and Rinally approval for the plea bargain is submitted before the Accountability Court for approval.

The chairman said that the NAB since its inception has so far recovered Rs285 billion and during the recent time it has recovered Rs45 billion. To a question, he said that an amount of rupees Rs960 million recovered from Sohail Majeed Shah

besides conRiscating 11 properties which included houses in DHA and Clifton in Karachi. Whereas, Rs10 million were recovered from one Rehmat Khan, an XEN who was also involved in the same case. Similarly, he added Rs653.2 million, three and a half kilo gold, two Mercedes cars, two houses which had been purchased with the plundered money also had been impounded.

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DP World increases its holding in Korean port WASHINGTON: DP World said yesterday it has raised its stake in a terminal in South Korea, becoming the largest stakeholder as the Dubai-based ports operator continues its investment spree. DP World has bought a 23.94 per cent stake in Pusan Newport Company (PNC) from South Korean conglomerate Samsung Corporation, raising its holding in the terminal to 66.03 per cent, it said in a statement yesterday. The Nasdaq Dubai-listed company didn’t disclose the value of the deal. PNC is the largest terminal in Pusan, with a capacity of 5.25 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), DP World said.

The port of Pusan is the sixth largest worldwide with an annual capacity of 19.5 million TEU, accouting for 75 per cent of total container volumes in the Asian country.

Stakeholders oppose deepwater port at kona hile fishermen and farmers expressed concern over their livelihood, managements of shrimp hatcheries were apprehensive about the adverse impact of environmental pollution on their units due to the proposed allweather, deepwater, multipurpose seaport in Kona revenue village of Thondangi mandal, during the environmental public hearing conducted at the project site here on Friday. The Kakinada SEZ Limited of the GMR group proposed to build the port in an extent of 1,879.51 acres with an expected outlay of Rs.2,041.92 crore.

Geographically, it spreads over 11 hamlets and two major panchayats

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located 35 km from Kakinada and comprises a population of 2.96 lakh.

Most of them ekes out a livelihood from fishing, agriculture, and horticulture. Sarpanches and MPTC members, and employees of the GMR group, besides beneficiaries of its NGO wing, welcomed the port proposal saying that it would help develop the region by generating employment. On the other hand, fisherfolks and farmers, while being apprehensive about their livelihood, complained that the relief package announced by the promoters was insufficient. The hearing was held amidst multi-level security put in place by the police, para-military forces, and private security personnel hired by the promoters. Prohibitory orders were in force in the villages and hamlets to be affected for the last couple of weeks and preventive arrests of leaders of opposition parties were made at Kakinada to ensure smooth conduct of the procedure.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Saturday January 7, 2017

charleston ports agency to close $38 milllion hQ sale

New Mangaluru port first to introduce eDo for bulk/liquid cargo

WASHINGTON

n line with government of India’s policy on ‘ease of doing business’ in ports, the New Mangaluru Port Trust here has successfully implemented and integrated eDO (Electronic Delivery Order) with the Port Community System (PCS) on Friday. This allows Vessel Agents/Steamers to issue eDO via electronic medium. With this initiative NMPT becomes the first port in India to introduce eDO in Port sector for bulk/liquid cargo. The Port Operating System (POS) which is successfully running in NMPT has been upgraded to capture this data via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and further process in terms of forwarding and passing with no manual intervention and requires only one electronic approval.

NMP Traffic Manager said this will also enhance the paperless concept. This process also cuts down the dwell time and transaction cost significantly, the traffic manager said adding this is a major step towards implementation of e-business in port.—CB Report

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cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

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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 ofRice 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 Rinal 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 ofRice 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 Riled 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 ofRices will have more conference rooms and meeting spaces than the SPA’s current location. The town of Mount Pleasant last month re-

viewed 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 walking path along Charleston Harbor. Architect renderings submitted to the city also show a pool, Ritness center, ballroom, meeting rooms and ground-Rloor retail space.

coSco Shipping ports continues to face rough waters

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WASHINGTON

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OSCO Shipping Ports (1199.HK) – a subsidiary of Chinese shipping giant COSCO Group – could be squeezed by structural changes in the global ports industry. Morgan Stanley analyst Qianlei Fan expects the changes to exert the greatest pressure on operators with 1) greater exposure to transshipment volumes, 2) weaker hinterland support, and 3) less advanced infrastructure. In China, ports with higher exposure to domestic trade are expected to underperform those with higher exposure to foreign change. While Fan has a positive outlook for Chinese exports, she isn’t too upbeat about COSCO Shipping Ports’ prospects given the tidal patterns in the ports industry: We expect CSPL’s trafRic and proRit growth to be stagnant, especially

since its acquisition of some less competitive port assets from China Shipping Ports Development.

The analyst has reduced her target price on the stock to HKD8.47 a share from HKD9.07 a share after lowering her earnings forecasts: We have reduced our 2016-18 recurring earnings forecasts to US$207m, US$217m and US$237m, respectively: Our forecast implies 4.7% YoY recurring profit growth in 2017 and 9.4% in 2018 in US$ terms. We have incorporated YoY organic traffic growth of 1.5% for 2016, 4.4% for 2017, and 5.5% for 2018, with minor margin expansion thanks to operating leverage and effective cost control. Our estimates are 13% to 20% below consensus. At HKD7.82 a share, COSCO Shipping Ports has traded flat this year and fetches 12 times forward earnings.

Meanwhile, ith the goal of be-

coming a zero emissions port by 2040, Ports of Auckland announced that it has commissioned a feasibility study to investigate possible alternatives for powering cruise ships while in port, with particular focus on shore power. The study, which is set to be completed by April 2017, will also examine other alternatives such as liqueRied natural gas (LNG) or methanol-powered barges to generate power for use by ships, as well as the use of low sulfur fuels for emissions reductions. “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040. 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,” said Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO. “In carrying out the study, we will work closely

with Vector to understand the capability of the local grid, and with cruise lines to understand their capabilities and future requirements.

In line with Auckland Council’s carbon reduction goals, Ports of Auckland says shore power could help reduce locally generated emissions and shipping’s carbon footprint.

“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 for 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.”

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Sara-e-Muhajir ASO seizes cloths, NDP car near Bhakkar FAISALABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO), Sara-e-Muhajir, has confiscated a huge quantity of smuggled cloths. The market value of the seized cloth is Rs 180,000 involving customs duty and taxes of Rs 31,037 including impounded Toyota Corolla car worth Rs 900,000. Sources informed Customs Today that Deputy Collector Rizwan Khan received a tipoff about the smuggling bid. An ASO team intercepted a Toyota Corolla car near the police checkpost of Dajil district Bhakkar bearing registration No: LEC-15-6434 and recovered a huge quantity of imported velvet cloths.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

FBr collects rs1447 billion net tax revenue till 30th December ISLAMABAD M FAIZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs. 1437 billion net tax revenue in the Rirst half of current Rinancial year 2016-17 (till 30 December 2016) while last year during the same period FBR had collected Rs. 1316 billion net tax revenue. There is 9% growth in tax revenue collection as compare to last year.

According to the tax revenue collection Rigures of FBR till 30th December 30, 2016, FBR has collected Rs.586 billion under the head of income tax while during last year FBR had collected Rs.512 billion. In the head of sales tax FBR has collect Rs.599 billion while last year during the same period Fbr had collected 591 billion. There is tremendous growth in customs duty revenue.

FBR Customs has collect the Rs.213 billion in the head of customs duty while last year during the same period FBR had collected Rs. 176 billion in same head. FBR has collect Rs. 84 billion in the head of federal excise duty while last year during the same period Fbr had collected Rs.74 billion. According to these Rig-

ures during the six month FBR gross revenue collection is Rs.1482 billion while last year during the same pe-

riod Gross revenue collection was Rs.1353 billion. FBR has paid the Rs.45 billion in the head of refunds

in six months while last year during the same period FBR had paid Rs.37 billion in the head of refunds. Now it

seem and progress in tax revenue growth shows that FBR could get the current year revenue targets.

Dg Valuation issues reference values for toothpick KARACHI

wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued the reference values for toothpick (low-end brand in paper packing) and another valuation of wooden cloth hangers. The directorate has initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has been observed that

declarations are of wide range and do not correctly reRlect the values of the items as traded in the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it has been observed that toothpick (low-end brand in paper packing) falling under PCT headings 4419.0000, 4420.9090 and 4421.9090 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are 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 Rindings of the market surveys.

The Directorate General, therefore, has found that the customs values of toothpick (low-end brand in paper packing) $1.25/per kilogram and clothes hangers (wooden) China origin $2.00/per kilogram.

These values are, however, for reference/guidance only and Rinal assessment could be made after considering other factors which have bearing on the customs value. The clearance collectorates may like to consider the values given above before Rinalizing the assessment of the subject items. If further Rine-tuning

in speciRications and ensuing values are required, The collectorate may forward a reference along with detailed justiRications and worksheets so that requisite adjustments are accordingly issued. In case of any grievance, the importer can Rile a request to the Directorate General along with substantiating evidences/record for reconsideration/review. Meanwhile, Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued the reference values for Samsung brand Tablet 9.7. The directorate general has initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has

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

been observed that declarations are of wide range and do not correctly reRlect values of the items as traded in the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it has been observed that Samsung brand Tablet 9.7 falling under PCT heading 8471.3010 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side. This directorate general, after carefully examining the clearance data, also conducted market inquiries to verify the authenticity of declaration and Online prices were also obtained to corroborate the Rindings of the market surveys.