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Karachi, Sat May 27, 2017
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ollector (Appeals) Iram M Aamir has said that the Collectorate of Customs Appeals in the federal capital and its camp office in Peshawar have decided 390 appeals involving Rs 137.61 million in six months. In an interview with Customs Today, she said that “I assumed
the charge of Collector Appeals Islamabad at the end of 2016 and expeditiously disposed of 376 appeals in favour of the department.” She said that the appeals were related to smuggled and nonduty-paid goods, classiTication issues, assessments, fake form ‘E’ issues and refund matters. “The collectorate has recovered millions of rupees in the forms of duty, taxes and penalties,” she added. In response to a question, she said the Collector Appeals
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works under the Customs Act, and parliament has given special judicial powers to the customs ofTicers. We work as judicial ofTice and make sure that justice is provided on merit, no matter who appeals. She says no case is small or big we don’t go on profile of the case. To me a small smuggler has the same position which is given to a big smuggler, she remarked. My sole responsibility is to provide justice, she stressed.
CPEC to boost country’s economy, says Hasil Bizenjo
Faisalabad AC adjudication issues two ONOs valued Rs03.4m against ASO
Budget 2017-18 would be balanced: KP CM Pervez Khattak
Court approves remand of suspects involved in smuggling
DG Valuation rejects revision petition of M/s Grace Chemicals
Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo has said that the CPEC is the game changer | See pAge 02 |
Customs ADC Muhammad Saeed Asad issued two ONO worth Rs03.4million | See pAge 03 |
KP CM Khattak said that considerable increase would be made in the education | See pAge 04 |
Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling sent three suspects to jail | See pAge 14 |
DG of CustomsValuation has issued Order in Revision No 340/2017 under section | See pAge 16 |
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FBR receives 1.15m tax returns so far with 16% growth Saturday, May 27, 2017
National
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue has received 1.15 million tax returns during 10 months and 19 days of current fiscal year (2016-17) as compared with 0.993 million during the same period of previous fiscal year, showing 16 percent growth. According to updated Active Taxpayers List (ATL) 2016, the number of return filers is increasing owing to expected strict measures to be announced in the federal budget for non-filers. The FBR is expecting the number of return filers would increase to 1.3 million by June 30. The appearance of ATL is mandatory for a taxpayer to avail reduced rate of withholding tax rate applicable on various transactions.
cpec to boost country’s economy, says Senator Mir hasil Bizenjo
Ihc seeks final arguments on plea filed by M/s halmore power ISLAMABAD
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he Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued directives to parties to prepare for arguments in a tax matter filed by M/s Halmore Power Generation. Earlier the bench comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb dated in office the hearing of the matter for further arguments. M/s Halmore Power Generation had challenged a show cause notice issued by additional commissioner Inland Revenue, Islamabad. The Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), officers of RTO including commissioner Inland Revenue, deputy commissioner Inland Revenue and commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) were made respondents in the case. M/s Halmore Power Generation had filed the case seeking restrictions for RTO, Islamabad about recovering outstanding tax amount or making any other coercive move prior to court’s directions on the issue. M/s Halmore Power Generation also stated that show cause notice mentioning outstanding tax amount was issued with mala-fide intentions. The appellant further prayed the court bar RTO from taking coercive measure to recover the said amount.
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ederal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo has said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the game changer and will boost the economy of the country. Bizenjo, who was the chief guest at the induction ceremony of the 3rd Vessel, ‘Daryae-Dasht’, lauded the services of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency for the security of Pakistan Marine borders and protecting the interests of Pakistan. He said that the role of PSMA is very important keeping in view the basic structure of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. He also appreciated the efforts of Chinese shipyard which made the induction of the vessel in PSMA in four months time. Minister for Ports and Shipping said that the relation between Pakistan and China is time tested, CPEC is a game changer in the region and will and will boost up the economy of the country after its completion. The inducted vessel Darya-eDasht in the PSMA will play a vital role in securing the CPEC as well as the sea boundaries of Pakistan. Director General Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Rear Admiral Raja Jameel Akhtar and the Ambassador of China Sun Weidong, Consul
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General of China in Karachi were also present on the occasion. Meanwhile, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Vice Admiral (r) Shafqat Jawed has expressed concern over the pack situation of the seaport. According to the source, the chairman presided over a high level meeting and discussed the current situation and the strike of the goods transporters. Sources informed Customs Today that during the meeting, ofTicers of the seaport as well as
the entire stakeholder briefed the chairman on the current situation caused by the strike. The ofTicer informed the chairman that the matter is sub-judice and nothing can be done until the orders of the court as the mayor Karachi has submitted a plea in the Sindh High Court against the entrance of the heavy vehicles in the city, source informed. Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Vice Admiral (r) Shafqat
Jawed showing concern directed the ofTicers to chalk out a plan and make suitable arrangement at the sea port for the entrance and exit of the heavy vehicle after the strike come to an end, source further said. The ofTicer and shareholder assured chairman KPT that they will personally hold meetings with the goods transporters to break the ice and normalize the situation at the sea port as soon as possible, the source revealed.
Dg Valuation revises customs values of oil filer & air filter T
KARACHI
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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of automotive oil Tilter and air Tilter Denso brand (genuine parts) through Valuation Ruling No 1163/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details, a representation was received from M/s Indus Motors that oil Tilter and air Tiler of
Denso brand (genuine parts) are being cleared by mis-declaration of their values. Therefore, the Directorate General initiated an exercise under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969 to determine the customs values of the subject goods Meeting was held on 21-03-2017, with the representatives of M/s Indus Motor Co, Ltd., Karachi, M/s. Pak Suzuki Motor Co (Pvt) Ltd., PAAPAM and importers. They were requested to submit import invoices of the last three months, showing factual val-
ues. Websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question should
also be mentioned to ascertain the actual current values of the subject goods. They were also asked to submit copies of contracts made / LCs opened during the last three months, showing the value of the items in question as well as the copies of sales tax invoices showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneTit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers. M/s. Indus Motor Co, Ltd., Karachi submitted import invoices,
copies of GDs, Packing list, representative samples, working proposal in support of their contention and other relevant requisite import documents. No any other stakeholder submitted their documents therefore matter could not be pended after lapse of considerable time. Method adopted to determine Customs values: Valuation methods given in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were applied sequentially to address the valuation issue at hand.
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Customs I &P lodges FIR against alleged cloth smugglers FAISALABAD: The Customs Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) of Customs Collectorate has lodged an FIR No 2/2017 against accused persons who were involved in smuggling 15980 kilograms cloth. According to details, Deputy Collector Usman Tariq got information that huge quantity of foreign origin art silk dyed cloth are being transported from Peshawar to Faisalabad through Hino truck (10 wheeler ) having registration no: SUA-072 full loaded with the smuggled cloth. The ASO team intercepted smuggled cloth near Bypass Chowk Sargodha Road Faisalabad.
Islamabad adjudication orders release of NDp cloth valued rs435000
Saturday May 27, 2017
National
Ac adjudication issues two oNos valued rs03.4 millon against ASo
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eputy Collector Customs Adjudication Islamabad Dr. Wajid Ali has ordered the release of non-duty-paid foreign origin cloth worth Rs435000 on the payment of duty and taxes and fine equivalent to 30% of the appraised value. According to the Order-inOriginal No. 46/2017 It was reported that on a tip-off about the smuggling of F/O cloth from Peshawar by a bus with the number plate of Peshawar-2170, the Customs Preventive set up a picket at G.T Road, Haro Toll Plaza. The reported vehicle was seen coming from Peshawar which was stopped by the Customs.
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ex-etpBVc, co-accused sent to jail on judicial remand LAHORE
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n accountability court has sent former vice-chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Ch Muhammad Ali and co-accused Chaudhry Muhammad Imran to jail on judicial remand till June 3 in a case of financial embezzlement of worth Rs 1,870 million through a private company. Earlier, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials produced the accused before the Accountability Court-V Judge Najam ul Hassan on expiry of their 12 days remand term. The officials told the court that they had completed interrogation from the accused and their physical remand was no longer required. They pleaded the court to sent the accused to jail on judicial remand. At this,the court sent both the accused to jail on judicial remand till June 3.
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ustoms Adjudication Collectorate Additional Collector (ADC) Muhammad Saeed Asad issued two Order-inOriginals (ONO) worth Rs03.4million against the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad. The ASO Faisalabad staff intercepted two suspicious trucks with registration No: TKJ-715 and TKD990 loaded with foreign origin (F/O) Iranian almonds weighed 11,660-kg, almond nuts do 3800-kg and Kishmish weighed 11,017-kg. These food items were being transported from Quetta to Faisalabad. The driver of the vehicle failed to produce any relevant documents about the possession of the goods and a vehicle on the spot. The customs authorities impounded the vehicle and smuggled items and referred the case to Customs Adjudication authorities. Muhammad Naseem, representing the respondent, submitted a written reply against the show cause notice. Inspector Faizi Raza represented the department and reiterated the charge framed against the party. The stance of the respondent is that they are bona Tide and regular importer of dry fruits. The impounded goods have been legally imported and were being shifted from Quetta to Faisalabad through registered transport company with
bilties No: 2008 dated 2-05-2017 and 2011 dated 2-05-2017. The importers have placed on record GD No: KAPW-TP-168283 and 14625 showing import of almonds. Moreover, the representative of the seizing agency did not challenge the veracity and authenticity of the documents. Meanwhile, Customs Adjudication Collector Mirza Mubashir Baig on Thursday heard six cases against suspects involved in smuggling of
the customs authorities impounded the vehicle and smuggled items and referred the case to customs Adjudication authorities. Muhammad Naseem, representing the respondent, submitted a written reply against the show cause notice
tax on cotton: Shc’s raises issue of jurisdiction
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KARACHI
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www.customsbulletin.com he Sindh High Court raise the issue of jurisdiction and deferred further hearing as counsel for leading appellant sought time to seek instructions from his client Gadoon Textile Mills Ltd. A SHC appellate bench, comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Nazar Akbar, raised the issue while raising a number of constitution petitions pertaining to tax
on imported cotton. The petitioners challenged the levy of tax/duty at a rate of 5 per cent on imported cotton by Custom and tax ofTicials while according to petitioners, the rate of taxes/duty shall be of 1 per cent. As the arguments progressed, the bench asked that the impugned notice was issued from Regional Tax OfTice (RTO), Peshawar and how demand was also raised from Peshawar. “How can we exercise jurisdiction in it,” the bench observed. The counsel for appellants
submitted that import was recorded at Karachi and hence the issue of tax , levies also pertains to Karachi, hence SHC can exercise the jurisdiction. The petitioner has two mills one at Super Highway Karachi and another in Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate and therefore jurisdiction lies with SHC. The bench however was of the view that it is beyond jurisdiction of the court. The counsel for Petitioner in view of objection raised by the bench as to its jurisdiction sought a short adjournment.
Toyota Land Cruiser, Indian origin cloths, Toyota GYGNUS, and F/O aluminum foils for packing of cigarettes. Sajjad Zain-ul-Abideen was charged with smuggling of foreign origin (F/O) Toyota Land Cruiser, Registration No: ME-1 Islamabad, worth Rs16million. Muhammad Jameel was allegedly involved in duty and taxes evasion of Rs12.1million for smuggling Indian origin cloth into the country through illegal route.
ASF recovers heroin at Benazir airport irport Security Force (ASF) has recovered 1.5kg liquid heroin from the luggage of a passenger at the Benazir International Airport, Islamabad. The ASF officials, on suspicion, frisked the luggage of the passenger, who was going to Nigeria, and found liquid heroin concealed under the shampoo bottle.
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Cyclone damages 500kV transmission lines, 60 towers LAHORE: The National Transmission and Despatch Company Ltd (NTDC) has said that due to heavy cyclone 7 towers each of 500 kV Dadu-Guddu transmission line and 500 kV Dadu-Shikarpur transmission line were collapsed besides two towers of DaduJamshoro transmission line Circuit-II. The NTDC spokesman said that despite of such a big disaster, continuity of power supply was not affected as the protection system of NTDC, being the most reliable one, ensured not only un-interrupted power supply but also saved power system terminal equipments; hence no damage of any kind of equipment occurred.
Saturday May 27, 2017
Business
Budget 2017-18 would be balanced: kp cM PESHAWAR
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hyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak said that considerable increase would be made in the education and health allocations with sufTicient relief for teachers in the upcoming what he termed people friendly and balanced budget 2017-18. Addressing a public gathering here at Nowshera the CM said that rise in the allocations in education and health sector budget was inevitable to achieve the desire goal of making country prosper and developed. He claimed the budget 2017-18 would be pro-people bases on trans-
Budget preparations in full swing ISLAMABAD
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parent and uniform distribution of resources across the province and the beneTit of the development would be taken to every nook and corner of the province. CM said the teachers would be
Budget 2017-18: Duty, tax free import of 4m cotton bales annually proposed
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or the announcement of the federal budget 2017-18, the preparations continue in full swing in accordance with the prescribed timelines. In line with the tradition of the last three years, the well-being of the general public was the top priority of the government in the upcoming budget, official source said, adding that the budget measures would focus on employment generation and achieving higher, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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provided sufTicient relief in the coming KP budget and added that 45,000 teachers were recruited through transparent NTS test. As per the vision of the PTI, maximum utilization would be made on the poor segment
of the society in the next budget to improve the economic condition and established merit and justice based society. The Chief Minister made it clear that the KP government will not burden the people with more taxes adding that at the same time no compromised would be made on the provincial rights. He said that his government was concentrating on improving the lot of the youth and poor people and focusing on bringing radical reforms in government schools, hospitals, police stations and patwar circles. He maintained that all such evils were inherited to the present regimes by the previous rulers. Khattak said that now time has come that politicians would have to be made accountable for their wrong doings and misdeeds when they were in the power corridor.
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ll Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has proposed the government to allow import of duty and tax free 4 million bales of cotton per annum. In its budget proposals 2017/2018, it said that cotton is the major raw material and represent 80 percent in the Tiber mix in the textile products predominantly meant for exports. In view of the shortage of cotton during last two
years. It is submitted to allow important of 4 million bales of cotton per annum. There should be no duty and sales tax on the import of cotton. In order to ensure fair value of the cotton to farmers it is proposed to allow up to 2 million bales during the cotton harvesting period that is 15th August to 30th November. The Prime Minister of Pakistan on January 10, 2017 had announce Export Led Growth Package of Rs 180 Billion in a bid to boost country’s falling exports. The incentives in this regard were notiTied on January 23, 2017. So far Finance Min-
istry has released only Rs 1 billion for duty drawbacks claims. Exporters however claim that they are yet to receive any money under the scheme so far. Furthermore, the government had issued revised sales tax zerorating regime for Tive export oriented sector, i.e., textile, leather, carpets, surgical and sports goods from July 1, 2016 under which 5 percent sales tax is chargeable on supplies of locally-made Tinished articles of textile and leather products including Tinished fabrics to retailers or any other category of persons.
SNgpL, SSgcL detected 58,874 gas theft cases ISLAMABAD
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he Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) have detected theft of around 58,874 mmcf (million cubi feet) gas in their respective operational areas during the last three years. The companies identified around 133,106 gas theft cases and took legal action against pilferers, official sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. From July 2013 to August 2016, the SNGPL identified 130,516 theft cases, involving 18,031 mmcf gas and Rs 10,496 million in stolen money. While, it identified gas theft of 22,819 mmcf by non-consumers and 34,154 mmcf in law and order affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sources informed that the SSGCL had detected 1,265 theft cases, registered 118 FIRs (first information reports), charged 713 mmcf gas and recovered Rs 613 million from the industrial pilferers. Whereas, they said, the company ientified 1,335 cases, registered 91 FIRs against the domestic gas pilferers, who stolen 6,689 mmcf gas amounting to Rs 1,1992 million. Answering a question, the sources said the government had taken drastic measures against gas theft and illegal connections across the country that brought down the UFG (unaccounted for gas) by three percent.
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punjab cM lures investors with special tax incentives LAHORE
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hief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while inviting foreign companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, has assured investors that they will not face any bureaucratic hurdles while materialising their projects in the province. “I guarantee all foreign investors that their investments in Punjab will
be secure and they will not have to bribe anybody nor will their investments succumb to any red-tapism,” Shehbaz said, while speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day international seminar on business opportunities. The seminar was organised by the Punjab Industries Department and Punjab Board of Investment and Trade. Encouraging foreign investors to move forward and invest in this part of the world, the chief minister said:
“Peace is necessary for investment as Pakistani nation has rendered invaluable sacriTices for peace.” “Terrorism and fanaticism has damaged the national economy and obstructed economic activates but now peace has prevailed in Pakistan,” he added. This is the second seminar organised by the Punjab government under the theme: “Punjab means Business”. The seminar was attended by around 600 businesses, multinationals, foreign in-
vestors, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and chief executive ofTicers of foreign companies like China, Turkey, the UK, Sweden, Norway, the UAE, Korea and Pakistan. While the Tirst conference organised back in 2015 ended up in signing of more than 145 MoUs, this time investors may reap the fruits from special incentives already offered to them like Tiscal incentives, exemption from income tax for green Tield industrial undertakings, reduction of corpo-
rate tax for FDI from 31% to 20%, tax credit for multiple years to setup new industries, etc. “Investors are masters and their investment helps boost trade and economic activities in the country, besides promoting millions of new job related opportunities,” Sharif continued, adding: “It also proves very beneTicial to deal with poverty and joblessness issues. This is why local and foreign investors are very respectable for us.”
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Customs Zahid has inaugurated an additional International Container Terminal. Addressing the participants, Muhammad Zahid Khokhar congratulated the management of the Sialkot International Container Terminal Limited for developing the project on self-help basis and expressed his good wishes for the success of the terminal. He said that development of the new port will create new job opportunities in Sialkot. Addressing the gathering, Ms Sarwat Tahira Habib, Chief Collector (North), said that the Pakistan Customs has been serving the trading community of this area in a meaningful manner for the last 32 years. Round the clock export activity at Sialkot Dry Port Sambrial substantiates this claim. And now the commencement of this port would be an added challenge. She expressed hope that customs would live up to this challenge. She said that this new port can achieve success only, once all the stakeholders including businessman, agents, dry
port management staff and customs work in harmony and synergy for a common cause and goal i.e. national interest. The development of new dry port at Sialkot shall generate tremendous job opportunities to the local labour and thus would result in poverty alleviation and social development. The opening ceremony was attended by a large gathering comprising partici-
pants from trade and industry. With this development, Sialkot and its trading community can boast of their exuberance and energy, with respect to self development based on self reliance. Prior to this, the tangible achievements in this regard are a big Customs dry port, shouldering roughly Rs.100 billion of country’s export annually, and a state of the art international airport, which is expanding in terms of infrastructure, business and operations with each passing day. And now another customs station is in place to enhance and facilitate the supply chain to the international market from this area. Prominent among those who attended the ceremony includes Muhammad Saleem Ahmad Ranjah, Director General, FBR (IPRE), Ahmad Reza arwat Khan Collector Customs, S s M g, n i r Sialkot and Lt. Gen (r) , e ) h h at rt the g Muhammad Hamid or (No g t c n i e s l l s een f co b e i s Khan, Chairman, Addre a h c h , stoms habib Sialkot International is tan cu tahira s i k y of th a t i p Container Terminal n e u h hat t comm he Limited (SICTL). said t ading r for t
tr anne g the n i v r g ful m e n s i n a e rs nam 2 yea a re a i last 3
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Fitch ratings report
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itch Ratings has appreciated the stability of the Pakistani rupee against dollar even during the troubled times, but expresses dismay over rapid fall in the foreign exchange reserves. In its latest report on the financial state of the economy, it says the State Bank of Pakistan kept the rupee stable against dollar during its periods of appreciation. The ratings, an international ratings agency providing issuer and bond ratings, and research banks, corporations, sovereigns, structured and municipal finance, points out a sharp depreciation of the rupee now. However, it says that recent fall in foreignexchange reserves and widening of the current account deficit are manageable and will not deteriorate international financing conditions of the country. Though the independent economists have always expressed reservations over the three-year IMF programme that ended in September last year, the agency report appreciates the help from the donor agency in bringing general macroeconomic stability. It says that despite sharp decline in foreign reserves, the country would not face externalfinancing difficulties.The real time problems facing the economy is the current accounts deficit which showed marked raise in the third quarter of the current financial year and crossed $2.6 billion. On another note, the remittances sent by expatriate Pakistanis are declining, oil prices are rising in the international market and imports associated with infrastructure projects have significantly increased, adding external pressures on the financial health of the country. Fitch believes the State Bank has been keeping the rupee stable against the dollar for the last one and half years, and increase in deficit will not affect the international financing obligations of the country. The rating agency sees little chances in the widening of the current-account deficit in the near future and financing of the development project by China will offset the effects of deficit due to import of equipment and machinery related to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. The agency affirmed Pakistan’s rating at ‘B’ Stable in February but feared that higher capital imports and gradual recovery in energy prices will further widen the current-account deficit.The government will have to make hard choices as regional stability is being jeopardized by the eternal enemy of Pakistan, India, and it will definitely affect the flow of direct foreign investment in the country.
Misuse of petro-money A
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Dr AFtAB AFZAL
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ccording to newspaper reports, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was given cold reception by the royal family in Saudi Arabia in utter disregard to the traditional Arab hospitality and norms of international diplomacy. No matter how ordinary Saudis see and behave with South Asian workers and hurl slurs of ‘rafique’ and ‘maskeen’ on them, the uncalled for behavior with the prime minister of Pakistan cannot be justified from any angle and it belies norms of decency and civility. Pakistanis have special regard
for the holy land and its people, but the way the ruling family is behaving or misbehaving with Pakistani officials will pay them back in the same manner in the times to come. The proposed alliance of the Islamic countries, pushed ahead by Saudi Arabia, is apparently against terrorism, but in fact it is an anti-Iran alliance. The royal family of Hejaz and Najad has already stashed petro-money in US and European banks and the latest move to buy billions of dollars arms is to persuade US President Trump to perpetuate their tyrant rule in that country. One fails to understand what Mr Sharif was doing in that country in the first place
where he was an unwanted guest. It is unfortunate that the Saudi and UAE monarchs love to stash their money in US and Swiss banks, but come to Pakistan to prey on the threatened species every year. One fails to understand why the rulers of this country have no respect in themselves and for this nation and why they present Pakistan as a beggar state at every international forum. Saudis have signed deals worth $350 billion with the United States, but never bother to invest anything in Pakistan. On another note, Pakistanis are the leading visitors of the holy land and spend nearly $1 billion annually on Haj and Umra tours. The time has come the
rulers of the country should assert their authority as part of a respectable nation and forget to respect the royal family which does not know the norms of hospitality. Pakistan is rising economic power and Saudi Royal family is sitting on a sinking ship. We should not be part of any alliance against our immediate neighbor Iran. It should also be noted that Iran was the first country of the world which had recognized Pakistan in the United Nations. The general criteria is that respect the one who respects you. Pakistan doesn’t need any help from Saudi Arabia and let the royal family face the consequences of its wrongdoings.
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Dubai tools, hardware trade at AED5.07bn DUBAI: Dubai’s hardware and tools trade was valued at AED5.07 billion in 2016, with the USA, China, Italy, Germany, and India, the Emirate’s top five trading partner countries of construction-related equipment and machinery for the year. According to figures released by the Dubai Customs today (22 May), Dubai imported AED3.6 billion worth of hardware and tools last year, while exports and reexports into neighboring countries were valued at AED1.467 billion. The USA maintains its position as Dubai’s number one trading partner country, with hardware and tools trade between the two valued at AED808 million last year – 18 per cent of the total figure. China was next, with AED757 million worth of trade (15 per cent), followed by Italy (AED433 million), and Germany (AED357 million).
Dubai chamber invites uruguayan cos to participate in Business Forum DUBAI
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wah Industries interested in setting up JVs with private sector A
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high-level delegation from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently met with Uruguay’s Vice President H.E. Raul Sendic in Montevideo to formally invite him to attend the 2nd Global Business Forum on Latin America, which is set to be held in Dubai early next year. During the meeting, H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, and H.E. Sendic discussed ways to expand that both sides enhance economic cooperation and work towards partnerships that can create mutual benefits. H.E. Al Ghurair stated that Dubai and Uruguay have the expertise and resources to form the foundation for fruitful economic cooperation in the future. He provided an overview of the 2nd Global
delegation of Wah Industries Limited (WIL) led by its General Manager (Sales & Marketing) Wasif Afzaal Taseer visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore the possibilities of joint ventures with private sectors for manufacturing of commercial products. Raza Haider, the General Manager PMT Labs and Khalid Latif Director PMT Labs of Wah Industries Limited was also in the delegation. Speaking at the occasion, Wasif Afzaal Taseer, General Manager (Sales & Marketing), Wah Industries said that WIL was established on November 7, 1958 as a commercial enterprise of Pakistan Ordinance Factories to utilize maximum spare production capacity of POF’s men, machinery and materials for production of commercial products. He said the WIL has not branched out into many subsidiaries including Wah Nobel (Pvt ) Ltd., Attock Chemicals (Pvt) Ld, Hi-Tech Plastic (Pvt) Ltd and Wah Brass Mill (Pvt) Ltd and was now opening up to private
Business Forum on Latin America and discussed some of the main benefits and features of the high-profile event. Dubai Chamber’s chairman described the forum as an ideal platform to showcase trade and investment opportunities in Uruguay, and noted that H.E. Sendic’s participation in the inaugural forum last year reflected the country’s strong commitment to improving relations with Dubai and the UAE. H.E. Al Ghurair revealed that DubaiUruguay non-oil trade reached $31 million in 2016 a 35% increase compared to 2010. He added that Uruguay’s exports to Dubai, dominated by agricultural commodities and food products, amounted to $6 million during the same year. Renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, financial services, logistics, construction, construction, manufacturing and industry were highlighted as key sectors where UAE businesses and their Uruguayan counterparts can boost trade.
S Lanka calls on SAArc countries to collaborate to boost trade, investment
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ri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen has called on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to collaborate rather than compete to boost the trade and investments. “I believe more FDIs can be sourced for SAARC if we collaborate, rather than compete. Even trade within the SAARC countries is less than 6 percent,” Minister Bathiudeen said addressing a press briefing held to announce the SAARC Investment Forum & Trade Fair in September. He pointed out that Sri Lanka’s historic Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) started not with any distant
sector for joint ventures in order for optimum utilization of its production facilities. He desired that private sector should join hands with it for mutual development and growth. He at the occasion gave a detailed presentation about various products being manufactured by the WIL including 12 bore Shaheen cartridges, 30 bore ammunition, nonferrous and ferrous products, acids and chemicals, uniforms & clothing items, all type of plastic items, lab testing and PHO solutions etc.
continents but in its own backyardand more investments in South Asia can help stop the brain drain from the region where a quarter of global population are living. The briefing was jointly organized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCSL), and Islamabad based SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARCCCI). At the session Islamabad’s SAARCCCI presented a study report on “SAARC Investment Outlook” while FCCISL unveiled its report “Eliminating Non-Tariff Barriers on Sri Lanka to Improve Trade with SAARC Countries on Selected Products”. “SAARC Investment Outlook” manual by Islamabad’s SAARCCCI introduces many prospective large scale investment opportunities
Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his welcome remarks said that WIL should provide easy access to the private sector so that entrepreneurs could explore prospects for business partnerships with it. He said WIL has good quality facilities of lab testing and calibration and it should create more awareness about its facilities in the private sector so that industrialists could avail its facilities for improving the quality and standard of their
available among SAARC members in heavy infrastructure, energy, tourism, and agro and dairy sectors. “The Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement allow more than 8000 product lines to be exported to these two markets at zero duty. Minister Bathiudeen and added that Sri Lanka is also a proud partner of South Asia Free Trade Agreement. Minister Bathiudeen said the brain drain has become an issue in SAARC countries. “We cannot retain skills if we do not have investment,” he said. He pointed out that low time period given for SAARC visa is also impacting SAARC business. Lack of investment and integration in South Asia are also reasons for these obstacles.
products. He said it was encouraging that WIL was opening up for private sector and hoped that the collaboration of WIL with private sector would create win-win business collaborations. It would also help in exploring new markets for it and expanding its geographical reach. He assured that ICCI was ready to cooperate with WIL in Tinding sustainable JVs with private sector so that public-private partnership model could achieve more beneTicial results for the country.
FpccI seeks zero-rate sales tax for rice sector in budget 17-18 ederation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has asked the government to introduce zero-rate of sales tax for rice sector, which is the second largest export oriented after textile. The FPCCI, in its budget proposals, 2017-18, said that there is a great potential to further increase of exports in this sector. The FPCCI said that increase in export remittance and inflow of precious foreign exchange. It said that rice itself is already an exempt product. However allowing zero rating on its packing material, machinery or other input used in setting up of its infra-structure may further boost this sector. –CB Report
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Naveed Narejo posted as Additional Commissioner-IR ISLAMABAD: Naveed Ali Narejo, a BS-18 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has been given the charge of the post of Additional Commissioner-IR, Corporate Regional Tax Office, Karachi, on OPS with immediate effect & until further orders. The officer, presently posted as Deputy Commissioner-IR, Corporate Regional Tax Office, Karachi, has been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available at all FBR major field offices or by using IJP login.
Saturday May 27, 2017
Islamabad Suspension period of Appraiser Qamar Jamal extended ISLAMABAD
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rashida made Deputy commissioner-Ir in karachi R
ISLAMABAD
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he competent authority has extended suspension period of Qamar Jamal, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-16, for a further period of three months. The authority, in continuation of Board’s Notification No.0381-C-III/2017 dated 08.02.2017, suspended the officer, presently posted as Appraiser at MCC Appraisement-West, Karachi for a further period of three months with effect from May 8. Meanwhile, The performance allowance in respect of Moin-ud-Din Ahmad Wani, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-19, has been restored. The performance allowance (equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay) in respect of the officer, presently posted as Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Peshawar, has been restored with effect from September 29, 2015 to November 2, 2015.
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Abdul wahid made Additional commissioner-Ir bdul Wahid Shar, Inland Revenue Service officer of BS-18, has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner-IR, Large Taxpayers Unit-II, Karachi on OPS basis. The officer, presently posted as Deputy Commissioner-IR, Large Taxpayers Unit, Karachi, has been transferred and posted with immediate effect & until further orders. According to the notification, if the officer is drawing performance allowance (equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay), he will continue to draw the same on his new place of posting. The officer has been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available to FBR or by using IJP logins. –CB Report
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ashida Khalil, a BS-18 ofTicer of Inland Revenue Service, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner-IR, Corporate Regional Tax OfTice, Karachi. The ofTicer, presently posted as Deputy Commissioner-IR, Regional Tax OfTice, Quetta, will be relieved from her duties to join CRTO, Karachi during the Tirst week of July, 2017. According to the notiTication, if the ofTicer is drawing performance allowance (equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay) she will continue to draw the same on her new place of posting. The ofTicer has been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available to FBR or by using IJP logins. Meanwhile, Kazi Afzal, a BS-19 of-
Ticer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Commissioner-IR (OPS). The ofTicer, in pur-
suance of Board’s NotiTication No. 1390-IR-II/2017, dated 11.05.2017, took the charge of the post of Com-
missioner-IR (OPS) (Zone-I) at Regional Tax OfTice, Hyderabad with effect from May 11, 2017.
hyderabad ASo seizes 63 kg opium on tip-off M
HYDERABAD
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odel Customs Collectorate, Anti-Smuggling Organization, Hyderabad Customs Preventive Larkana-Khairpur, conTiscated 63 kilogram of opium. Following a tip-off, Customs staff of ASO squad (Larkana), MCC Hyderabad, on 24th of May 2017, foiled an attempt of smuggling of 63 kg opium valued around Rs130million in the international market by intercepting a trailer and arrested the driver of vehicle. Collector Hyderabad Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq directed his staff to curb smuggling attempts in the region. Sources told Customs Today that Additional Collector Rehmatulah Vistro received a tip-off regarding the smuggling. He formed a team under the supervision of Assistant Collector Mumtaz Ali, Customs Preventive Larkana comprising Superintendent Abu Muhammad Warsi including inspector, sepoys and others. The Customs staff of the ASO squad intercepted a trailer carrying
two containers near Larkana-Khairpur Bridge and recovered 63 kilogram of opium which was being
smuggled from Peshawar into Karachi. The ASO apprehended the driver of the vehicle. A case has
been registered under the relevant provisions of bylaws and further investigation is underway.
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3 meetings scheduled for tomorrow to fix Customs values of different items KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has scheduled three meetings with the stakeholders, including importers, traders and industry representatives to determine customs values of different items. According to the schedule on three meetings would be held with the representatives of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), importers and manufacturers of Massage Chair,Foot Massager etc, Fax Machine and Weighing Scale at 11:00am, 10:30am and 12:00am respectively.
customs court grants interim pre-arrest bail to car smuggler KARACHI
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ustoms (Taxation & Anti-Smuggling) Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi granted an interim pre-arrest bail to accused named Fahad Idrees S/o Muhammad Idress booked in a case of non-duty-paid/smuggled Toyota Crown Saloon car with registration N0: BEZ-998. During the hearing, accused moved an application for pre-arrest bail. The counsel argued that his client is innocent and was falsely implicated in this case. His counsel moved application for protective bail before the High Court of Balochistan, Quetta, which granted his 18-day protective bail against the surety of Rs500000 and now accused surrendered himself to this court. After his arguments, court
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granted his bail and observed in its order that “Without touching the merits of the case, an interim pre-arrest bail is granted to accused by furnishing surety in the sum of Rs200000 each with PR bond in the like amount to the satisfaction of this court. The court also directed accused to join investigation if and when required by the investigation officer and appear before the court on the next date of hearing. The court also called the police papers and issued notice to special prosecutor for the Customs Department. According to the prosecution, on a tip-off dated 12/08/2016, officials of the AntiSmuggling Organization recovered the said car on RCD Highway near Customs Moachko Choke Point Karachi. After the formalities, a case was registered against the accused in violation of Section 2 (s) 32 and 178 of Customs Act-1969 punishable under clauses (8) (89) and (14) of section 156 (1) ibid.
Saturday May 27, 2017
Karachi
Fifteen-day prison park Lane hospital moves for smuggler of 350 live tortoises Shc against recovery notices of rs 102 million C KARACHI
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uhammad Ajmal Siddiqui, proprietor of Park Lane Hospital, has approached the Sindh High Court (SHC), seeking early disposal of his appeals pending before the Commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-III. Siddiqui had Tiled the petition in the SHC, challenging tax notices of Rs 102 million. Counsel for the petitioner stated in his constitutional petition that he is running a hospital under the title of Park Lane Hospital and fulTills all the liabilities properly. On 13/04/2017, Assistant/Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Unit10 Zone-01, Regional Tax OfTice-II, passed the orders for the tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016 making a demand of above mentioned amount. According to the petitioner, he moved the Commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-III, Zone-III RTO, and filed appeals against the impugned demand notice along with stay applications, however Commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-III did not decide his appeals yet. Therefore, in the absence of any stay order, he fears that some
coercive action might be taken by the respondents. Citing to Commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-III, Zone-III RTO, Commissioner Inland Revenue Unit-10 Zone-01, Regional Tax Office-II and Assistant/Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Unit-10 Zone-01, Regional Tax Office-II as respondents, the petitioner pleaded with the court to kindly direct the CIR Appeals to decide his appeals within a reasonable period
and till final decision of his appeals, tax department restrain from taking any coercive measures. Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the Tax Department and Deputy Attorney General of Pakistan and directed them to Tile their para-wise comments on a constitutional petition Tiled by the DFL Corporation Private Ltd seeking exemption from levy of Income Tax under clauses 103A 2 part I of Second Schedule of Ordinance-2001.
ustoms Taxation & AntiSmuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi awarded a 15-day imprisonment and Rs50000 fine on accused Baz Muhammad S/o Dost Muhammad on pleading guilty. He was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle 350 live tortoises (said to be Central Asian Tortoise of Afghan Tortoise “ Testudo Horsfieldi”) valued of Rs1750000. During the hearing, abovementioned accused appeared before the court along with his counsel who moved an application for pleading guilty. After the arguments, court awarded the 15-day imprisonment (already undergone period) and imposed a fine of Rs50000 on him. If accused fails to pay the fine then he shall undergo an imprisonment of further three months in the Central Jail Karachi. According to the prosecution, officials of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) had arrested the accused with the illegal possession of 350 live tortoises.
Dg Valuation revises customs values of biscuits
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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of biscuits Valuation Ruling No 1162/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act 1969. According to the details, customs values of various types of Biscuits from different origins were determined vide Valuation Ruling No. 838/2016 dated 20.04.2016 and those of Danish Cookies were circulated vide VDB No.57/2016 dated 19.10.2016. Some importers Tiled applications before the Director Valuation, Karachi, for re-determina-
tion of values in the light of orders of the Sindh High Court, in C.P. No. 6918/2015 (M/s Danish Jehangir). Hence an exercise was initiated by the Directorate General to determine the customs values afresh. A meeting was scheduled on 1105-2017 with stakeholders and importers of subject goods which was attended by representatives of clearance Collectorate also. All stakeholders were requested to submit invoices of imports during last three months showing factual values. The importers / stakeholders contended that market surveys were earlier conducted from high end retail outlets and requested that different markets be consulted for
the survey of subject goods. They further insisted that subject goods were actually being purchased / imported at much lower values than those determined vide Order-inRevision No. 233/2016 dated 18.08.2016. The importers insisted that since the subject goods are mainly being sold at super and general store, therefore, a lot more expenses (breakage due to shifting from place to place, expiry, self-rent, marketing expenses) etc. are incurred thus increasing their retail price. The view point of all stakeholders was considered before arriving at customs values of biscuits. Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has re-
vised the customs values of automotive oil Tilter and air Tilter Denso brand (genuine parts) through Valuation Ruling No 1163/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details, a representation was received from M/s Indus Motors that oil Tilter and air Tiler of Denso brand (genuine parts) are being cleared by mis-declaration of their values. Therefore, the Directorate General initiated an exercise under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969 to determine the customs values of the subject goods Meeting was held on 21-03-2017, with the representatives of M/s Indus Motor Co, Ltd., Karachi, M/s. Pak Suzuki Motor Co (Pvt) Ltd.
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Rubber glove exports at RM4bil and set to grow Saturday May 27, 2017
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TELUK INTAN: Malaysian rubber gloves are highly sought after by many countries and for the first quarter of 2017, the country exported more than RM4bil worth of product. This is a 26% increase compared to the first quarter of 2016, which recorded RM3.2bil in sales. Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said Malaysian rubber products are currently exported to more than 195 countries while exports have increased more than threefold from RM5.4bil in 2000 to RM18.2bil in 2016. He said that out of the total exports for rubber products, RM13.3bil, or 73%, was contributed by rubber gloves. “Malaysia has remained a world leader in rubber glove exports for the last two decades, capturing over 60% share in the global market.
Abu Dhabi customs seizes 7,440 alcohol bottles at border
european banks lead the way in Q1 ratings upgrades DUBLIN
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bu Dhabi customs ofTicials have seized 7,440 bottles of alcohol being smuggled out of the country on a truck carrying metal tubes. On Tuesday, the Abu Dhabi General Administration of Customs said a truck which was carrying metal tubes arrived at the western Al Ghuwaifat border crossing on the way to a neighbouring country. One of the inspectors grew suspicious about the cargo it was carrying and questioned the truck’s driver about its contents. The truck was inspected using X-ray machines, which revealed professionally designed hidden compartments within the vehicle. The compartments contained a number of hidden boxes. Later, once the truck was transferred to the inspection area, it was proved that those boxes contained
europe ruling creates new hurdle for eu-Singapore FtA n a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that the European Union’s free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, which was initialed in 2013, cannot be ratified at EU level and needs individual member state approval. The judgement has ruled that the consent of all EU-27 governments and parliaments is required for the bloc’s international trade deals, a move which is likely to create further stumbling blocks for other trade deals that are already struggling to be pushed through. The court ruled that the EU does not have exclusive competence in two areas: nondirect foreign investment, and the regime governing dispute settlement between investors and states. “It follows that the free trade agreement can, as it stands, only be concluded by the EU and the member states jointly,” said the court in its ruling. –CB Report
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7,440 bottles of alcohol. Inspectors issued a seizure report, seized the alcohol and transferred the truck driver to the authorities concerned to take the necessary legal action. Pictures of the haul by Customs ofTicials showed bottles of whisky and vodka. “The administration is committed to adopt the latest systems
and procedures of inspections which would support customs centres and their key role to prevent smuggling attempts through land, sea and air ports,” said Mohammad Khadim Al Hameli, Acting DirectorGeneral. OfTicials consider Al Ghuwaifat border crossing to be one of the largest and most important customs centres in the UAE.
Finnish customs seizes 950 kg of tainted, carcinogenic spices
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innish Customs has seized nearly one tonne of spices which were incorrectly labelled or contained dangerous ingredients, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The agency is taking part in the joint Europol-Interpol operation Opson VI, an international endeavour which targets counterfeit and substandard food products, and the organised crime networks behind the trade. Finnish Customs has seized
some 950.5 kg of imported turmeric, curry and chilli because the spices were in breach of food safety regulations, Finland’s biggest daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reports. OfTicials uncovered chilli and turmeric that were found to contain the food colouring agent Sudan, which is a known carcinogenic and banned for use in food. They were found at a small Asian grocery store in Helsinki. –CB Report
anks led the way in a positive Tirst quarter for European corporate credit ratings, according to S&P Ratings, as the eurozone’s increasingly robust recovery helped to ease pressures on the sector which has been burdened by low interest rates and large numbers of bad loans left over from the Tinancial crisis. S&P upgraded European 14 banks during the Tirst three months of the year, out of a total of 34 Tinancial and nonTinancial companies. Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank were among Tive German groups to be upgraded, just months after Commerzbank was forced to launch a major restructuring programme to boost proTits and US misconduct charges sparked fears Deutsche could be left critically short of capital.
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Other upgrades reTlected the strength of recovery among some of the countries that were most badly affected by the Tinancial crisis. Three of Ireland’s “Big Four” banks were upgraded, along with two Spanish and two Portuguese lenders. The Irish government was forced to nationalise Permanent TSB and Allied Irish Banks during the Tinancial crisis, as well as rescue Bank of Ireland, but S&P said in a report earlier this year that the sector had since got “back to where [it] once belonged”. The total of 34 upgrades compared favourably with only 17 downgrades over the quarter, though the outlook for the coming quarters may not be quite as bright: the balance of companies with a negative outlook compared to those with a positive outlook worsened slightly compared to the end of 2016. At the end of the period, 16 per cent of rated companies had a negative outlook – which signals a one in three chance of being downgraded in the next two years.
Jetex expands services to Spain ubai-based aviation services provider Jetex has expanded its global network to Spain with three new ground handling locations in the country, at BarcelonaEl Prat, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airports. Operating from the general aviation terminal in each instance, the company will provide 24/7 support, including aircraft fueling, ground handling, parking and ramp services. Customs and immigration facilities and hangar space are also available at all three locations. “Spain is an important player in the European business aviation
community, as indicated by a 6.4 percent year-over-year growth in Tlight departures,” said company CEO and president Adel Mardini. “With the Spanish economy forecasted to grow strongly over the next few years and tourism on the rise, Jetex is positioning itself to provide the highest level of service at these key airports, as private jet trafTic increases in the country.” At all three locations, the company will provide executive and crew lounges, meeting rooms, concierge service; and private car parking will be available in addition to other amenities. –CB Report
cosco-led port of piraeus in greece posts higher results
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he Cosco-managed Piraeus Port Authority (OLP) is ready to declare an international tender for an 80K-ton Tloating dock to dramatically boost its ship repair presence in the greater Piraeus area. Despite certain delays in OLP’s
planning to date, mostly attributed to “hiccups” from the initial privatization process, the next steps in a strategic business plan for Greece’s biggest and busiest port deal with boosting cruise ship arrivals, inaugurating a logistics center, expanding into the ship repair zone, a new car terminal and repairs to the Pier I at the container port. The coming upgrades were speciTically mentioned
during an annual brieTing at the Association of Institutional Investors over OLP’s results, and speciTically for 2016.The investment plan that was approved last October by OLP’s board of directors reaches 137.5 million Euros for 2017 alone, part of mandatory investments included in the concession contract between the Greek state and shipping giant China Cosco Shipping Corp. Ltd. The
Shanghai-based multinational has also promised greater investments on top of the sum included in the contract, with the Chinese side repeatedly pledging to turn the port of Piraeus into the biggest such facility in the Mediterranean.OLP plans to add six new cruise ship slots at the port, including docking space for the biggest such vessels plying the world’s seas.
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Govt’s revenue collection jumps over 40% KHATMANDU: The government’s revenue collection jumped 43.8 percent in the first nine months of the current fiscal year on the back of a surge in tax and non-tax receipts. The government generated Rs419 billion in tax and non-tax receipts in the nine-month period of 2016-17, compared to Rs291.4 billion in the same period a year ago, according to the latest report by Nepal Rastra Bank. The income generated during the period starting from mid-July to mid-April was 74 percent of its annual revenue collection target of Rs565.9 billion. The government’s revenue surged in the first nine months of the current fiscal year due to higher collection of customs and excise duties, value added tax and registration fees, officials of the Ministry of Finance said.
3 Indians among 15 held with demonetised notes in Nepal ifteen people, including three Indians, have been arrested in Nepal for allegedly carrying demonetised Indian currency worth over Rs two crore here, police said today. A special team of Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CIB) yesterday seized Indian banknotes with face value of Rs 21.08 million from different places in Kathmandu. The CIB raided a rented house of Kamala Bhandari of Morang district and confiscated two bags containing Rs 9.8 million, Superintendent of Police Meera Chaudhary said. Bhandari’s arrest led to seizure of an additional Rs 11.18 million from a private car parked on the premises of an hotel in the outskirts of Kathmandu. “On a tip-off, we launched the operation and took 15 suspects into custody for smuggling demonetised banknotes to Nepal from India with a motive of earning profit by exchanging them for Nepali rupees through various criminal networks,” a CIB official said. –CB Report
World Customs
customs nabs accused involved in smuggling of cigarettes
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Joint naval forces foil smuggling Somalia’s coal he joint naval forces command in Bahrain announced thwarting an attempt of smuggling shipments of Somalia coal into the State of Kuwait. The command said in a statement to KUNA that the shipments were seized in collaboration and coordination with different naval forces apparatuses in the Arabia Gulf and Kuwait Coastguard Department. There was information that some ships carrying huge quantities of Somalia’s forbidden coal headed to territorial waters of Kuwait, the statement added. The coal is banned in accordance with a United Nations Security Council resolution to prevent funding terrorist groups in Somalia. It is the first seizure in its kind. –CB Report
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ri Lanka Customs ofTicials have arrested an individual at the Katunayake Airport this morning for attempting to illegally bring a stock of cigarettes worth Rs. 1.8 million into the country from Kuwait. The suspect, a 45-year-old resident of Colombo has arrived in a flight from Kuwait. He has brought 181 packs of cigarettes in three bags. A Customs official said the
cigarettes were produced in Turkey. The stock of cigarettes has been confiscated by the Customs officials and the suspect has been fined Rs. 100,000. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Ceylon Tobacco Company’s profit after tax (PAT) stood at Rs. 3.19 billion for the three months ended 31 March 2017, the company said in its Summary of Performance report. The significant price hikes in the 4th quarter of 2016 due to the excise increase in October and the introduction of 15% VAT in November, resulted in volumes of 1st quarter 2017 decline by 29% vs same period last year. It is anticipated that these
price hikes will continue to impact both CTC volumes and government revenue from CTC during the remainder of 2017. Ceylon Tobacco Company’s contribution to the Government Revenue through Excise for the first quarter of 2017 was Rs. 19.7 billion, which is an 11.1% reduction compared to the first quarter of 2016. Historical Compound Annual Growth Rate of 13.0% delivery of Government Revenue will not materialize in the current year, the CTC said. As a result of the business impact of the price increases, the Company noted a 4.9% reduction in net turnover vs. same period last year.
Saturday May 27, 2017
oman to sell $2b of Islamic bonds: Finance minister man plans to sell $2 billion (Dh7.34 billion) of Islamic bonds this month as it seeks to trim a large budget deficit caused by lower oil revenue, Finance Minister Darwish Al Balushi said. The crude exporter’s budget deficit will reach 12 per cent of economic output this year and it will continue to narrow in the coming years, Al Balushi said in an interview Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the Islamic Development Bank’s annual meeting. “We are confident that our economy is heading in the right direction because the government has taken several measures for economic and fiscal reform,” he said. “These measures led to improvement in the fiscal situation and the government will continue to take more measures.” Al Balushi added that rivatisation is among the reforms being undertaken by the government, including public-private partnerships. Oman’s budget deficit swelled to almost 21 per cent of gross domestic product in 2016, according to the International Monetary Fund. With smaller oil reserves and less of a cushion in government savings than its wealthier neighbours, Oman is one of the most vulnerable countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council as lower oil prices pressure state finances. –CB Report
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Spain, ecuador seizes 5.5 Mt of cocaine in pacific
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panish authorities cooperated with Ecuadorean police to intercept a ship off that Latin American country bringing more than 5.5 metric tons of cocaine to Spain, ofTicials said. In a separate drug seizure announced Monday, Spanish police said they stopped a ship carrying 2.5 metric tons of cocaine in a joint operation with the U.S. Drug En-
forcement Agency, Britain’s National Crime Agency, and police in neighboring Portugal. Ecuadorean agents boarded a freighter when it was almost 3 nautical miles off the coast of Ecuador’s Santa Elena province, Spain’s Interior Ministry said in a statement. The ship was loaded with Colombian cocaine in the PaciTic and planned to travel through the Panama Canal and across the Atlantic to Europe, the statement said. The shipment was believed to be organized by a drug-trafTicking ring in northeastern Galicia.
Ecuadorean police found 176 bags of cocaine concealed in the cargo and arrested the 20 men on the ship. One of them was a Spaniard allegedly belonging to the Galician ring. Four others were arrested in Spain. The statement did not give a date for the operation. Meanwhile, a Venezuela-Tlagged ship was intercepted by Spanish special operations police and customs agents at sea on May 4, according to a police statement, and was towed to Las Palmas in Spain’s Canary Islands. The seven crew members were ar-
rested. The police operation began after Spain found out in January that a South American ring with links in Spain was organizing a large shipment. That information was corroborated by intelligence also gathered by the U.S., Britain and Portugal, the statement said. Large seizures of cocaine and cannabis aren’t uncommon in Iberia, which is seen as a drug gateway to Europe. Spanish police captured almost eight metric tons of cocaine from four vessels in 2015 and 2016 and arrested 80 people, the police statement said.
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LHC seeks reply from FBR in M/s Diamond Foam tax case Saturday May 27, 2017
Lahore
LAHORE: The Lahore high court has asked the Inland Revenue department of Gujranwala to submit reply in alleged tax evasion case of M/s Diamond Foam Company. Sources told Customs Today that Inland Revenue department of Federal Board of Revenue Gujranwala has confiscated the sales record of M/s Diamond Foam Private Limited in alleged tax evasion case. Lawyer of the applicant party advocate Nasser Shah told the court that Inland Revenue department bas raided the factory and confiscated all record of the company. He said that FBR has violated the section 175 of Pakistan Customs Act as they did not send any notice to the company before seizing all of their record.
court approves remand of suspects involved in smuggling
customs preventive, ANF foil bid to smuggle heroin to Saudi Arabia
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he Customs Preventive and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), in a joint operation at Allama Iqbal International Airport, foiled a bid to smuggle one kilogram heroin to Saudi Arabia. Sources told Customs Today that on a tip-off, the Customs Preventive team intercepted a resident of Sialkot, Hammad Zafar, who was carrying one kilogram heroin tactfully hidden in a lunch box. The Customs team arrested the suspect from the departure lounge of Allama Iqbal International Airport when he was about to leave for Saudi Arabia through a Tlight number 474. The accused covered the heroin tactfully in a home-made
customs central region collects rs 7,796m duty, taxes he Customs Central Region has collected Rs 7,796 million all duty and taxes during the first 15 days of May 2017. As per details, the Customs Appraisement Lahore collected Rs 3,335 million during the period under review while the Customs Lahore Preventive collected Rs 1,566 million in 15 days. On the other hand, the Collectorate of Multan collected Rs 2,379 million during the period under review. In the same way, the collectorate of Customs Faisalabad collected Rs 515 million in 15 days. Overall the Central Region collected duty and taxes from four collectorates worth Rs 7,796 million to achieve the targets. Sources said that Chief Collector of Customs Central Region Zeba Hai Azhar has called a collectors conference in order to stress upon the need to intensify efforts to achieve target for the financial year 2016-17. –CB Report
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sweet (halwa). The value of seized heroin is about Rs 15 million in international market. The Anti Narcotics Force and Customs Preventive teams arrested the accused and started investigations. It is necessary to mention here that Customs Preventive and other law enforcement agencies adopted strict measures to curb smuggling of narcotics and other contraband items through airports. Meanwhile, Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) team deputed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport has foiled an attempt of smuggling of heroine from Lahore to Saudi Arabia. According to sources of Customs Today Anti Narcotics Force has arrested a man who attempted to smuggle heroin to Saudi Arabia. The arrested person was identified as Mehboob Hussain. The accused had concealed fine heroin in cooked food.
M IMrAN MehAr
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling sent three suspects to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. Sources told Customs Today that the suspects, Afzal Khan, Raheem Shah and Gulab Khan, were arrested by the Customs Intelligence and Investigations. A Customs Intelligence and Investigation team had recovered a huge quantity of smuggled electronic goods from their possession worth Rs 8 million. During proceedings lawyer of Customs Intelligence told the court that accused persons were involved in smuggling of goods from Afghanistan to Lahore via different routes. They caused huge loss to national kitty in the wake of taxes and duties. Customs Intelligence and In-
vestigation team produced them before the customs court after completion of their physical remand. Judge of the customs court sent them to jail on judicial remand. Customs Intelligence and Investigation has registered case against them under Customs Act 1969. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling handed over two accused persons to Customs Intelligence and Investigation team on physical re-
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mand for three days. Sources told Customs Today that two accused Rehmat Ali and Nasir Khan were arrested by the customs intelligence. Customs intelligence has recovered huge quantity of foreign made smuggled cloths and related goods from their possession. Customs intelligence lawyer told the court that accused persons aree involved in smuggling of cloths from Afghanistan to Lahore and Faisalabad via different routes.
FBr asked to bring new non-registered customs recovers alcohol at Lahore Airport ustoms Preventive team de- hol. Customs allowed all passengers industrial units in tax net puted at Allama Iqbal Interna- to go after conTiscation of alcohol
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) should detect new taxpayers instead of those who already are already paying taxes. These views were expressed by Standing Committee on Embroidery Industry Convener Haji Muhammad Akram while addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said that the FBR ofTicers should go after the tax evaders who have been living luxurious life and paying not a single penny as tax.
He said that FBR ofTicers are raiding on the industrial units which are registered and paying their tax liabilities. He said that if the FBR would take coercive measures against the registered taxpayers the new taxpayers would not dare to opt for getting registered with FBR. On the other hand, he said that the FBR should work on bringing in to the tax net the new industrialist units and new taxpayers who are evading taxes by not getting registered. –CB Report
tional Airport conTiscated 10 alcohol bottles from passengers travelling via different Tlights during a raid at Allama Iqbal International Airport. Sources told Customs Today that the team conducted operations on different Tlights coming from Dubai, Turkey, Jeddah and Muscat to Lahore. Customs Preventive team took action on PIA Tlight 790, PK 888, PK 204, Turkish Airways 715, Gulf Air 790 and Saudi Arabian SV726. During actions in these Tlights customs staff recovered 10 bottles of alco-
bottles from their possession. Customs has also conTiscated two LED’s of 40 inches from two passenger six cell phones, wireless sets and 30 kilograms of mobile accessories were also recovered from Lahore airport. Customs has conTiscated all the recovered alcohol bottles and has started investigations. It is common practice that passengers coming from European countries carries bottles of alcohol with them but many times they left that in premises of airport to avoid from being arrest. –CB Report
FBr recovers rs5 m from M/s Newtech private Ltd
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LAHORE
cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com
he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has freeze the accounts of M/s Newtech Private Limited and also recovered Rs 50 lakh from bank accounts of the above mention company. Sources told Customs Today
that M/s Newtech Private Limited was a defaulter of Rs 130 million income tax. Earlier as per details FBR has been taking strict action against defaulters these days. During an operation against defaulters, it has freeze the accounts of M/s Newtech Private Limited where ambulances and other high tech equipment are manufactured.
The company was nominated in the list of income tax defaulters for not paying Rs. 13 Crore. FBR has also recovered an amount of Rs50 lakh during this process. It is pertinent to mention here that FBR expedited their efforts to recover outstanding amount from defaulters are current Fiscal Year 2016-17 is going to expire soon.
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Six ships take berth at Port Qasim KARACHI: Six ships, C.V MSC Joanna, C.V Al-Rawdah, M.V Rui Ning-2, M.V Frauke, M.T Argent Freesia and M.T Genie carrying containers, Coal, Project Cargo, Phosphoric Acid and Furnace oil were arranged berthing at Qasim International Container Terminal, Multi Purpose Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) here on Tuesday. Meanwhile four more ships CMA CGM Amazon, Express Black Sea, Umm Bab and Frontier Leader with Containers, LNG and Canola Seeds also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours.
port of orillia to see more visitors this year due to sesquicentennial usan Lang expects a busy year when it comes to Orillia’s waterfront. The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce manager said the Port of Orillia should welcome a large contingent of boaters from both the region and further afield this summer as both Canada and the city celebrate significant anniversaries. “We expect to see some big American boats,” Lang said, adding that while American visitors have represented about 2% of total boat traffic in years past, the number could rise significantly this year since there’s no charge for boaters looking to travel through the lock systems of the Trent-Severn and Rideau Canal waterways. While the port officially opened last week, traffic has been light so far as is par for the course
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during shoulder seasons. “We just got the power and water on yesterday (Tuesday),” she said. “But we have had boaters coming into register for Christmas in June and Canada Day.” The annual homage to Dec. 25 has proven to be a bona fide hit since first being introduced nearly 30 years ago as a means to create heavier traffic during slower times. “It started out very small and it has grown to become very popular,” Lang said, adding that nowadays hundreds arrive at the docks to check out the festively decorated boats with this year’s offering hitting high gear on June 24. “It’s a great marketing tool.” As well, the official opening of the new Port of Orillia building will be held later this spring. The new facility replaces the original building that was destroyed by arson in 2014. –CB Report
Ports & Shipping
Fg loses N10.8b to strike actions at Lagos ports WASHINGTON
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he federal government, importers and exporters have lost a whooping N10.8billion to strike actions embarked upon by clearing agents, truck owners and drivers over failed roads leading to the Lagos seaports – TinCan and Apapa. The strike action which started on Monday entered its second day yesterday (Tuesday) and was yet to be called off by the aggrieved clearing agents and truck owners as at the time of this report. According to LEADERSHIP investigations, the nation’s economy would lose a daily N5.4billion until the strike was called off. According to the breakdown, it was gathered that Importers lost N668million daily to demurrage that would be paid to terminal operators and shipping companies, while the federal government would lose additional N4.7billion revenue that should be accrued to the gov-
ernment coffers daily. The N4.7billion are Customs import duty, fee accrued to Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) among other government agencies. The four major Customs commands in Lagos where revenue are generated into federal government’s coffers include, Apapa; Tin-Can; PTML and Tin-Can 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. For instance, the Apapa and Tin Can Island Customs Command
generate an average of N1billi on to the government coffers daily why the PTML command generate an average N281million daily. Also, TinCan 2 generates an average of N136million in a day making the revenue loss huge for the federal government. Aside revenue loss, the ports would be congested as cargoes that were supposed to be cleared out of the ports would be trapped thereby fueling inTlation and scarcity of raw materials for manufacturing.
Saturday May 27, 2017
Ngati whatua wants to buy ports of Auckland gati Whatua wants to buy the $1.1 billion Ports of Auckland and is talking of joining other iwi and a financial giant to mount an ambitious approach to Mayor Phil Goff about a deal. Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust spokesman Ngarimu Blair issued a surprise statement this morning: “Ngati Whatua Orakei has long harboured an ambition to buy back our former land and Waitemata seabed.” “We have made this known over many generations to every incoming mayor and, more recently, signalled this to Phil Goff before and after the election.”If the opportunity arises we would like to buy it; we are the natural owner and we would do the right thing by the city,” Blair said. Ngati Whatua Orakei understood the wider public interest in the Waitemata and the desire of many people to keep the precious land in the hands of Aucklanders, he said. “We are committed and able to put together a consortium that can achieve that goal while also releasing much-needed capital to continue to develop our great city. –CB Report
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port of oakland offers free harbor tours F
OKLAND
cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com
or the third year running, the Port of Oakland on Friday launched the Tirst of a dozen free harbor tours, giving visitors rare, up-close views of one of the East Bay’s most iconic Tixtures. More than 200 people boarded a Blue & Gold Fleet ferry boat at Jack London Square as the sun began its goldenhued decline behind the hills of Marin. Berkeley resident Jason Strauss had seen an advertisement for the tour on a billboard, he said, and jumped at the chance to see the port up close. “The port is hidden in plain sight,” he explained. “It’s difTicult to travel anywhere in the East Bay without seeing it. But it’s also difTicult to see it up close.” He continued: “And, it’s a chance to see how the port works.” As the boat headed down the Oakland Estuary from
Jack London Square, the port’s Robert Bernardo rattled off some statistics: 36 cranes line the port’s docks. Eighteen of those are “deep water berths,” which can be accessed by large cargo vessels. Some 6,000 truck operators visit the port’s largest terminal, Oakland International Container Terminal, each day, unloading cargo from the approximately 30 ships that come to call each week, he said. Of all of the cargo containers unloaded in the Port of Oakland, 80 percent leave on truck chassis, with trains carrying the remaining 20 percent. It’s no coincidence that Oakland’s port is focused on container trafTic, Bernardo said. That’s a product of one of the port’s early leaders, Ben Nutter, who, in the late 1960s, pioneered containerized cargo, making Oakland the Tirst major port on the West Coast to build terminals for containers, he said. Today,
the Port of Oakland is the Tifth busiest container port in the country, handling 99 percent of all containerized goods in Northern California. “Basically, Ben Nutter convinced six Japanese steamship companies to base their operations in Oakland, thus beginning the golden age of container shipping,” Bernardo said, adding that the port at that time also opened ofTices throughout Asia, Europe and major port cities in the U.S. “He did this through persistent negotiation, careful planning and a good understanding of the political and Tinancial dynamics.”The port’s story begins much earlier, in 1893, when the city of Oakland wrested ownership of the bayside land from Southern PaciTic, a railroad operator. Over time, the port’s authority has grown to include the Oakland International Airport, real estate in Jack London Square, and the Middle
Harbor Shoreline Park, the latter of which once served as a naval supply depot and now offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge. To learn more about the Port of Oakland, or to sign up for a free tour, visit: PortOfOakland.com. Online registration for the free tours begin on the Tirst Monday of each month. Meanwhile, The COSCO Development, a 1,200 feet long and 158 feet wide vessel transporting up to 13,092 TEUs, is deployed on the weekly OCEAN Alliance South Atlantic Express (SAX) service connecting Charleston with Hong Kong, Yantian, Ningbo and Shanghai via the Panama Canal. Today 18 of SCPA’s 24 weekly container vessel services are comprised of ships too large to transit the Panama Canal prior to its expansion. “We have worked hard to ensure the South Carolina Ports Authority remains a competitive, top 10 US.
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Faisalabad customs impounds smuggled vehicles valued Rs05.6 FAISALABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad seized items worth Rs07million involving Customs Duty and Taxes of Rs05.6 by foiling different smuggling bids during second week of May 2017. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Intelligence and Investigation made five seizures in its regions including two smuggled cases registered by the FIU Khushab and three operations were conducted successfully against the smugglers by regional office Faisalabad.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
CUSTOMS BULLETIN
Dg Valuation rejects revision petition of M/s grace chemicals KARACHI wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com
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irector General of Customs Valuation has issued Order in Revision No 340/2017 under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969 against Valuation Ruling No 1023/2017 dated 30-01-2017. The revision petition was Tiled by M/s Grace Chemicals. The petitioner had challenged the prices of the butyl acetate and ethyl acetate, saying the prices are on very higher side in the valuation ruling. Director General of Customs Valuation Suraiya Ahmed Butt, in her order, stated: “I have gone through the record of the case and submissions made by the petitioners. Scrutiny of record reveals that the applicant was asked by this ofTice vide letter of even number dated 2103-2017 to furnish import documents but he did not furnish the requisite documents like proforma invoice, commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, L/C so as to enable this forum to verify truth and accuracy of his declared value. As per Rule 109 of the Valuation Rules issued under SRO 450(1)/2001 dated 18th June 2001 (Chapter-X),
in the absence of valid import documents, the burden to prove correct-
ness of the transaction value shifts on the importers / applicants. The
appellant who did not furnish import documents thus failed to sub-
stantiate cause of his grievance with conclusive evidence.
FBr urged to withdraw status of Final tax regime for importers KARACHI
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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been urged that status of Final Tax Regime (FTR) for commercial importers should be withdrawn, and Tinal tax at import stage should be made adjustable. In its budget recommendations for Tiscal year 2017-18, Pakistan Business Council (PBC) pointed out massive
under-invoicing especially by commercial importers, which is destroying the domestic industry. It said that across the board massive under invoicing and dumping of imported products has been increasing. Information regarding values at which various custom check posts clear import consignments is not publicly available. “This encourages unscrupulous importers to under-declare the value of consignments to evade government revenues,” the PBC said. Moreover, the information regarding the Sales Tax and FED deposited by various units is not pub-
licly available. “This leads to massive evasion of Sales Tax and Income Tax,” it added. In order to resolve the issues, the PBC recommended: a) Values at which import shipments are cleared through PRAL or CARE need to be publicly available. b) Depending on industry, the import values be Tixed e.g. on the basis country of origin, weight, volume etc. after discussion with the stakeholders. ITP’s may be Tixed for most of the items prone to mis-declaration such as consumer goods and margins of commercial importers be monitored to assess the value of
subsequent supply of imported goods. A certiTicate to this effect should be issued by auditors of commercial importers. c) For items, prone to under invoicing and mis-declaration, FBR should designate one or two ports (including the dry ports) for clearing of import consignments. This will allow better monitoring of the import consignments where chances of mis-declaration are on a higher side. d) Additionally, the old Customs General Order 25 needs to be revived with a provision that local manufacturers be given the
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option to buy at a 15 percent premium, any consignment which appears undervalued. e) Taxes and duties deposited by local manufacturers and commercial importers should be published. f ) The rate of tax collected from commercial importers be increased by at least by 2 percent. Presently, tax collected from commercial importers is treated as Final Tax. In order to avoid burdening of genuine commercial importers, It is recommended that the income tax collected at import stage should be made adjustable.