Thursday, 31 May 2018 by customs bulletin

Daily on www.customsbulletin.com

Find us on

pAkIStAN’S fIrSt INDEptH NEwSpApEr oN cUStoMS

Daily

ABC Certified

Karachi, Thu May 31, 2018

KARACHI

MUBEEN HUSSAIN

www.customsbulletin.com

hief Collector Customs (Enforcement) South Manzoor Hussain Memon has said that Pakistan Customs accords high priority to the value added textile sector having major share in both textile and national exports. Chief Collector Customs (Enforcement) South Manzoor Hus-

sain Memon visited PHMA House accompanied by his team, comprising of Collector Dr Saifuddin Junejo and Collector Muhammad Saqif Saeed. During the meeting with the ofRice-bearers of the PHMA House, Chief Collector (Enforcement) South Manzoor Hussain Memon said that customs rebate to exporters has been paid as of May 2017. “We are assuring that the payment cycle should not break and shall continue. Rebate

Vol 3, Issue No. 18

Price Rs. 14.00

shall also be paid in the month of June. Previously, the backlog was span over eighteen months which has been curtailed to eleven months.” The Chief Collector (Enforcement) said that the eleven months backlog is due to Rinancial constraints and will be further reduced. “Efforts are underway to remove the current eleven months backlog. We endeavor to pay Customs rebate within one month subject to availability of funds.

Customs ASO seizes 224kg narcotics worth Rs20m from Kalar Kahar

Customs Export recovers Rs10.97m evaded by defaulter companies

FTO advisor hears appeal filed by M/s Arslan Rubber Works

DG Valuation Surriya Butt rejects revision of VR No 952 & 953

Customs auctions consignment of foreign-origin fresh dates for Rs2.54m

Customs ASO has seized 224 kilogram of chars and opium worth of Rs.20 million | SEE pAgE 02 |

Customs Export has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs 10.97m | SEE pAgE 03 |

FTO Advisor Haji Ahmed heard a case filed by Arslan RubberWorks against the RTO-II | SEE pAgE 04 |

DG Surriya Butt has rejected revision of Valuation Ruling No.952 and 953/2016 | SEE pAgE 09 |

TheCollectorateofCustomshasgeneratedRs2.54 mthroughauctioningoﬀtheconsignment | SEE pAgE 16 |

www.customsbulletin.com

FBR abolishes regulatory duty on over 250 tariﬀ lines Thursday, May 31, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn regulatory duty on over 250 tariff lines to 480 from 731 tariff lines on the recommendation of commerce ministry. The FBR withdrew the SRO 1035(I)/2017 issued on October 16, 2017 whereby the revenue body imposed regulatory duty on 731 tariff lines. FBR issued SRO 640(I)/2018 to impose the regulatory duty on 480 tariff lines.

Islamabad

customs ASo seizes 224kg narcotics worth rs20 million from kalar kahar

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport

M fAIZAN

www.customsbulletin.com

ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued procedure for sale of confiscated vehicles with tempered chassis number to government and semi government departments. The FBR in Customs General Order (CGO) No. 05 said that the procedure has been issued in pursuance of Economic Coordination Committee decision with a view to regulate the sale of confiscated vehicle with tampered / cut-and-weld chassis numbers (tampered vehicles) to government/semi-government departments in a transparent manner and to bringing in uniformity in their disposal. The FBR said the federal and provincial government/semi-government department and government owned educational, medical and scientific institutions shall be eligible for the purchase of tampered vehicles. These vehicles shall in no case be sold to any person in his individual capacity. The FBR said the sale/disposal of tampered vehicle shall be governed under the following terms and conditions: (1) The purchase request in case of federal government ministries/division and provincial government departments shall be forwarded through their secretaries to the concerned chief collector or director general or collector/director of customs under whose jurisdiction tampered vehicles are available for disposal.

he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized 224 kilogram of chars and opium worth of Rs.20 million along with vehicle after heavy cross Riring from Balkasar Kalar Kahar. Sources told Customs Today Collector Zulafaqar Ali Chaudhry received credible information about smuggling of narcotics through motorway. He immediately constituted a team under the supervision of Additional Collector Ishfaque Khan. The team established a checking post at Motorway near Belkasar Interchange and started checking of vehicles. The team intercepted a black Toyota Corolla car bearing registration no: LED 6295. The driver of the vehicle ignored the signal and tried to run away. Superintendent Abid in his vehicle started chasing the vehicle. After long chase the ASO staff intercepted the Toyota Corolla car near Nila Tola (Kalar Khar) while two smugglers Rled from the scene leaving behind vehicle. Abid told that the smugglers were continually firing on the Customs squad while they were running to park the vehicle, he added that no injury was registered, after interception of the said vehicle the ASO staff search the vehicle and recovered 187 kilogram of chars and

fBr issues procedure for sale of confiscated tampered vehicles

37 kilogram of opium which was tactfully hidden in the vehicle. He said that Collector Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary appreciated the ASO staff who took a wonderful seizer

after a long time, he added that the estimated price of seized narcotics is estimated around Rs.20 million. The staff took part in said seized was comprised Superintendent Ma-

lik Abid Hussain and Farrukh Hussain Satti, Inspectors Hafeez, Arshad Butt, Syed Wajhie, Syed Muhammad Ali, Arshad bin Inam and Syed bin Inam.

global Enterprises case involving 25.5kg gold still pending in IHc

ISLAMABAD

NAEEM ULLAH tArIQ www.customsbulletin.com

he case of 25.5 kilogram gold belonged to M/s Global Enterprises conRiscated by Customs Collectorate Islamabad is still pending to be adjudicated by Islamabad High Court for the last four years. Advocate Mazhar Ul Haq Hashmi, representative of petitioner M/s Global Enterprises told Customs Today that Customs Collectorate, Air

Fright Unit (AFU) had conRiscated 25.5 kilogram gold having worth at that time Rs130 million and registered a criminal petition against M/s Global Enterprises for illegally importing of heavy amount of gold in Customs Court Rawalpindi in 2014. Meanwhile, the AFU Islamabad also arrested the representative of Global Enterprises namely Majeed. Hashmi added that the Islamabad Council was not showing interest in the case Riled by Islamabad against the M/s Global Enterprises in the Customs Court

Rawalpindi, observing such situation and circumstances of loss in million. M/s Global Enterprises registered reference case in Islamabad High Court in 2014 stated that it imported the 25.5 kilogram of gold under the SRO.299 and MCC Islamabad AFU seized the gold without any valid reasons, where Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui has granted bail to the arrested Majeed and admitted the reference for trail; however, MCC Islamabad Council till now using delay tactics and hanging the case since 2014, he added.

www.customsbulletin.com

FBR takes back zero-rated facility on gas supply to textile unit KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn zero-rated facility allowed on supply of gas to a Karachi-based textile unit. Through a Sales Tax General Order (STGO), the FBR suspended sales tax zero rating on supply of gas to Nina Industries Limited on the recommendations of Corporate Regional Tax Oﬃce (CRTO) Karachi. The FBR directed chief commissioner CRTO Karachi to coordinate with Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) regarding implementation of withdrawal and take action/recovery made for misuse of the facility.

AIg Dr Aftab to conduct inquiry against police oﬃcials

Thursday May 31, 2018

Karachi

customs Export recovers rs10.97m evaded by defaulter companies

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

nspector General Sindh informed Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi that Dr Aftab Ahmed Pathan, presently posted as Additional IGP, nominated as inquiry officer to hold investigation against Haseeb Aftab Baig, SSP Thatta district, who restrained the Customs officers from discharge their duties and saved the interest of smugglers. During the hearing, a letter was produced by Inspector General Sindh Allah Dino Khowaja before the court and informed that inquiry officer should complete the inquiry within three days and furnish report to this office for taking further necessary action.

M/s karachi corp approaches SHc for release of amount KARACHI

M.B rANA

www.customsbulletin.com

he Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs department to file comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Karachi Corporation seeking release order of its surety amount submitted before the customs oﬃcials in dispute valuation. During the hearing, Khalid Rajpar advocate filed power on behalf of the customs department and seeks further time to file comments, therefore, court adjourned the matter and directed him to file comments on next date of hearing. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated in its petition that it imported five consignments of petroleum products and filed goods declaration at the rate of US$ 390 MT, however, oﬃcials of the customs department assessed at US$ 450 MT and after the intervention of the court consignments were released on submitting of the surety.

KARACHI

wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Export on has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs 10.97 million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues. Sources told Customs Today that during scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Glamour Marble and Export availed undue beneRits and concessions by export different kinds of marble polish tiles (12×24) by misusing the SRO 561 through Examiner ShaRiq Ur Rehman on October 19, 2017. Sources said that the company was allegedly involved in tax evasion of Rs 6.47 million. The Customs Export issued it with a Rinal notice on May 2, 2018 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days. After receiving the notice, the management of M/s Glamour Marble and Export deposited the evaded amount in the ofRicial account of the Customs Export on May 24. Sources said that the management of the M/s Raju Baweja & Sons also cleared Rs 4.50 million of taxes and duties. Sources revealed that M/s Raju Baweja & Sons also availed undue beneRits and concessions and avoided paying taxes according to the customs bylaws. The Customs Export authorities served on it a Rinal notice on May 10, 2018; the management of the M/s Raju

Baweja & Sons deposited the evaded amount of taxes on May 24. Meanwhile, the Customs Export has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs 9.26 million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues. Sources told Customs Today that during scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Quality Pipes and Sanitary Store availed undue benefits and con-

the customs Export has recovered evaded amount of taxes and duties of rs 9.26 million from defaulter companies which were issued with notices to pay the outstanding dues

fBr explains mechanism of Ioco

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reshaped Directorate General of Input Output CoefRicient Organization (IOCO), explaining its composition, functions, jurisdiction and powers. The Directorate General of IOCO shall be headed by a Director General who shall be assisted by as many Directors, Additional Direc-

tors, Deputy or Assistant Directors, Audit Officers, Principal Appraisers or Appraisers, Superintendents or Deputy Superintendents, Senior Auditors or Auditors, Inspectors or any other officers with any other designation as may be required and determined by the Board or on recommendation of the Director General and approved by the Board. The Directorate General of IOCO shall, unless the Board notify otherwise, perform, inter alia, the following functions, namely: (a) de-

termination of duty drawback rates for repayment; (b) determination of the input-output ratios and wastages in respect of input goods; and (c) determination of quantitative requirements for manufacturers and producers in view of sub-clause (iii) of clause (a) of rule 308 of the Customs Rules, 2001 and issuance of entitlement certificate thereof. Functions of Director General to be based in Karachi will relate to whole of Pakistan.

cessions by importing two consignments of different sanitary hard pipes by misusing the SRO 552 through Examiner Amir Siddique on January 11, 2017. Sources said that the company was allegedly involved in tax evasion of Rs 5.59 million. Investigations were continued, after detecting the tax evasion; the Customs Export issued it with a final notice on 2nd May, 2018 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days.

pak rupee closes firm in open market he Pakistani rupee remained firm against the US dollar in open market and depreciated in interbank. As per the local money market, the dollar closed unchanged in open market for buying at 118.50 and for selling at 119.05. The US currency closed after gaining five paisas in interbank for buying at 115.55 and for selling at 115.75.

www.customsbulletin.com

ANF arrests two mules at Lahore airport Thursday May 31, 2018

Lahore

LAHORE: The Anti-Narcotics Force has claimed to have arrested two drug smugglers during a successful operation at the Lahore airport. The suspects were identified as Muhammad Saleem and Muhammad Shafique were arrested shortly before they tried to board a Malaysian flight. The ANF officers also seized a large number of heroin-filled capsules from their abdomens. The suspects were shifted to an unknown facility for further interrogation.

customs Appellate tribunal rejects appeal filed by M/s A Z Apparel LAHORE

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Appellate Tribunal has upheld the Order-inAppeal and dismissed the appeal filed by M/s A Z Apparel, Faisalabad, against Collector of Customs Lahore. Omer Arshed Hakeem, member judicial bench-II, heard the arguments from both sides and decided the case with remarks that the appellant wrongly availed benifits of DTRE and the appeal is dismissed. According to the details of case, M/s A Z Apparel imported some items and using DTRE, customs department found that importer availed benefits wrongly and show-cause notice was issued to the importer for clarification.

NAB to probe into Multan Metro project he accountability watchdog has approved launching a probe into purchasing land for the Multan Metro Bus Project (MMBP), illegally. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal, during an Executive Board Meeting (EBM), approved an investigation into the mass transit project and demanded that records pertaining to the project be presented for investigation. The meeting authorized another inquiry against Multan Waste Management Company Caretaker Managing Director Imran Noor, HR Manager Aamir Maqbool and others. They have been accused of illegal appointment of Imran Noor as the chief financial advisor by abusing authority, inflicting losses of Rs104 million to the national exchequer. In December, 2017, NAB chief had ordered investigation into the alleged corruption in MMBP. –CB Report

After show-cause notice was issued to the M/s A Z Apparel and adjudication proceeding were culminated and order in original was passed with remarks that charges in the show-cause notice are established and penalty of Rs 10, 000 also imposed on the importer. Not satisfied with the order, M/s A.Z. Apparel challanged the order before the Collector of Customs (Appeals) who passed the order that counsels arguments heard by him and instant appeal is accepted and order in original is modified. Being aggrieved with the order appellant filed the case before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that Order-in-Appeal passed in mechanical fashion without consideration of relevant facts. On the other side, respondent denied allegations and appeal for rejection of case.

fto advisor hears appeal filed by M/s Arslan rubber works LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

www.customsbulletin.com

ederal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Haji Ahmed heard a case Riled by M/s Arslan Rubber Works against the Regional Tax OfRice (RTO-II) Lahore and adjourned the same until the next date of hearing. The FTO also sought complete record of the case on next date of hearing. During the proceedings of case, the counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO-II had failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant since last two years. He said the RTO-II collected excessive taxes from the company during the last two years. The petitioner approached the ofRicials concerned several times for the release of refunds, but the RTO ofRicials failed to clear refunds after the passage of a

reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking intervention in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that delay in release of refunds put burden on taxpayers, adding that the RTO-II should make audit of

the case and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant has not submitted all record to the ofRice for claiming refunds. If appellant provides the accurate record, the RTO-II will release refunds after a proper assessment, he added.

Betel leaf import scam: NAB hands over customs tribunal hears 41 cases rs3.5m cheque to Lahore customs he Customs Appellate Tribunal Customs Lahore versus Basharat Ali,

he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore’s Director Investigation, Amjad Majeed Aulakh handed over Rs 3.5 million cheque to an ofRicial from Lahore Customs Department. According to NAB spokesman, NAB Lahore has been probing customs duty evasion cases regarding import of betel leaf from Sri Lanka and India against the officials of Lahore Customs Department, importers and clearing agents etc. It was alleged that dur-

ing import of betel leaves at Lahore airport, duty was embezzled by the importers in alleged connivance with clearing agents and officers of customs which caused huge loss to national kitty. The investigations revealed involvement of M/s Aqeel Enterprises as an import firm which was engaged in the import of betel leaf during the tenure of 2009-12. The firm allegedly embezzled Rs894,243 which has been recovered through Plea Bargain Law. –CB Report

(single and double) bench heard 41 cases and adjourned all for different dates without those cases whose verdicts were reserved. The verdicts of Rive appeals were reserved to pass the Rinal order. The division bench-II, comprising Omer Arshed Hakeem, Member Judicial and Imran Tariq, Member Technical, heard 19 cases including Roshan Packages versus Customs Lahore, Muhammad Younis versus Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation Faisalabad, Bismallah Purse versus Customs Lahore, Collector

Safder Ali versus Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation Faisalabad, Al Hamra Fabrics versus Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation Faisalabad. The same bench heard appeals of Raja Intesar Mehboob versus Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation Gujrat, Jahingir Khan versus Customs Lahore, Jahan Zeb versus Customs Faisalabad, H Ali Construction versus Customs Lahore, Khawaja Asad versus Customs Faisalabad, Habib ur Rehman versus Customs Sambrial, Dad Muhammad versus Customs Multan. –CB Report

Dc Moazzam raza assigns special duty to 30 sepoys

LAHORE

M HAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com

ollectorate of Customs Preventive Deputy Collector Muhammad Moazzam Raza has issued a notiRication No: 01HRD/Estt/79/2016-17/468 according to which 30 sepoys have been directed to perform special

duty. The sepoys who will perform special duty includes Sepoy Bashir Ahmad, son of Yar Mohammad; Taqueer Hussain, son of Tanveer Hussain; Naveed Ahmed Khan, son of Musheer Ahmed; Alam Liaquat Ali, son of Liaquat Ali; Umar Ishtiaq, son of Ishtiaq Ahmed; Arshad Ali, son of Irshad Ai; Faisal Irshad, son of Irshad Ahmed; M. Ahsan Jamil, son of Muhammad Jamil; Mohammad

Waqas, son of Fateh Mohammad; Mohammad Saleem, son of Mohammad Sharif and Mustafa Ahmad, son of Mushtaq Ahmad. Mohammad Akram, son of Soobay Khan; Sodagar Ali, son of Sarwar Ali; Basit Mehmood, son of Maqsood Hussain; Sodagar Ali, son of Sarwar Ali; Basit Mehmood, son of Maqsood Hussain; Muhammad Umair Ali, son of Ghulam Rasool; Mohammad Awais Sar-

fraz, son of A.D. Sarfraz; Muzaffar Saeed, son of Azmat Saeed; Muhammad Adnan, son of Malik Niaz Ahmad; Shahid Ameen, son of Muhammad Ameen; Muhammad Ijaz, son of Sardar Ali; Saquib Hassan, son of Mazhar Hussain; Muhammad Faheem, son of Muhammad Shamim Qureshi; Syed Asad Abbas Shah, son of Gulzar Shah; Naveed Mustafa, son of Ghulam Mustaf.

www.customsbulletin.com

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customstoday.com

ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed all Rield formations to make sure all necessary preparations for the implementation and effective utilization of information received from China Customs under Electronic Data Exchange (EDE). According to ofRicial sources, FBR Customs Wing has instructed Regional Chief Collectors i.e. Chief Collector Customs (North) Islamabad, Chief Collector Customs (Central) Lahore, Chief Collector Customs (Enforcement) Karachi and Chief Collector Customs (Appraisement) Karachi that the Pilot Phase of Pak- China Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) System has been completed and directed that effective utilization of information received from China Customs under Electronic Data Exchange (EDE). The authority also instructed that customs agents shall ensure that the requirement of WeBOC like declaring the

CertiRication of Origin, number and date, issued by China Custom are fulRilled while claiming beneRit under SRO related to CPFTA. The chief collectors are also advised to make sure that the system shall be cross match, the declare CertiRication of Origin, number and date with the data received from the China Customs and make available the CertiRication of Origin and Export Goods Declaration (GDs) through EDE mechanism on Assessment Screen. The authority also instructed the chief collectors that the assessing ofRicer shall be able to view the data for system based veriRication of CertiRication of Origin and proper assessment of GD received electronically from China Customs while the result or denial of beneRit of FTA by assessing ofRicer shall be electronically communicated to the Chines side through EDE. Meanwhile the chief collectors advised that the data of all consignment exported from China after the date of implementation of EDE system shall be all time available in WEBOC.

It is imported to mention here that the Electronic Data Exchange System has implemented on 28 May 2018 after successful pilot completion which will cover exchange of data, Certification of Origin along with relevant Export Goods Declaration (GDs) under Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA).

ystem ange S h c x E a ter 018 af nic Dat 2 o r y t a c e M l the E will d on 28 which mente n e l io p t e l im has ion of t comp rtificat ful pilo e s c s , e a c t c a su d oods nge of port g a x h E c t x n e va cover a free ith rele k-chin ong w a l p a r e in nd orig gDs) u ftA) ation ( r a l ent (cp c e m D e e r g trade A

www.customsbulletin.com

Thursday, May 31, 2018

www.customsbulletin.com

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

EDItorIAL

Economy not ready to take fresh start

he government ministers are posing rosy picture of the economy, as many indicators are showing signs of recovery, but the country still has to go a long way to achieve macroeconomic stability. The world financial institutions had projected six percent growth in the gross domestic product, but at least 5.6 percent is expected to be achieved during the current fiscal year. The overall economy of Pakistan is not performing well and is continuing to face internal and external challenges. The chaos on the political horizon has adversely affected the pace of development in the various sectors of the economy. The PML-N government under Nawaz Sharif had claimed it will end energy shortage and incessant power supply will be ensured to the industry, but load shedding has again started haunting the industrial sector. Exports have picked up to some extent and it is now up to the government to sustain its policies. There is modest increase in inflation while growing fiscal and current account deficits are appearing as challenges in the coming months. The prime minister has launched tax amnesty scheme to bring the non-filers into the tax net. However, there is no change in standard operating procedure and this could foil all the attempts to regularize the tax system. The policymakers take the issue of structural reforms as certain steps to enhance the realm of indirect taxes. Otherwise, it is difficult to avoid taxes if bank accounts of every individual are classified and closely monitored. The overall performance of the government remained subdued as it has failed to achieve any of the targets. After assuming the office, the former prime minister had declared that the only motto of his government would be business, business and business. Despite himself as a businessman, Sharif could not make any progress in any sector of the economy and even failed to streamline the administrative affairs. When administration is weak and incapable, no policy can achieve the desired results. The mandate of this government is going to end in a few months, but it is imperative for the mainstream political parties to do some homework before elections. The country needs reforms not only in the administration and management sectors, but also in the departments and provinces.

Dilemma of pakistan’s external financing A

LAHORE

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customstoday.com

ccording to newspaper reports, the foreign loans of the country have steadily been piling up as the current account deficit are increasing day by day and external financing needs a whopping $13 billion during the next fiscal year. In a bid to decrease imports, the government has depreciated the value of Pakistani rupee, increasing the volume of foreign loans by the same percentage. It is difficult to understand why the policymakers are ever ready to knock down their wisdom when they go to any decision making exercise. Depreciation

of rupee has always brought disaster for the national economy and it is not a one day experience, but the nation suffered years of underdevelopment due to this unwise step in the past. Reports suggest the State Bank of Pakistan could freeze the foreign currency accounts after it borrowed $6.12 billion from domestic commercial banks to prop up the fast-depleting gross foreign exchange reserves. The government of the PML-N is probably going to commit the same mistake in its closing days as it had done after the country tested nuclear devices in 1998 and had frozen the foreign currency accounts of the private depositors. A government offi-

cial claimed that the country needed up to $13 billion which is equal up to 5.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. The net financing gap this year will be up to $2.5 billion, but nothing can be said for sure. According to the World Bank the macroeconomics conditions of the country have significantly worsened. The recent devaluation has added insult to injury and some experts believe the government took this step on the insistence of the International Monetary Fund. The Finance Ministry has already admitted that its public debt, exclusive of $2 billion private sector external debt obligations, have reached $6.1 billion. In this

situation, the requirements of the gross external financing would reach $20.6 billion, which are more than $2.5 billion than the finance ministry claimed. Ironically, the government officials claim the country has continuously maintained the foreign exchange reserves at a healthy level despite internal and external pressures. The overall situation shows the government is likely to consult the IMF again and this would add extra burden on the economy. The Finance Ministry has already been rejecting some reports about gross external financing requirements of the country during 2018 and no one knows who is telling the truth.

www.customsbulletin.com

SHC seeks Chief Collector South’s assistance in betel nuts case KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has sought assistant of Chief Collector South in a number of petitions ﬁled by importers of betel nuts. The assistant of chief collector was sought by a division bench SHC, comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Mrs Ashraf Jahan. Masooda Siraj, counsel for respondent Collector Customs, West opposed the plea by petitioners seeking “re-export” of the betel nuts. She said that unless the petitioners declare their cargo “frustrated cargo” re-export could not be allowed. She maintained that in view of report from the laboratory the consignment is hazardous for humans and as such could only be destroyed. The bench in order to arrive at a just solution decided to summon Chief Collector Customs, South for seeking assistance towards a solution.

court directs Igp to takes action against police oﬃcials KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi directed Sindh Inspector General of Police, Chief Secretary and Hyderabad Deputy Inspector General of Police to take disciplinary action against police officials who restrained the customs officers from discharge their duties and saved the interest of smugglers. During the hearing, Hyderabad Customs Collectorate Inspector Rana Shahbaz recorded his statement before the court that “I along with the staff of ASO intercepted oil tanker bearing registration no TUB-890 loaded with 25000 liters HSD Oil at Jhirik district Thatta. The driver was asked to produce legal documents of loaded goods in support of the said HSD that driver produced a delivery advice purportedly issued by M/s Byco Petroleum Pakistan Ltd destine to Ali Sher

Thursday May 31, 2018

National

Dg Valuation Surriya Butt rejects revision of Vr No 952 & 953 C

KARACHI

wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Valuation Director General Surriya Butt has rejected revision of Valuation Ruling No.952 and 953/2016 and upheld the values of sauces, salad dressing mayonnaise, mustard and tomato ketchup and another value of bearings, determined vide the said valuation ruling. Source told Customs Today that M/s Salman Traders, M/s Muniba Enterprises and others approached Director General Customs Valuation praying that the Valuation Ruling No.952, 953/2016 does not cover the present Rluctuation of prices in international market which have been reduced to about half of the prices. Director General noted that importers had failed to prove with conclusive evidence that the values worked out in the impugned ruling were on higher side. On the other hand, the department presented details of valuation exercise conducted to determine the value of sauces, salad dressing mayonnaise mustard and tomato ketchup and another value of bearings.

Perusal of case record and the defense of the department reveal that the Directorate of Customs Valuation while issuing the impugned valuation ruling associated the importers including the petitioners. Further, the values of subject goods have already been rationalized by the department while revising the previous Valuation Ruling and notifying the impugned ruling. Source said that at least 16 petitions submitted by dif-

ferent importers are in pending. Meanwhile, Director General Customs Valuation Surriya Butt has rejected a revision petition Riled against Valuation Ruling No.1217/2017 and upheld the values of Whey Powder determined vide the said valuation ruling. Source told that M/s Naseem Traders, S J K & Sons and others approached Director General Customs Valuation asking that the Valuation Ruling

No.1217/2017 does not cover the present Rluctuation of prices or international market which have been reduced to about half of the prices. Director General noted importers had failed to prove with conclusive evidence that the values worked out in the impugned ruling were on higher side. On the other hand, the department presented details of valuation exercise conducted to determine the values of Whey Powder.

tax recover: prA serves notices to diﬀerent companies, clubs Filling Station which appears fake to me. I took the custody of above-mentioned oil tanker started moving towards MCC Hyderabad, on our way New Baran Police Chowki stopped MCC oﬃcials and refused to allow to go to MCC Hyderabad on the direction of SSP Haseeb Baig. The situation was communicated to DC ASO Hyderabad who tried to contact SSP Haseeb Bain through telephone, WhatsApp and messages which is on record. Meanwhile, accused Kareem Jan and Raheem Jan appeared on the spot and threatened to kill in case of not releasing the oil tanker and managed to flee the scene along with driver and cleaner”.

LAHORE

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Punjab Revenue Authority has issued several notices to different companies and clubs for recovery of sales tax worth millions of rupees. The PRA issued notices to Gymkhana Club for not paying sales tax of Rs4.5 million for the month of April. The authority has also asked another Sukh Chen Club to present sales tax record which has not been paying for the long time. The sources said that Sukh Chen Club might be sealed for non-payment of its sales tax for the period of more than seven months. The club has to pay more than Rs10 million of sales tax to the authority. Sources said that The Turkish company Alburrak, which has the contract of cleaning the city, has also

been served notices for non-payment of sales tax for the last over one year. The foreign company is defaulter of over Rs30.50 million of the PRA. According to PRA, the proceedings of a show-cause notice issued to various companies was Ri-

nalized by issuing an assessment order under section 52 of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act 2012. As per assessment order, the companies failed to comply with the provisions of Punjab Sales tax on services withholding rules. Default

surcharge is also imposed which shall be calculated separately. However, appeal against the assessment order can be preferred to Commissioner Appeal of PRA within 30 days. Recovery proceedings shall be initiated accordingly. The ofRicials said that the PRA had served notice to recover sales tax of Rs14.3 million from Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC) on default of withholding rules 2012 and 2015 last week. As per assessment order, PLDC failed to comply with the provisions of Punjab Sales tax on services withholding rules while making payments of Rs 899,244,786 to different contactors providing construction and other services for its different projects. On default, tax amounting Rs 143,545,399 has been imposed on PLDC with penalty of Rs 7,177,269 in addition to amount of tax.

www.customsbulletin.com

16 IT cadre oﬃcials promoted to BS-17 Thursday May 31, 2018

National Assistant collector Umair granted performance allowance

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has promoted officials of IT Cadre to BS-17 as Assistant Director (MIS) on regular basis with immediate effect. Following officers are promoted to BS-17: Abdul Ghaffar Muhammad Moin ud Din Lutfur Rehman Mahmood Shah Naeem Ullah Syed Asif Jamil Muhammad Asif Qureshi Rana Sohail Akram Syed Zain ul Abidin Muhammad Zulfiqar Zulfiqar Ali Chand Muhammad Qasim Alvi Zaid Mahmood Kamran Elahi Tahir Inayat Muhammad Talha Ali Shahid Akbar, a BS-16 officer of IT Cadre is promoted to BS-17 as Assistant Director (MIS).

five Deputy collectors, four Assistant collectors transferred

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

mair Mahmood Siddiqui, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS17 and selected through the process of internal job posting (IJP), has been granted performance allowance. The officer, presently posted as Assistant Collector at Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (West), Karachi, was granted performance allowance (equivalent to 100 per cent of basic pay) with effect from May 2. The grant of performance allowance will be governed through the terms and conditions laid down vide Circular No. C.No. 6(96)S(BIC)/2013-14 dated 06.03.2015 and will be discontinued in case prescribed terms and conditions are not fulfilled within one month from the date of issuance of this notification. Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has approved monthly performance allowance for six inspectors of model customs collectorate Multan with effect from May 9 on the basis of their performance.

Deputy collector, assistant collector transferred ollectorate of Customs Preventive Collector Faiz Ahmad has issued a notification for transfer of deputy collector and assistant collector with immediate. According to the notification Deputy Collector Naveedur Rehman Bhagvi who is currently posted at Air Freight Unit of Allama Iqbal International Airport is hereby transferred to Railway Station T-10 while Assistant Collector Salman Javaid who is currently performing his duties at Land Freight Unit (LFU) and Railway Station Wagha is transferred to Air Freight Unit. Another notification stated that Additional Collector Preventive Ms. Tahira Javaid is hereby assigned the charge of Railway Station T-10 and General Post Oﬃce (GPO) until further orders.

he Federal Board of Revenue has transferred and posted Rive deputy collectors and four assistant collectors posted at Port Qasim Customs Collectorate with immediate effect. According to an FBR notiRication, Deputy Collector Yawar Nawaz, on joining, has been posted at Headquarter/Admin, R&D (CIU), GroupIV, MIS/user Ids, Revenue Analysis. Deputy Collector Muhammad Qasim Khokhar, on joining, has been posted at Examination (QICT), ATLI and FTA Cell. Deputy Collector Amjad Hussain Rajper has been transferred from (QICT), FTA Cell & Refund to Group-I, II, Recovery, Refund & Adjudication (AC/DC level), ADRC

& Bank Guarantee Cell. Deputy Collector Amjad Aman has been transferred from Group-V, Adjudication (AC/DC level), ADRC & Audit (Int. & Ext.) and posted at Group-V,

Bonds/warehousing. PRV & Audit (Int. & Ext.) Deputy Collector Muhammad Adnan Khan, presently posted at Examination (QICT), Preventive, Adjudication of cases per-

taining Baggage Declaration Section, has been posted at One Customs/Bulk (Exam. & Proc.) Preventive, Adjudication of cases pertaining Baggage Section.

customs Auction cell generates rs26.725m through auction of NDp goods T

ISLAMABAD

tArIQ DErYA

www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs auction cell generated Rs.26.725 million through auction of NDP vehicles and goods on 28th May 2018. Assistant Collector Auction Cell told Customs Today that dozens of non duty paid (NDP) vehicles and various lots of smuggled goods were presented for auction which was held at State Ware House (SWH) on 28th May FY17-18. He added that people from Islamabad and Rawalpindi were participated in the auction which was organized by MCC Customs along with government authorized Alvi Auctioneers. He told that many lots of seized smuggled goods comprises Optic Fiber cable 350000, ceramic tiles, dish receivers, Vatika hair oil any other goods were set for auction

those were sold in amount of Rs3.055 million plus 10% million sales tax which is estimated Rs0.3 million the total amount including income tax Rs.3.355 million was

collected. The assistant collector told that various vehicles comprises Prime Mover Kenworth, Specialized Oliwell drilling pump truck, Skid Bach mixer, Honda motor cy-

cle, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford wagon, Honda Accord car, Mazda car, Honda CRV, Honda Inspired car, Toyota Passo car, Toyota Hilux Dcabin, Toyota Hilux Vigo Pickup.

www.customsbulletin.com

SHC seeks comments on petition ﬁled by M/s Blue Sky Enterprises KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday directed customs officials to make sure filing their comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Blue Sky Enterprises against enhancement of valuation of imitation jewellery from US$ 3.45 & 4.25 to US$ 13.5kg imported from India. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi heard the matter. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful import of imitation jewellery and always fulfills all the legal requirements and never involved in any criminal case.

IHc seeks record of case filed by M/s Al-Haj Enterprises ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

slamabad High Court (IHC) dated in office hearing of customs reference with directives to submit record and prepare for arguments. The case has been filed by Collectorate of Customs against M/s Al Haj Enterprises. IHC bench, comprising of Justice Shaukat Aziz and Justice Mohsin Akhtar, earlier issued notices in the case to respondent for taking part in the proceedings. Meanwhile, the bench dated in oﬃce hearing on M/S Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited’s case. M/S Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had filed the case challenging an announcement made by the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) through which it had sustained decision announced by the department’s adjudication pertaining to the

show-cause notice to M/S Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited for outstanding tax recovery. Through both the references, M/S Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had named Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, LTU, Assistant Commission Inland Revenue Withholding, LTU, Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals), LTU, and Federal Govt of Pakistan through the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as respondent in the case. Show-cause notices had been issued for the tax year 2013 in head of income tax under sections of income tax ordinance, 2001. M/S Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had prayed the court to direct LTU not to recover the said amount and abstain from any coercive action in this regard. The petitioner had prayed the court operation of the impugned notices issued by the tax authority may kindly be suspended till the decisions of appeal pending before the LTU.

National

customs court acquits all suspects booked in all 7 cases of ISAf/NAto scam

khaqan Babar takes charge as judge of customs court LAHORE

M IMrAN MEHAr

www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court judge Khaqan Babar has taken charge of his new assignment and started hearing of the cases. On his first day in the court, he presided over a meeting with his staff and directed all the staff members to work with honesty and dedication. He said that court will start functioning with full passion to decrease the number of cases which are pending in the court for many months. Khaqan Babar has also directed his staff to speed up their work so that minor cases can be closed before Eidul Fitr. It is pertinent to mention here that post of customs taxation and anti smuggling judge was vacant since last three months. On other hand on Tuesday during the hearing of most of the cases, the counsels for the accused requested the court to postpone the hearing of their respective cases for preparation of arguments on which the court adjourned the hearings for different dates. According to the cause list, three out of 16 cases were fixed for formal hearing of accused namely Shehzad, Abdullah and Tariq and others.

KARACHI

M B rANA

www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi on Wednesday announced all seven cases’ judgments and has acquitted more than 20 ofRicers of Customs Collectorate Appraisement/customs ofRicials/staff and clearing agents, who were booked in ISAF/ NATO containers scam for losses of billions of rupees to the national exchequer. During the hearing, the court announced all seven judgments against suspects namely S.M Mehmood Alam, S. Irfan Haider Rizvi, Jamshed Ali, Fareh Shoukat, Shoukat Hussain, Muhammad Yasin, Muhammad Irfan, Muhfooz Ali Khan, Wasif Shah, Sardar Amin Farooqui, Noor Akbar Mahar, Muhammad Abbas Khan, Javaid Jaffer, Syed Asim Raza, Muhammad RaRiq, Shahid Rauf, Syed Arshad Ali, A. Aziz Umrani, Saeed Babar, Munir Ahmed Brohi and others. According to the prosecution, during the investigation of the ISAF/ NATO containers scam being conducted by the probe committee, FBR, pursuant to the directions of the Supreme Court, initial investi-

Thursday May 31, 2018

gation was conducted which transpired that Afghan Transit Trade consignments were got cleared by clearing agent as per notiRied procedure. The consignments were cleared from MCC Appraisement. During the investigation, it was revealed that all consignments were Rirst cleared in the garb of Afghan Transit Trade and then were smuggled and disposed of in side Pakistan, causing colossal loss of revenue to the state exchequer. Court observed in its judgments that

“from evidence brought on record it is clear that complainant had no personal knowledge about commission of the offense by the accused persons nominated in this case and he simply signed the draft copy of FIR received from probe committee of FBR ofRice and lodged the FIR on the instruction of the probe committee. The evidence of complainant is of totally no use the prosecution as the witness has himself no knowledge of the crime allegedly committed by the accused persons.

pcA detects rs7.25m tax evasion by Defence fabrics International

KARACHI

wAQAr AHMED ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit detected duties and tax evasion of Rs 7.25 million by M/s Defence Fabrics International it is learnt here. Sources told Customs Today that M/s Defense Fabrics International imported a consignment of cloth printing, fabric folding, over lock machines and printed chemicals its parts and got it cleared from the PICT Karachi vide GDs on September 12, 2017 by paying customs duty very low at 10 percent after claiming the beneRit of the SRO 572/2007. How-

ever, the subject items were correctly classiRiable under the PCT 2547.2908 attracting customs duty at 14 percent and income tax at 8 percent,

thus, by way of mis-declaration of classiRication, the company evaded/short-paid Rs7.25 million. The goods were cleared by Appraiser

Shamsul Aiwan. Sources said that the importer violated the provisions of Section 36 (3,5-A) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 65 read with Section 25 of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 14 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (54) and 91 of Section 34(9) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 66 of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 24 & 47 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Section 7-A of the Sales Tax Act1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules 2007 (Special procedures for payment of sales tax by the importers) and under relevant provisions of Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

www.customsbulletin.com

World Customs

Sri Lanka GDP will grow at 3.7-pct in Q1

Sri Lanka: will grow at 3.7 percent in the first quarter of 2018, althought this below the islands potential, the Governor of the Central Bank said. “The growth will be supported by the services sector, but is still below potential,” Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Central Bank Governor told reporters in Colombo recently. The Monetary Board kept policy rates unchanged as the impact of the previous decision to end tightening last month had not yet filtered into the market, the Banks officials said.

Thursday May 31, 2018

Borg al-Arab Airport customs foil old coins smuggling attempt

www.customsbulletin.com

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

oil markets firm amid opEc cuts, Iran sanctions il prices were stable on as ongoing production cuts by OPEC and looming US sanctions against Iran threatened to tighten the market amid signs of ongoing strong demand. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $78.21 per barrel at 0639 GMT, virtually unchanged from their last close and not far off a three-anda-half year high of $78.53 a barrel reached the previous session. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $70.88 a barrel, down 8 cents, though still not far off their Nov. 2014 high of $71.89 a barrel reached last week. US crude prices are at the steep discount to Brent as a more than 25 percent rise in US crude production to 10.7 million barrels per day has left the American market well supplied. –CB Report

MOSCOW

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport

JEDDAH

org al-Arab Airport customs authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle archaeological coins of different sizes and forms, dating back to the Muhammad Ali dynasty’s reign of Egypt. Among those coins was the “red serrated edge millieme” of the King Farouk era. The customs authorities also seized a rare coin dating back to the start of the Ottoman era. The coin, which was circulated back then in all countries under Ottoman rule, gave a clear image of the Rinancial history of the Ottoman Empire and its involvement with the world monetary system. Borg al-Arab authorities suspected coins in the suitcase of a passenger coming from Jeddah on Saudi Arabian Airlines. They examined his bags on the X-ray ma-

russian bank head sees bailout costs rising

chine, before Rinding out he was carrying commemorative coins, including 11 archaeological coins protected under the Egyptian antiquities law. Meanwhile, Saudi Customs has launched the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance partnership with the private sector and encourage teamwork to facilitate trade and

customs procedures. The AEO program will improve trade procedures for exporters, importers, customs trustees, carriers, shipping agents and other trade facilities in the logistics sector. The program will facilitate trade between the Kingdom and other countries. It also has procedural and priority advantages in all customs procedures.

Australia’s treasury wine Estates falls on china customs delays

reasury Wine Estates tumbled as much as 13 per cent after the winemaker said it was experiencing delays at Chinese customs for some of its Australian products. The owner of brands Penfolds and Wolf Blass said it was seeking a “greater understanding of new and additional veriRication requirements which have been applied since April 2018, and seemingly appear to only apply to

Australian Country of Origin wines” after some shipments were delayed. Treasury Wine is not alone in experiencing delays at Chinese ports. US exporters of agricultural products, luxury cars and pet food last week reported delays at Chinese ports over more stringent environmental checks and quarantine procedures. Industry executives said Chinese ofRicials had not cited bilateral trade friction for the delays. –CB Report

he man in charge of resolving Russia’s largest ever banking failure has warned that the costs of saving top-10 lenders Otkritie and B&N may rise higher than the $27bn budgeted. Otkritie was Russia’s largest private sector bank by assets until last summer, when its balance sheet shrank by a third in a run on deposits before the central bank stepped in to nationalise it. It is to merge with B&N Bank, a top-10 lender that was nationalised a month later. Mikhail Zadornov, Otkritie’s chief executive since January, told the Financial Times that Russia’s central bank may face further costs in addition to the Rbs626bn ($10bn) spent so far on recapitalising Otkritie and B&N and the Rbs1.1tn it is paying to ringfence their bad assets in a “bad bank”. “Only in three or four years will we understand how much

money in total was invested, how much was returned to the central bank as an investor and how much of it [went] towards closing the holes in the banks’ balance,” Mr Zadornov said in an interview. He added that the costs to the central bank so far were “just estimates” and that he thought the true amounts were not known. A former Rinance minister during the Russian Rinancial crisis of 1998, Mr Zadornov left state-run VTB, where he set up well-regarded retail banking arm VTB24, to head up Otkritie and B&N in January. Both banks expanded their assets rapidly under their previous owners, which borrowed from them at favourable rates. Mr Zadornov said Otkritie and B&N had returned most of the Rbs1.1tn the central bank lent them to boost liquidity last year, half of it an emergency Rbs500bn bridge loan, and were negotiating with their former owners to secure the surrender of other assets pledged to the bank.

russia, saudis signal oil production boost ussia and Saudi Arabia said they believe a deal is possible to gradually boost oil output from as soon as July as world oil prices have recently hit highs last seen in 2014. Meanwhile President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow would be satisRied with the price of crude oil dropping to $60 per barrel, from its recent level of around $80. Russia and Saudi Arabia are the key movers behind a pact between OPEC and other producers that has limited production since 2017 but which experts fear may soon lead to a spike in prices. Saudi oil minister Khaled al-Faleh said

at an economic conference in Russia that a gradual output increase could happen in the second half of the year to prevent any supply shocks, according to the RIA Novosti agency. His Russian counterpart Alexander Novak said they had discussed whether they need to ease production limits. “If we come to a common opinion that it is necessary” to increase supply it “should probably take place from the third quarter,” Novak said, according to RIA Novosti. He said ministers from OPEC and other members of the production pact would discuss by how much to increase production next month. –CB Report

china’s cNpc ready to take over Iran project if total leaves

BEIJING

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

hina’s state-owned energy major CNPC is ready to take over Total’s stake in the giant Iranian South Pars gas project if the French company leaves amid newly announced U.S. sanctions, industry sources said, Reuters reports.

The United States this week said it would impose new sanctions against major oil and gas producer Iran after abandoning an agreement reached in late 2015 that limited Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. While the new sanctions are unilateral, many companies, including Japan’s Inpex, already appear to be bowing to Washington’s pressure

and abandoning projects in Iran. If Total walks away from the South Pars Rield, which has the world’s biggest natural gas reserves ever found in one place, CNPC is prepared to step in, the sources said. It was not clear whether CNPC had received top government approval to do so. But such a move could further strain the tense trade relationship between Beijing and Washing-

ton. Reuters reported in December that a $1 billion deal signed last July gave the Chinese Rirm the option to take over Total’s stake if it left Iran. Since then, the Beijing-backed giant has conducted signiRicant due diligence and planning, several highlevel industry. “The possibility of Total’s pullout is quite high now, and in that scenario CNPC will be ready to take it over fully.

www.customsbulletin.com

Rapid escalation in Swiss fines for freight trucks An increasing number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are being pulled over for motoring offences at border crossings. Customs officials have reported 83% more violations in the last eight years, rising from 17,997 on 2010 to 32,967 last year. A further 24,464 fines and cautions were issued against HGVs according to the SonntagsZeitung newspaper. Most infringements concerned overloaded vehicles, followed by sanctions against drivers who did not get enough rest. Some 100 drivers were caught drink-driving.

Shipping activity at port Qasim hipping activity remained active at the Port where four ships, MSC Silvana, MSC AlGheciras, Unique Harmony and Omera Queen carrying Containers, Crude soya bean and Furnace oil were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, Liquid Cargo Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively on Monday. Meanwhile two more ships, New Ark and Bravo-5 with Containers and Coal also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim on Tuesday morning. A total of eight ships namely, MSC Silvana, MSC Al-Gheciras, CMA CGM Indus, Melinda, MG Hammond, Johanna Oldendroff, Unique Harmony and Omera Queen are currently occupying PQA berths to load/offload Containers, Steel coil, Soya bean seeds, Coal, Palm oil and Furnace oil respectively during last 24 hours. A cargo volume of 160,586 tonnes, comprising

Ports & Shipping

karachi port trust (kpt) Shipping Intelligence report T

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued the following shipping report for the last 24 hours, ending 0700 hours. ALONG SIDE (Bulk Oil Pier) OP-II Fpmc Glory D. MOgas Alpine 17/05/18 ALONG SIDE (East Wharves): 1 TSM Dubhe D. Chemical East Wind 20/05/18 2/3 Ivs Augusta D. Coal OC-Services 19/05/18 4 New Victory D. Dap Bulk-Sh. 18/05/18 5 Navios Venus D. Dap WMA Shipcare 20/05/18 10/11 Hanton Trader II D. Coal OC.World 21/05/18 11/12 Ken Wave D. DAP Bulk-Sh. 20/05/18 12/13 Avalon D. Meal OC-Services 16/05/18 14/15 Umm Ad Dalkh L. Talc Powder Swift-Sh. 18/05/18 15/16 Butinah D. Dap WMA Shipcare 18/05/18 1LONG SIDE(P.I.C.T): 6/7 Wan Hai 515 D. L. Cnt. Riazeda 19/05/18 8/9 Virgo D. L. Cnt. East Wind 19/05/18 ALONG SIDE(PDWCP): SAPT-4 Hyundai Force D. L. Cnt. U.M.A 21/05/18 Along Side(West Wharves) 20 Basrah L. Wheat WMA Shipcare 20/05/18 ALONG SIDE (K.I.C.T):

26/28 Ever Diamond D. L. Cnt. Green Pak 16/05/18 28/29 APL New Jersey D. L. Cnt. APL 18/05/18 29/30 Cosco Colombo D. L. Cnt. Cosco 20/05/18 EXPECTED ARRIVALS: CONTAINER (GEARLESS) Kota Kasturi P-Delta 21/05/18 Not Sched 500 Cnt. 500 Cnt. Kota Kaya P-Delta 28/05/18 Not Sched 500 Cnt. 500 Cnt. Kota Lawa P-Delta 25/05/18 NOt Sched

300 Cnt. 300 Cnt. Kota Lagu P-Delta 03/06/18 Not Sched 500 Cnt. 500 Cnt. GENERAL CARGO: Spar Corona Sea Hawks 22/05/18 Not Sched 9,190 G.C Nil Sunlight Lily Crystal Sea 22/05/18 Not Sched Nil 30,600 Barite Arwa Crystal Sea 23/05/18 Not Sched 338 G.C Nil Semela Project-Sh 26/05/18 Not Sched 107 G.C Nil Da Zi Yun COSCO 31/05/18 Not Sched 2,944 G.C Nil VEHICLE.

Thursday May 31, 2018

Malaysia looks to widen tech exports in germany ALAYSIA is expected to expand its exports to Germany by promoting local industrial technology players and products at Hannover Messe 2018, to be held from today. A group of Malaysian machinery products and services exporters will be participating in one of the world’s largest tech trade fairs to promote new areas of trade between the two countries. “We are equally strong on other areas and this is what we need to showcase to move up the value chain and create brand-champions,” Mohd Shahreen said in a statement recently. Malaysia’s total trade for machinery, equipment and parts were valued at US$27.64 billion (RM107.54 billion) in 2017 of which, US$9.34 billion came from exports. Some of the major items exported were machinery and parts mainly for the semiconductor industry, as well as heating and cooling equipment and parts. Singapore, the US, Thailand, Indonesia and China were the top five export destinations which accounted for 49.3% share of the total machinery, equipment and parts exported. –CB Report

Malaysia’s exports to inch up 1.6pc: rAM ratings 138,337 tonnes import cargo and 22,249 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 4,847 Containers (TEUs), ( 3,676 TEUs imports and 1,171 TEUs exports) was handled at the port during last 24hours. Two ships, CMA CGM Indus and Melinda sailed out to sea on Tuesday morning, while two more ships, MSC Silvana and MSC Al-Gheciras are expected to sail on same day in the afternoon. A total of seven ships, New Ark, MSC Asya, Maersk Columbus, Bravo-5, Illaco Bright, Maritime Satoshio and Al-Ajnan scheduled to load/offload Containers, Wheat, Coal and LNG are expected to take berths at QICT, PIBT, MW-1, MW-4 and EETL respectively on Tuesday.

KUALA LUMPUR

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

alaysia’s exports for 2018 will likely inch up 1.6 per cent, an improvement from the two per cent contraction recorded in the preceding month as external demand is likely to gradually gather pace after a temporary decline in February due to the Lunar New Year festivities. Nonetheless, RAM Rating Services Bhd said any rebound would be moderated by reduced restocking demand amid some front-loading of shipments in January, along with a high base effect from the previous year. “In line with still sluggish exports expected for the month, imports are anticipated to have contracted 4.9 per cent in March as demand for intermediate inputs is to remain weak, com-

pounded by a high base effect from 2017,” it said in a statement today. The ratings agency also projected trade surplus to come in at RM10.5 billion for the month. Meanwhile, it said the proposed US tariff on Chinese technological goods could pose a direct risk to Malaysia’s trade

momentum, given the importance of electrical & electronic (E&E) products to overall export share and the sector’s established position in the global value chain. However, RAM Ratings said the composition of US imports from Malaysia and China, respectively, is different

as Malaysia was more a source of intermediate parts and components while China’s shipments to the US constituted mostly Rinished goods. “Accordingly, a larger volume of Rinished technological goods is likely to be produced onshore in the US, thus bypassing China.

www.customsbulletin.com

FIA approves probes into bank frauds KARACHI: The Zonal Board meeting of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has decided to start inquiries related to unlawful appointments in National Bank of Pakistan and other departments. In the meeting, several cases pending at the FIA Commercial Bank Circle, Karachi were discussed in detail. The board gave approval to conducting in-depth inquiries on complaints about unlawful appointments in National Bank of Pakistan, misappropriation of Rs2,000,000 from the account of a complainant, bank transactions through fake signatures, opening of fake bank accounts in the name of complainants and availing autoﬁnance facilities and unauthorised withdrawal of funds through ATM skimming.

Thursday May 31, 2018

Business

‘Inflation down from 7.75% in 2013 to 3.77% in 2018’ ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

rime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that inRlation had come down from 7.75 percent in 2013 to 3.77 percent in 2018. While addressing a press conference in the federal capital earlier today, Abbasi said that the incumbent government had brought a signiRicant reduction in the inRlation rate. “Industrial development increased Rive percent in 2018 as compared to 2013,” noted the premier, adding that exports had fallen to 20 percent. He said cotton production had declined in comparison to past output and the

Suzuki not to deal with non-filers ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he auto assemblers, including Suzuki, have requested its thousands of customers to become tax return filers. Last month, while presenting the budget for 2018-19, the government barred non-filers from purchasing property that had a declared value of over Rs4 million and it also put curbs on them from buying new motor vehicles if their names did not feature in the active taxpayers’ list (ATL) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

growth rate in the agriculture sector stands at 3.8 percent. Meanwhile, After the Finance Ministry’s refusal to allocate Rs100 billion for payment of honorarium equal

to three-month basic salary to all federal government employees, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has called a meeting of Economic Coordination Committee on Monday (today)

to withdraw his May 25 orders. The Finance Ministry showed its inability to spare Rs100 billion to implement the PM’s orders at a time when the country is in dire need of Rinancial resources and needs about $2 billion to meet its international obligations till 30th June 2018. They are trying to arrange loan from international forums including friendly countries. Further that the Finance Ministry is of the view that the ECC never took decision to pay three months basic salary to all federal employees nor was it recommendation. There was a recommendation to pay honorarium to the employees of Finance, FBR and EAD employees who were involved in budget making exercise and this was a past practice, said an ofRicial of Finance Ministry.

govt urged to clear verified sales tax refunds of exporters T

KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he local business community has called upon the government to clear all veriRied sales tax refunds of exporters before the end of its tenure as passing on this matter to the next government would cause further delay in payment of ST refunds and create hurdles in efforts aimed at exports promotion. Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Sheikh Amir Waheed, Senior Vice President Muhammad Naveed Malik

and Vice President Nisar Mirza urged that the government should immediately clear the duty drawback tax claims submitted till date to the Federal Board of Revenue under the Prime Minister’s export package. They said that veriRied sales tax refunds of Rs260 billion were reportedly stuck up with the FBR and the government was passing on them to the next government which was creating frustration in the exporters. They emphasized that all veriRied sales tax refunds should be cleared before the expiry of current government’s term that will mitigate the problems of exporters

and enable them to boost the country’s exports. ICCI ofRice-bearers said that former prime minister had announced a trade enhancement package of Rs.180 billion in January 2017 that would expire in June 2018. They said that the commercial exporters were not included in that package despite the fact that they were making useful contribution to enhancing country’s exports. They demanded that the government should further extend the trade enhancement package and include commercial exporters in it so that they could feel facilitated in promoting exports.

pak-china extend currency swap accord by 3 years KARACHI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

akistan and China have agreed to extend the currency swap agreement and double its size as both countries look to deepen trade and investment ties, while reducing reliance on the US dollar. The extension of the currency swap agreement, originally signed in 2011, also comes as dollar reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) drop to alarmingly low levels. The central bank reported its reserves have fallen to $10.32 billion, an amount only enough to cover two and a half months of imports. “The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and People’s Bank of China (PBOC) have agreed to increase the currency swap arrangement (CSA) amount from Chinese yuan (CNY) 10 billion to CNY 20 billion and from Rs165 billion to Rs351 billion,” the SBP said in a statement. The currency swap arrangement has been extended for a period of 3 years in respective local currencies, it said. “The increase in the CSA amount reinforces the commitment of the two central banks to promote the usage of local currencies in bilateral trade and investment and strengthening financial cooperation between the two countries,” it added.

SEcp chairman’s appointment challenged in LHc LAHORE

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

petition has been Riled in the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the appointment of Shaukat Hussain as chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The petition, Riled by a lawyer, Mohammad Azhar Siddique, cited the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the

Secretary law, Secretary of Rinance, the SECP chairman Shaukat Hussain and others as respondents. It requested the court to declare the appointment of Shaukat Hussain as SECP chairman as illegal, without jurisdiction, and based on favouritism and nepotism. It said the appointment is in violation of transparency and deviation from the settled law by the Superior Courts, outside the scope of the provisions of SECP Act whereby he has

been purely selected on liking and political relationship, especially with former Rinance minister Ishaq Dar. The petitioner said that as per the ofRicial record of the Ministry of Rinance, a summary was moved on May 9 through a circular by the Ministry of Rinance through Finance Minister Mifta Ismail to appoint the senior most Commissioner Tahir Mahmood as permanent chief of the SECP and more than 75 per cent of Cabinet Members approved the de-

cision. The Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also approved his appointment. Surprisingly on May 11, another summary was circulated by the ministry of Rinance seeking the withdrawal of the appointment of Tahir Mehmood as SECP Chairman and instead recommended the appointment of Shaukat Hussain as SECP chairman. The petitioner alleged that the second summary was moved on the recommendation of Ex-Chief of SECP Zafar

Hijazi and former Rinance minister Ishaq Dar after which, the Ministry of Finance issued the appointment notiRication of Shaukat Hussain, which is in sheer violation of Article 90 and 91 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 as the Cabinet had already approved the appointment of Tahir Mehmood as chairman SECP. This decision is also in violation of the Rules of Business and Mustafa Impex Case reported as PLD 2016 SC 808.

www.customsbulletin.com

Govt asked to give Hajj quota to more promoters ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry has said that the government has reportedly given Hajj quota to only old promoters due to which the other promoters were feeling deprived and called upon the government to give Hajj quota for Hajj 2018 to more promoters so that they could also serve the Hajjis. He was addressing the ICCI Religious Aﬀairs Committee meeting which was chaired by Huzoor ul Islam, Chairman Committee. Sheikh Amir Waheed said that many Hajjis had applied for two years consecutively to perform Hajj under government quota, but could not be successful in Hajj balloting. He stressed that government should devise a new Hajj policy to send all such Hajjis in 3rd year under government quota so that they could perform Hajj.

Need stressed to make pakistan a strong economy

Thursday May 31, 2018

Chambers

pervaiz for improving competitiveness of products to enhance exports

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

o celebrate the Youm e Takbeer, a ceremony was held at the residence of Syed Zafar Ali Shah, senior leader of PML-N and former Senator. Muhammad Naveed Malik, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Syed Hassan Zafar, Muhammad Faheem Khan, Faizan Shehzad, Awais Malik, Muhammad Ramzan and others participated. Addressing the ceremony, Syed Zafar Ali Shah congratulated for celebrating the Youm e Takbeer. He said this day reminded the nation that it should work hard to make Pakistan a strong economy. He said on 28th May 1998, Pakistan had emerged as a first

Muslim country to become an atomic power. He said it was high time that the whole nation should strive hard with great zeal and zest to make Pakistan and economic power. Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Naveed Malik, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that the business community across Pakistan was determined to contribute for further strengthening the defense of the country and would render every sacrifice to achieve this goal. He said that Pakistan as an atomic power was a source of strengthen and encouragement for the whole Muslim world and has given Muslim Ummah a sense of security. He said by becoming an atomic power, Pakistan has proved that it has great potential to excel in every field. He emphasized that every individual of the nation should play positive role to make Pakistan a strong economic power so that it could play more eﬀective role in the region and the world.

ISLAMABAD

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

ederal Minister for Commerce Muhammad Pervaiz Malik has said that for making Pakistan a strong economy, rapid increase in exports is vital and urged that the private sector should focus on improving competitiveness and quality of products to enhance Pakistan’s exports. He was addressing local business community after inaugurating International Trade and Research Centre at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He said though Pakistan’s exports were now improving, but the country was still facing exports deRicit of $3 billion every month compared to imports. He said the private sector should change its strategy and focus on value added products that would give signiRicant boost to exports. He said that government was revising FTAs with other countries including China to further improve Pakistan’s trade with foreign countries. Pervaiz Malik said that cost of production in Pakistan was high and government

was making efforts to bring down electricity cost in order to reduce production cost so that business activities and exports could Rlourish. He said the STPF 2015-18 was ending on 30th June this year and added that strengthening trade related institutions and facilitating trade promotion would be the key focus in the next Rive years STPF. He said chambers of commerce were partners with government in

promoting trade & exports and assured that government would take steps to further facilitate the business community. He congratulated ICCI for establishing International Trade and Research Centre and hoped that it would be beneRicial for the economy and the business community. In his welcome address, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that the business com-

‘Leading traders should be part of interim govt’ LAHORE

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

resident of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malik Tahir Javaid has said that leading businessmen and experienced economists should be a must part of the interim government to ensure economic integrity. Economy is in a sensitive mode and interim government cannot afford to run without a team of economic experts. While talking to a group of the representatives of different industries, along with the LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid and Vice President Zeshan Khalil, the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that interim government in near future, interim government would hold the reins of the system in its hands along with a

bundle of economic challenges. He said that a team of experts consisting of leading businessmen and experienced economic experts’ inevitable otherwise economy would be scattered like debris. Malik Tahir Javaid said “Only economically strong Pakistan can handle all sorts of international pressures therefore “war against economic ills” should be started instantly and a task force for economic revival, having representatives from both public and private sector, should be formed.” He said that Pakistan is a resource-rich country and does not need any external Rinancial help. He said that economic weaknesses of any country give opportunity of criticism to the others and same is being happened in our case. He said that political instability, below the mark foreign direct investment, high

cost of doing business, politics on mega projects like Kalabagh dam and huge trade deRicit have led to stagnant growth in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan must have to address these issues through good economic reforms. He said that Pakistan has all resources to become an economic giant but only need is to set directions with zeal, courage and sincerity. The LCCI president said that Pakistan’s huge mineral resources can help get rid of the economic ills, particularly external debts of over $ 91 billions, within next Rive years. He said that country has one of the largest reserves of gold & copper and coal in the world. According to a rough estimate, value of coal reserves in Pakistan is 187 times more than the GDP of Pakistan and only 2% of Pakistani coal reserves can generate 20,000 MW of electricity for almost 50 years.

munity was making strong efforts to promote Pakistan’s trade and exports and stressed that the government should fully support them in such pursuits. Highlighting the objectives of International Trade and Research Centre, he said that four new cells have been setup under this Centre. He said International Trade Development Cell would facilitate the business community in promoting foreign trade.

govt asked to clear verified St refunds before end of its tenure heikh Amir Waheed President, Muhammad Naveed Malik Senior Vice President and Nisar Mirza Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry have called upon the government to clear all verified sales tax refunds of exporters before the end of its tenure as passing on this matter to the next government would cause further delay in payment of ST refunds and create hurdles in efforts aimed at exports promotion. They urged that the government should immediately clear the duty drawback tax claims submitted till date to the Federal Board of Revenue under the Prime Minister’s export package.

www.customsbulletin.com

Tax authorities start scrutiny of income tax returns of doctors MULTAN: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Regional Tax Office has decided to scrutinize income tax returns filed by doctors working in its jurisdiction. According to details, Regional Tax Office collected income taxes from doctors who have taxable income and majority of doctors have voluntarily filed their income tax returns within specified time of Federal Board of Revenue. The Regional Tax Office observed that doctors community have deposited less taxes than their income as huge number of doctors are serving in their private clinics and hospitals.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

customs auctions consignment of foreign-origin fresh dates for rs2.54m MULTAN IMrAN ALI

www.customsbulletin.com

he Collectorate of Customs has generated Rs2.54 million through auctioning off the consignment of foreign-origin fresh dates. Huge number of bidders participated in the auction of Iranian-origin dates which was held at Multan Dry Port. Bidders were offered foreign-origin dates at a cheaper rate than market prices. Customs teams intercepted dates in their action which were auctioned after two days because they are perishable items. It is pertinent to mention here that Multan Customs AntiSmuggling Organization impounded a truck loaded with a huge quantity of fresh Iranian dates which were seized from Dera Ghazi Khan. The seized dates were smuggled from Iran through Balochistan and transported to Punjab through Dera Ghazi Khan region. According to Customs Valuation, almost $0.20 per kilogram customs duty is imposed on import of Iranian origin dates and the recovered fresh dates were almost 19,251

kilograms which were packed in the 2,986 cartons in weight and

quantity. Local fruit sellers from fruit market offered bids in the

auction and local fruit seller has purchased consignment of fresh

dates after successful bid of Rs2.54 million.

ANf seizes 3 tons narcotics worth rs2.3b in 21 countrywide raids RAWALPINDI

cUStoMS BULLEtIN rEport www.customsbulletin.com

he Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has seized three tons narcotics valuing Rs2.28 billion in the international market and arrested 22 accused involved in drug smuggling in 21 counter-narcotics strikes conducted across the country. According to the ANF spokesperson, the force also im-

pounded 11 vehicles. The seized drugs comprised 2,940kg hashish, 53.5kg opium, 8.65kg heroin, 3.33kg amphetamine and 1.24kg methamphetamine. Most of the recovered drugs were intended to be smuggled abroad. Striving for achievement of ‘Drug Free Society’, the Quetta ANF gathered information regarding concealment of huge cache of narcotics at Qilla Abdullah and Pishin. Acting on the information, Quetta ANF conducted two separate operations in both the districts. The operations resulted in seizure of 1,757kg hashish.

According to details, 956kg hashish was recovered in the Rirst operation carried out at a ruined house situated in general area of Killi Damaan in Gulistan tehsil of Qilla Abdullah district whereas 801kg hashish was recovered in the second intelligence based operation conducted at a seasonal nullah located in general area of Killi MusaRir, Pishin. The Rawalpindi ANF arrested Shahbaz Arif, a resident of Sialkot, from New Islamabad International Airport and recovered 198 narcoRilled capsules meanwhile 1.05kg heroin was recovered from his suit-

case. In another operation, the Rawalpindi ANF intercepted a car near Burhan Interchange, Attock and recovered 49.2kg hashish, 11.5kg opium and 2.1kg heroin which was concealed in secret cavities of the vehicle. Sughran Mushtaq of Pakpattan was arrested at the spot. In the third operation, the Rawalpindi ANF intercepted a car at surroundings of Tehzeeb Bakers, G-11 Markaz, Islamabad and recovered 3.3kg hashish. Two accused present in the vehicle identiRied as Zafar Shah of Khyber Agency and Muhammad Jawad of Islamabad were arrested. In the fourth operation, the Rawalpindi ANF ar-

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

rested a motorcyclist near Al-Huda International School, G-11, Islamabad and recovered 2.4kg hashish from the accused identiRied as Muhammad Ejaz. In the Rifth operation, the Rawalpindi ANF intercepted another motorcycle in F-11 Markaz of Islamabad and recovered 3.3kg hashish from personal possession of two accused identiRied as Muhammad Kashif of Gujranwala and Muhammad Nafees of Faisalabad. The Lahore ANF intercepted an Australia-bound parcel from a private courier ofRice based at Allama Iqbal International Airport and recovered 470g heroin which was concealed in two baby beds.