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Karachi, Thu May 4, 2017
PESHAWAR
NADIR KHAN
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ustoms Collectorate collected a total of Rs1589.7million revenue in April 2017 against Rs1362.66 million of April 2016 with total difference of Rs227.04 million surplus amounts while the difference in percentage was 16.66 percent higher than the previ-
ous figures. According to sources of Customs Today, Custom House collected month of April 548.59 million collected in head of customs duty against 535.12 million of April 2016. The total difference in this sector was recorded plus Rs65.37 million while the difference in percentage was 13.53 percent. In head of sale tax on Import, the house collected Rs448.76 million as compare to Rs344.57
Vol 2, Issue No. 128
Price Rs. 14.00
million of April 2016 showing increase Rs104.19 million while the difference in percentage was minus 1.11 percent. Likewise in head of sales tax levied as federal excise duty (FED) on palm oil, the house collected Rs171.32 million in April 2017 against Rs173.03 million of April 2016. The difference in percentage was 0.99 percent while the difference in rupees was noticed minus 1.71 rupees.
Customs starts anti-smuggling operations with Rangers
ECC approves proposals submitted by different ministries
Development of IT vital for CPEC projects in country: President
Customs Preventive impounds millions of rupees illegally imported goods,articles
Muhammad Saleem made DG (OPS) of Customs Reforms & Automation
The Customs I&I Multan Range has started the joint anti-smuggling operations | See pAge 02 |
The ECC has approved proposals submitted by different ministries in its meeting | See pAge 03 |
Mamnoon Hussain has said that skill developmentinITispartandparcelofthegame | See pAge 04 |
Customs Preventive has seized millions of rupees NDP articles and vehicles | See pAge 14 |
Muhammad Saleem, a BS-20 officer of PakistanCustomsService,onreturnfromNMC | See pAge 16 |
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Mir Badshah made Chief Commissioner at Peshawar RTO Thursday, May 4, 2017
National
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue has transferred/posted three Inland Revenue Service officers of BS 18-20 with immediate effect and until further orders. Mir Badshah Khan Wazir (BS-20) has been transferred from the post of Commissioner, (WHT) Regional Tax Office, Peshawar and posted as Chief Commissioner (OPS) at Peshawar RTO. He has also been assigned the additional charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (WHT) till the posting of a regular incumbent. Abid Mehmood (BS-20) has been transferred from the post of Commissioner, (Peshawar Zone) Peshawar RTO and has been assigned the additional charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (Mardan Zone), Peshawar RTO, till the posting of a regular incumbent.
customs starts anti-smuggling operations with Rangers
LAHORE
MULTAN
SAJID NAwAZ
ImRAN ALI
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he Customs Appellate Tribunal’s Division Bench-II, single and double comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Member Technical Imran Tariq, heard 17 cases and adjourned all of them until the next hearing. The Customs Appellate Tribunal’s single bench, comprising Omer Arshed Hakeem heard 07 cases including Customs Multan versus Muhammad Idrees, Muhammad Khalid Hussin versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Sajid Ali versus Customs Lahore, Customs Faisalabad versus E.R Brothers, Customs Multan versus Muhammad Naeem Bhatti, Directorate Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore versus Taimoor Enterprises and Directorate Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore versus Elhi Traders. On Monday, the tribunal division bench-II heard 10 cases of Customs Sambrial versus Nawabzada Haider, Al-Rehman Fabrics versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad, Customs Faisalabad versus Kamal Textile, Customs Faisalabad versus Sweety Textile. Furthermore, the tribunal heard Juma Khan versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, Khalid Mehmood versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore.
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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range has started the joint antismuggling operations in cooperation with the Rangers to curb smuggling in the jurisdiction. This was stated by Deputy Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range Abdul Mueed Kanjoo in an exclusive interview with Customs Today in his customs intelligence ofPice. There are two main supply routes commonly used by smugglers for smuggling of their illicit goods and vehicles in other regions of Punjab and Pakistan. The customs intelligence has intensified its efforts by enhancing the movements of smuggled goods and vehicles on these routes to curb smuggling in the area. He said the customs field intelligence unit has initiated the antismuggling operation in the Ghazi Ghat bridge area which is one of the main supply routes for non-customs paid smuggled items in the Punjab region. He told Customs Today that Customs Intelligence and Investigation teams have started crackdown on smuggled vehicles and goods transported through this route on their information basis and Customs Intelligence has blocked the focal point of the smug-
customs tribunal reserves two judgments; adjourns hearing of 17 cases
glers for smuggling through which they smuggled goods and vehicles in other parts of Punjab. Kanjoo said the Customs Intelligence has enhanced the monitoring of non-customs paid vehicles and goods from the second important route which is Head Taunsa Bridge region to curtail all sorts of smuggling in the jurisdiction. Deputy Director remarked that Customs Intelligence and Investigation staff has adopted a aggressive line strategy
against smuggling of illegal goods and vehicles by curtailing it before their entrance into the Multan area. The customs intelligence is already cooperating with the Balochistan Military Police (BMP) in the border area to stop smuggling from Balochistan side, and Rangers are also cordoning off major part to tackle smuggling in the region. He maintained that Customs Intelligence is playing a dynamic and active role in elimination of illicit
and smuggled goods and items from the region. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan has formed checkpoints to monitor the movements of goods and vehicles in the area and we have coordinated with Rangers to tackle smuggling of goods and vehicles effectively. He added that Pield formation staff of Customs Intelligence has been directed to take stern action against smugglers in the region without any discrimination.
weBoc increases generation of 15-20 percent more revenue T
PESHAWAR
IRfAN BAHADuR
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he Web Based One Customs System brought an increase to generate 15-20 percent more revenue than the collection made when the cell was not fully operational in Model Customs Collectorate Peshawar. The ofPicial of WeBOC Cell in Model Customs Collectorate Peshawar stated on Monday that the
MCC Peshawar has issued notices to 1600 WeBOC importers to provide complete details and information about the exporters and manufacturers along with personal status about the imports from the exporters which will be required for veriPication of Piling entry with the WeBOC Cell. The credit for centralization of records in MCC Peshawar goes to Collector Qurban Ali Khan for which he has done excellent work to establish the WeBOC Cell at the MCC
Peshawar to operate modern ways of customs for facilitation of trade and traders through this route, the sources added. The collector to detect the importers who failed to provide complete documents for cross border trade for last many years and have caused millions of loss to the national exchequer and get authentic information about the imports and importers had directed the authorities to search for the WeBOC importers who haven’t provided much needed
records. The sources said the importers were notiPied to provide complete details about imports and also Pile a data about the exporters to centralize the records at the WeBOC Cell at Peshawar to enhance the system to generate more revenue for MCC Peshawar. The importers were asked to provide details about the logo of the company from which goods had been imported and two passports and a veriPication letter from chamber of Commerce and Industry of due jurisdiction. Such requirement needs to
fully install records in the WeBOC system to carry out audit in the number of importers and also point out those importers who are less interested in the process to provide complete trade records and requirements by the modern customs tools. The WeBOC Station needs appreciation as it brought the records and details of importers and imports to detect the goods or imports of goods from unauthorized exporters and stop ways for importers who import goods from unregistered importers.
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DG Valuation revises customs values of dry coconut KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of dry coconut (khopra) through Valuation Ruling No 1134/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details, the customs values of dry coconut/khopra of various types from different origins were determined vide Valuation Ruling No. 1033/2017 dated 01-02-2017. Some importers/stakeholders agitated the values before the Director General Customs Valuation under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969. The Director General Customs Valuation vide Order-InRevision No. 322/2017 dated 07-04-2017 remanded the matter back to Director to conduct afresh the exercise of determination values of dry coconut/khopra various types, from different origin.
SJc to examine ptI’s reference against NAB chairman on may 16
Thursday May 4, 2017
National
ecc approves proposals submitted by different ministries
ISLAMABAD
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upreme Judicial Council (SJC) will hold its meeting on May 16 to examine a reference filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) proposing the ouster of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry. The SJC secretary announced the date of the meeting in a notification. The reference proposes the deposition of Chaudhry, whose capacity to head the national accountability watchdog was questioned quite critically during the Panamagate hearings. “That the SJC has called a meeting on May 16 is a victory for PTI,” said Fawad Chaudhry, spokesperson of PTI.
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faisalabad ASo seizes foreign origin new auto parts FAISALABAD
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he Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized 3000 kilograms foreign origin new auto parts. The market value of the seized auto parts is Rs3210325 involving customs duty and taxes Rs181321. Sources told to Customs Today, that Collector Customs Muhammad Sadiq received information regarding smuggling of foreign origin new auto parts. Soon after receiving the information, he constituted a raiding team comprising Superintendent Dilawar Hussain, Inspectors Tanveerul Haq, Khalid Ashraf Noor, Ali Zahid and Muhammad Hayat, Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Yasin sepoy. The ASO team c intercepted a vehicle bearing registration no: FDR-4685 loaded with 3000 kilograms of auto spare parts and car door 4 numbers, car bonnet, nose cut of car, steering comb, hub of car.
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ISLAMABAD
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he Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved proposals submitted by different ministries in its meeting. The ECC meeting was chaired by Finance Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, said a press release. The ECC approved the proposal of Economic Affairs Division (EAD) for grant of exemption to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from all levies and taxes for the loan extended by the Government of Japan/JICA on concessionary terms, amounting to JPY 2.665 billion (equivalent to US$ 26 million approximately), for the Islamabad-Burhan Transmission Line Reinforcement Project. The main objective of the project is to improve the reliability of the national grid and to meet the growing demand for electricity transmission through reinforcement of transmission lines necessary for power supply to Islamabad Capital Territory and surrounding areas, thereby contributing to the improvement of economic infrastructure of Pakistan. ECC also considered and approved the draft standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), proposed by the Ministry of Water and Power, which will be used as standard template for future PPAs. The draft PPA is a tripartite
agreement between Central Power Purchasing Agency, Guarantee Ltd (CPPA) on behalf of exWAPDA Distribution Companies, National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDCL) and the Power Producers. ECC approved the proposal of Ministry of Water and Power for government guarantee for repayment of loan amount of US$ 140 million, i.e. 40 per cent of US $350 million loan amount for the Dasu
ecc also considered and approved the draft standard ppA, proposed by the ministry of water and power, which will be used as standard template for future ppAs
Sargodha ASo seizes NDp ceramic tiles
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FAISALABAD
NAeem SHeIKH
www.customsbulletin.com he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sargodha foiled a smuggling attempt and confiscated non-duty paid ceramic tiles worth Rs660000 involving customs duty and taxes of Rs49593 and impounded an offending Mazda truck worth Rs01.5million. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Collector (DC Muham-
mad Rizwan received a tip-off regarding the transportation of smuggled items. He formed a special team comprising Superintendent Ch Sardar Muhammad, Inspectors Bashir Hussain, Atif Mumtaz, Sepoys Muhammad Imran, Hafiz Nasir, Shafqat Mehmood, Safdar Hussain to foil the attempt. The ASO team started checking vehicles near Lahore Sargodha road. The ASO team intercepted a Mazda mini truck with registration No: DGI-498 loaded
with foreign origin ceramic tiles (825-meters). The team asked the driver to show the legal documents regarding the possession and transportation of the goods but he failed to do so. The ASO team impounded the loaded tiles along with the offending vehicle. The ASO registered a case of smuggling against the accused under Section 168 of the Customs Act-1969 and forwarded the case to the customs adjudication for further proceeding.
Hydropower Project. The World Bank will provide guarantee for the remaining US$ 210 million loan amount. ECC also approved the request of the Ministry of Industries and Production to reduce the price of imported Urea fertilizer lying with National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) to Rs. 1,000/per 50 kg bag in the interest of the public for disposal during kharif 2017.
three food units sealed unjab Food Authority (PFA) on Tuesday sealed three food units for preparing sub-standard items and selling expired foods. According to a spokesman of PFA,the Vigilance team led by Director Operations Rafia Haider raided and sealed production unit of Amir Maqbool Bakers at Fateh Sher Road and Defence Hotel at Shahkam chowk.
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UNIDO starts two-day workshop on renewable energy ISLAMABAD: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has started a 2-day workshop on National policy framework for renewable energy and energy efficiency for industrial sector. The workshop highlighted on the current institutional policy framework on renewable energy and energy efficiency in Pakistan and drawing inferences from other countries in the region. Within the framework of one of its ongoing project entitled “Sustainable Energy Initiative for Industries in Pakistan” which is funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) the ultimate goal of this UNIDO and GEF Project is to avoid Green House Gas.
Thursday May 4, 2017
Business
‘Development of It vital for cpec projects’ ISLAMABAD
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akistan President Mamnoon Hussain has said that skill development in IT is part and parcel of the game changer project China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the country. He stated this while speaking as a chief guest at 8th Annual Convocation of Virtual Universisty Pakistan(VNP) Lahore. He said that signiPicant interest of new generation in IT sector would be helpful for the development of the country President said that in the past years education and industry were nationalized which created
excise to establish facilitation centre KARACHI
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xcise and Taxation Department has set up a facilitation centre for issuance of number plates and recovery of token tax in federal capital. According to media reports, Excise and taxation facilitation centre has been set up in G-11/4 Islamabad just along with administration complex. Excise department in collaboration with Islamabad police has started a campaign against illegal number plates in Islamabad. District administration directed all citizens to contact excise department for acquiring no plates while in other cities, registered vehicles.
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intense negative impact on the human development sectors. Realizing the need of IT and skill development education, universities like Virtual University have been serving the students, he said. President Mamnoon Hussain lauded the
services rendered by this university in the country where a large number of students cannot afford higher education. However, President said that the country has been facing new challenges in education sector and more resources were required
to meet ever growing needs and challenges. He said in such circumstances Virtual university has been fulPilling the needs of education successfully. “Its a matter of honour that this institution has been doing projects with UN for education”,and hoped that this university would also sign memorandum of understandings with other international universities so that students could be equipped with modern skills and knowledge. He said IT has changed the whole world and this department would become more important when Pak-China CPEC projects would further materialise. However, he stressed need for more IT graduates in coming days and urged the educational institutions to pay attention towards the needs of preparing IT experts.
Dmc South initiates development schemes of Rs220m: malik fayyaz T
KARACHI
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he District Municipal Corporation (DMC) Karachi South has started development schemes worth Rs. 220 million in the area. This was stated by the Chairman of the DMC South, Malik Muhammad Fayyaz, here on Saturday. Presiding over a meeting of Works and Services Committee meeting, he pointed out that the tenders for these development schemes had already been issued.
The meeting was also attended by chairman of the Works Committee Ali Sulaiman Soomro, Habib Hassan, Mahmood Hashim, Municipal Commissioner, Afaq Saeed. Fayyaz said that under the programmes, development work of Rs. Pive million would be undertaken in every Union Committee of the DMC South. He said that in view of the sewerage problems in various areas, attention is being paid for laying of new sewerage lines to replace and old and obsolete ones to resolve this chronic problem. Fayyaz said that in the areas
where the laying work of new sewerage lines has been completed, the machine carpeting of roads, lane marking and installation of cat eyes has been undertaken. Cleanliness of storm water drains, cleaning of gutters and constructing manholes and patch work on different roads has also been taken up. A computerized record of the work is being maintained and notices are issued to those contractors not completing the work on time. Action would be taken against those contractors using sub-standard material.
Secp approves certification for research analysts ISLAMABAD
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he Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has prescribed certification requirement for all persons who are involved in preparation and distribution of research reports to the public. In a statement issued on Friday, the SECP said that the requirement was in line with its objectives of inculcating good governance practices, promoting investor protection and having skilled personnel providing recommendation to investors of the capital market. Such persons will be required to obtain the Research Analysts Certification offered by the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan. All existing research analysts have been given six months to obtain the said certification, while new entrants will be required to obtain such certification within six months of intimation to the SECP as a research analyst/research entity. The certification requirement will also be applicable to chief executive or head of research function of the entities involved in research report publication. The certification requirement will promote investor protection by subjecting market intermediaries involved in providing research and advice to minimum standards, and also bring Pakistani capital market on a par with global jurisdictions.
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govt to ensure 100% certified cotton seed supply for farmers ISLAMABAD
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n order to achieve the maximum cotton crop output, arrangements have been Pinalized to ensure supply of 100 percent certiPied cotton seeds to farmers during the current Kharif season. During the current sowing season, about 38,000 metric tons of certiPied and approved seeds of cot-
ton would be available for growers across the country. The total requirement of cotton seeds were recorded at 40,000 metric tons for the sowing season 201718, said an ofPicial in the Ministry of Textile Industry. Talking to APP, he said that in order to ensure the availability of certiPied seeds, all the seed dealers had been directed to market cotton seeds as per standard germination of 75 percent.
The seeds dealers have also been asked to ensure the quality and quantity of the seeds as there should be no comprise on set standards, he added. He further said that a campaign would be launched for sowing of only certiPied seed to enhance per acre crop output in the country, he added. During the current Kharif season, cotton crop to be cultivated over 3.118 million hectares of land across the country to fulPill the domestic requirements as well as to
exports, he added. Cotton crop production targets during the season were Pixed at 14.40 million bales as against the production targets of 14.1 million bales of last year. Cotton crop to be cultivated over 2.429 million hectares of land in Punjab, where as in Sindh it would be sown over 0.650 million hectares of land during, he added. the current season. Meanwhile, the cotton crop would be cultivated over 0.038 mil-
lion hectares of land in Balochistan Province and about 0.001 million hectares in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province respectively, he added. The cotton production targets for Punjab Province was set at 10.00 million bales and 4 million bales in Sindh, he added. About 0.038 million cotton bales production were Pixed for the Balochistan and 0.002 million bales in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the current crop sowing season.
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he Federal Board of Revenue’s Board-inCouncil Tuesday bid farewell to Raana Seerat, Member Taxpayers Audit FBR and Shahid Zamam, Member Accounting FBR, on their retirement from service. The officers’ performance was lauded during the Board-in-Council meeting, held with FBR Chairman Dr Muhammad Irshad in the chair to bid farewell to Member Taxpayers Audit Raana Seerat and Member Accounting Shahid Zamam. In line with the tradition in FBR, the meeting attended by all FBR Members paid glowing tributes to Raana Seerat (BS-22) and Shahid Zamam (BS-21) for their meritorious services for the promotion of public policy and tax culture, while working on various senior positions in the Board and field formations of FBR. The Members shared their reminiscences
Thursday, May 4, 2017
of pleasant memories and experiences while working with the honourably retired officers. Speaking on the occasion, both the outgoing Members expressed their gratefulness to the Almighty Allah for enabling them to complete remarkable phases of their lives with dignity and pride, and spoke profusely of the enabling and equally challenging work environment in which they shouldered their
in his irman a h c R the the fB ciated e r p p ers, ks a memb remar g n i o utg nd es of o servic work a d r a h r thei to the tment i m m co n izatio organ
multifarious responsibilities in various positions in FBR. The FBR chairman in his remarks appreciated the services of outgoing Members, their hard work and commitment to the organization. The chairman and all the Members highlighted the moral values and high professional standards practiced and maintained by the outgoing officers and unanimously praised the high level of integrity and honesty exhibited by them during their entire career. The FBR chairman emphasized that the retired officers with their enriched experience behind them must continue contributing to the society. He wished them healthy and prosperous time in future. At the end, the FBR chairman presented souvenirs and flower bouquets to the outgoing Members.
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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor Rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore
eDItoRIAL
concessions for auto sector
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he Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association has asked the government to change a law, which provides relief to the used cars importers but forces the Original Equipment Manufacturers to pay 17 percent general sales tax at the retail stage in addition to the income tax.The used car importers are paying low duties and taxes at fixed rates. The association also alleges that 11,000 hybrid vehicles were imported last year but the money was paid through suspicious channels. The State Bank has now suggested certain measures to curb the illegal import of used cars. Auto industry is one of the best earning sectors in the country and it needs the government attention and concessions. The country has strong subsidiary industry but it is always been overlooked by the policymakers and the political elite at the helm of affairs. Ignoring this vital sector is leading the nation to nowhere. The next budget is round the corner and the government is expected to announce relief for this sector. Earlier, the Federal Board of Revenue had expressed some reservations about the proposed incentives for the new entrants in the industry and the matter was deferred without reaching a conclusion. A committee was entrusted with the job to prepare the new auto policy, but it has yet to define limits and parameters for the new scheme of things in the background of the present auto policy which is not consumer friendly. The exorbitant prices of vehicles are not in the interest of the companies, government and the consumers whereas international safety and quality standards are also ignored in many cases. The government has to revise import policy of the used cars and should assess how many vehicles should be produced annually in the local manufacturing units. Pakistan can become hub of automobile manufacturing as demand for new vehicles is growing not only in Pakistan, but also in neighbouring countries. The international standards should have to be maintained in local made vehicles. The government should also rationalize tax regime as the demand of the vehicles will grow at a fast rate in the coming years and low tariffs will definitely increase the scope and volume of auto industry in the country.
tax concessions for potential investors T
LAHORE
DR AftAB AfZAL
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he country has to find an answer to low tax collections to find a lasting solution to the problem. As economy is picking up, imposition of taxes and duties and method of their subsequent collections needs to be improved. Pakistan is in dire need of foreign direct investment, but no one will risk his money in a country where taxes are overlapping and collection system is marred by complications. There is only criterion to attract foreign investment and that is to provide maximum concessions to the investors. The Chinese in-
vestors, who have invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, are given all kinds of tax breaks by various government departments, including income tax and customs departments. They are given concessions in duties and taxes. Apparently, the government is incurring a loss of about Rs 150 billion in revenue but as a matter of fact it will collect more revenue in the wake of stimulated economic activities. The same concessions need to be extended to the investors coming from various other countries. If the political leadership is sincere in converting Pakistan into an economic and industrial hub in the region, it has to devise a fair tax collec-
tion policy. The local investors prefer to invest in Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia, but no sooner the government announces tax concession, they will also bring their money back to the country. The government has issued a statutory regulatory order under the prevailing laws to provide a series of tax exemptions and discounts to Chinese investors. There is a need to devise exemptions to the foreign investors at import stage to carry out developmental work in the country. There are several propositions to set up industrial zones and areas along the corridor and unless the government provides concessions to the local and foreign investors, no one
will come here to risk his money. Besides the Gwadar free zone project, the government is also intending to launch power and industrial projects in various parts of the country. A capacity building programme for the income tax and customs officials should be launched to streamline the tax affairs and also incorporate new changes in the prevailing tax laws. It is also important to note that many European countries, including Germany, England and Turkey are interested in the corridor project. Provisions of tax concessions mean Pakistan is politically strong and denial of concessions mean it will not only lose investment, but also friends.
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Iran’s misery index improves 40% since 2013 TEHRAN: Iran’s misery index has had a 40% improvement since President Hassan Rouhani took office in Aug. 2013, as it went down from 48.8 in 2013 to 29.3 in 2016, according to data released by Cato Institute. In 2014 and 2015, the index for Iran stood at 49.1 and 36.7 respectively. Excluding 2014, the trend shows that the index has been treading the path of betterment. The misery index, created by economist Arthur Okun, helps determine how the average citizen is doing economically and is the sum of the inflation, interest and unemployment rates, minus the annual percentage change in per capita GDP. It provides a clear picture of the economic conditions facing nations. In its report, Cato Institute considers high lending rates as the main contributing factor to Iran’s index.
LccI asks SNgpL to shift industrial connections from RLNg to old Sui gas LAHORE
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he Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has demanded the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) shift back industrial connections from temporary RLNG to the old Sui gas. In a statement issued here, the LCCI President Abdul Basit, Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan said that a large number of the members have approached to the LCCI and complaint that their industrial gas connections were shifted to the RLNG for a specific time due to gas shortage with the assur-
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ance that they would be shifted back to Sui gas after March 15, 2017. Unfortunately, even after lapse of the said date, the industrial connections have not been restored to the old Sui gas tariff which is causing great cost problems for the industrialists. The LCCI office-bearers said that Pakistani merchandise are already facing tough challenge in the international market because of high input cost and they are in a dire need of helping hand from the departments like SNGPL. They said that RLNG is costly as compared to natural gas and industries cannot afford to continue with costly fuel. They urged the SNGPL authorities to re-shift the industrial gas connections from RLNG to the old Sui Gas tariff connections. Moreover, they said, Sui Northern Gas has also started advance adhoc billing which must be discontinued for the well being of the industry.
Thursday May 4, 2017
Chambers
LccI, cto join hands to take care of Lahore traffic C
ISLAMABAD
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hief TrafPic OfPicer Rai Ejaz Ahmed has said that a highlevel trafPic management committee, in collaboration with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is being formed to take care of Lahore trafPic. He was speaking here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The LCCI President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan also spoke on the occasion while Khamis Saeed Butt, Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Mian Zahid Javed, Shahid Nazir, Mian Abdul Razzaq, Javed Siddiqui, Ashraf Bhatti, Shahid Iqbal Butt and others were present in the meeting. CTO said that proposed committee would have in its fold representatives both from LCCI and TrafPic Police hierarchy. People involved in violation of law against road blockade would be dealt strictly. He said that trafPic police staff has been directed to deal citizens with respect and a training plan has also been evolved in this regard. He said that trafPic police de-
partment is ready to establish a permanent driving license issuance center at the Lahore Chamber for its members. He said that department considers business community an important stakeholder and wants to collaborate. He said that number of license issuance centers would extended to over 30 from existing 11. He said that difference in school and colleges timing is a must to bring
down the trafPic pressure at peak times. The LCCI President Abdul Basit said that though trafPic department has taken various initiatives to overcome the trafPic chaos but still a lot of work has to do. He said that trafPic is disturbed in different parts of the city because of development work of Orange Train project. He said that this issue could be tackled through deployment additional traf-
Pic wardens while trafPic could also be diverted to the alternative routes. He said that Electronic TrafPic Violation system is a good development. He suggested that trafPic signal should also be appeared in the picture along with the vehicle to ensure transparency. He said that designs of U turns should be changed with the help of Road Planning Agency to get rid of the accidents.
NIBAf playing vital role to provide trained manpower for banking sector
Iran, Bavaria trade volume increased by 33 percent
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ecretary general of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Mines & Industries said the trade volume between Bavaria of Germany and Iran has increased by 33 percent during post-sanctions era. Bahram Eshghi said the trade volume between Iran and the state of Bavaria, Germany, was 2 billion and 400 million euros in 2013 and 2015 in an annual base, adding after the implementation of JCPOA and due to the boost in ties with foreign trade delegations, the volume of exports from Bavaria to Iran grew up to 33 percent. He made the remarks in a joint meeting of economic activists and entrepreneurs of Tehran Chamber of Commerce and Bavaria’s trade delegation at Parsian Hotel, on Monday.
FAISALABAD
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ational Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) is playing a major role to provide highly trained manpower for the banking sector of Pakistan as well as other regional countries, said Allahuddin Achakzai, Senior Joint Director and Training Manager (NIBF). He was addressing the participants of 44th International Commercial Banking Course in Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here. He underlined the economic importance of Faisalabad and said that commercial banks are part and parcel of the economic growth. He said that under training bankers from different
countries will have an opportunity to directly interact with the business tycoons of Faisalabad who are making export and dealing with various commercial banks of different countries. This visit will also help them to fully understand the economic importance of Faisalabad and its linkages with the commercial banks; he said and added that this practical knowledge will help them to introduce qualitative as well as quantitative improvements in their concerned banks. Earlier in his address of welcome, Rana Sikandar Azam senior vice president Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the foreign delegates and said that NIBAF is extending best services to the bankers hailing from different countries. He appreciated the approach of
NIBAF that has arranged special study tours for delegates in addition to arranging theoretic lectures and presentations. He said that Faisalabad is ‘Textile Hub’ of Pakistan. Out of the total exports of Pakistan, the contribution of textile sector is $12billion and out of it, Faisalabad is contributing $6billion. He said that the textile sector is also providing jobs to 38% workforce of Pakistan. He particularly thanked Deputy Chief Manager State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Miss Fouzia Aslam, who arranged this meeting which will be benePicial for both local exporters and bankers from different countries. Miss Fouzia Aslam in her brief address appreciated the hospitality of FCCI, who is always cooperative in arranging special sittings for the participants of different banking course in NIBAF.
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Customs Inspector Abdul Majeed retires ISLAMABAD: Abdul Majeed Khan Hinjra, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS16, has retired from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, last posted as Inspector at Model Customs Collectorate, Islamabad, stood retired from the government service with effect from December 19, 2016. Meanwhile, Malik Muhammad Yasin, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-17, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation.
Thursday May 4, 2017
Islamabad Salma, Syed Roman made Second Secretaries ISLAMABAD
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gulfam Afzal posted as Assistant Director of Internal Audit-IR G
ISLAMABAD
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ederal Board of Revenue has transferred/posted two Inland Revenue Service officers of BS-18 with immediate effect and until further orders. Salma Shaheen, has been transferred from the post of Deputy Director, Directorate General of Training & Research (Inland Revenue), Lahore and posted as Second Secretary, (IR Operations) Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad. Syed Roman Ali Shah, has been transferred from the post of Deputy Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Peshawar and posted as Second Secretary, (IR Operations) Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad. According to the notification, the officers who are drawing performance allowance prior, they will continue to draw this allowance on the new place of posting. The officers have been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available to FBR or by using their IJP logins.
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Appraiser Saleem’s minor penalty set aside he minor penalty imposed on Muhammad Saleem Lodhi, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-16, has been set aside. The officer, as Appraiser, Model Customs Collectorate of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi, (presently posted in Directorate General of Transit Trade, Karachi), had filed a departmental appeal against the minor penalty of “censure” imposed on him vide Board’s Notification No.0783-CIII/2017 dated 08.03.2017. After going through the case record, the Member (Admn) in his capacity as Appellate Authority accepted his appeal and set aside the minor penalty imposed on him by the authorised officer.
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ulfam Afzal, a BS-17 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Director, Directorate General of Internal Audit (IR), Islamabad with immediate effect. The officer, presently posted as Assistant Commissioner at Regional Tax Office, Abbottabad, has been transferred with immediate effect. According to the notification, if the officer is drawing performance allowance, he will continue to draw this allowance on the new place of posting. The officer has been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available at all FBR major field offices or by using IJP login.
faisalabad ASo seizes items worth Rs 8.136m T
FAISALABAD
NAeem SHeIKH
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he Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) conducted various operations against smugglers and recovered different goods worth Rs8.136 million during last week of April 2017. Sources told Customs Today, that Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan Khan constituted a team to curb smuggling attempts. The ASO team consisted of Superintendent Dilawar Hussain, Inspectors Khalid Ashraf Noor, Ali Zahid, Masood Saeed Chohan and sepoys Muhammad Ashraf, Liaquat Ali, Israr Ahmad and Muhammad Abdullah. The vehicles were brought into country without payment of customs duty and taxes. The team also seized foreign origin auto spare parts (3096-kg) priced Rs256775 and other different items (37123 kilograms) were also taken into custody worth Rs 26,80,000. It is necessary to mention here that owners of these goods and vehicles failed to provide legal documents
regarding the legal import of the items. Faisalabad ASO seized items with the section contravened Im-
port and Export Control Act-1950 punishable under Section 156 (1)89(i) 90 of the Customs Act-
1969. The case has been forwarded to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action.
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Custom Appellate Tribunal directs vehicle owner to produce original invoice KARACHI: A Special Custom Appellate Tribunal has ordered an appellant Noor Ahmed Thebo to produce original invoice of a Suzuki jeep. In 2010, the accused became the fourth owner of the vehicle bearing registration No BC3518 Suzuki Potohar (model 1994). After using the vehicle for many years, the owner replaced the upper body with a body of Suzuki Sehra, which was detained by DIT Hyderabad in 2015. The petitioner filed appeals before Custom authorities seeking release of the vehicle on the basis that it was locally manufactured and not a smuggled vehicle. His appeals were rejected and appellant filed appeal before the tribunal which ordered the Custom authorities to take the vehicle to Suzuki company for verification purpose.
SHc seeks remarks from tax deptt on petition filed by m/s english Biscuit KARACHI
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) directed tax department to file para wise comments for second week of May, 2017 and no adverse action shall be taken against the petitioner and conduct themselves strictly in accordance with law on constitutional petitions filed by M/s English Biscuit Manufacture Private Limited seeking quashment of FIR and interim relief. A two member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi heard the petition. During the hearing, Muhammad Aqeel Qureshi advocate undertakes to file vakalatnama and comments on behalf of the respondent and seeks time therefore, court adjourned the matter for second week of May, 2017. Earlier, counsel for the peti-
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tioner argued before the court and after his arguments, court adjourned the matter and observed in its order that “respondents are directed to conduct themselves strictly in accordance with law and to ensure that petitioner may be not harassed, whereas, in case of any material available with the respondents against the petitioner, petitioner shall confronted with such material and provided an opportunity to explain his position”. Counsel for the petitioner stated that the officials of the tax department launched a FIR against a number of companies/ persons and in the interim challan on the basis of complaint from deputy director of Intelligence & Investigations-FBR, whereby the investigation of the matter is underway and that as per the supplementary interim challan, the petitioner has been listed as one of the beneficiaries who utilized the sales tax invoices and adjusted inadmissible input tax.
Karachi
court calls progress report against suspects booked in offshore’s company case C
KARACHI
m B RANA
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ustoms Taxation and Antismuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi directed investigation officer to submit progress report of absconding accused namely Bashir Dawood and Mariyam Dawood who were booked in a case of concealment of income, furnishing inaccurate particulars of income/ wealth and money laundering through an offshore company. During the hearing, Investigation Officer Muhammad Arif appeared before the court and submitted that both the accused persons have not been arrested yet. He further submitted that proceedings were completed against them. After the hearing, the court declared both the accused as proclaimed offenders. It needs to be pertained here that the court had issued several times their bailable and non-bailable warrants and on the last date of hearing, the court had directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for issuing red warrants against the accused. Earlier, investigation officer had filed an appli-
cation before the court for attachment of property and bank accounts under section 8 of the antimoney laundering act, 2010 in order to protect the public exchequer and also had informed the court that above named accused persons are absconders, therefore, court had allowed to IO for attachment of their bank accounts as case property for 30 days. According to the prosecution,
Thursday May 4, 2017
case no 01/2016 was registered against them alleging that the accused persons having offshore company and involved concealing the income approximately Rs. 9,870 million and amount of income tax sought to be evaded of Rs. 2, 469 million and amount of income tax recoverable (up to tax year 2014) Rs. 2, 467 million along with default surcharge & penalty to be determined at the time of payment.
Appraisement serves show cause notice on m/s e-movers KARACHI
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ustoms Appraisement-West has served a Show Cause Notice on M/s E-Movers Pvt Ltd as an FIR has been lodged against the bonded carrier for its involvement in clandestine removal of high value and high tariff goods off the transshipment cargo during transit. The Appraisement has advised M/s E-Movers Pvt Ltd to appear at a hearing on May 02, 2017 to represent their viewpoint and defend the case that why their license should not be suspended. The FIR was lodged against M/s E-Movers Pvt Ltd about two years ago and now Collector Appraisement West Shahnaz Maqbool has initiated proceedings into the case. It may be noted here that this mega scam of replacing high-value/high-tariff goods of the transshipment consignments with low-value/low-tariff goods has caused a loss of over Rs1.0 billion to the national exchequer. Customs collected all the evidences and calculated the loss of revenue of over Rs1.0 billion. Peshawar Customs had lodged an FIR against M/s E-Movers dated September 07, 2016 after it was confirmed that the goods in the transshipment cargo had been replaced during transit.
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Dg Valuation revises customs values of bearings
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KARACHI
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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of bearings through Valuation Ruling No 1135/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details, customs values of bearings were determined under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969, vide Valuation Ruling No.953/2016, on October 14, 2016. The valuation ruling was challenged by different importers through revision petitions before the Director General Customs Valuation. The Di-
rector General disposed of the petitions vide Order-in-Revision No. 284/2016 dated 04-01-2017. The market inquiry also revealed that the values have been Pixed correctly by the Director Customs Valuation.” The aforesaid valuation ruling and Order-in-Revision were challenged before the appellate tribunal, Karachi vide Customs Appeal No. K-35/2017. One of the importers, M/s Asghar Enterprises, Piled a Complaint before the Federal Tax Ombudsman, Karachi vide Complaint No. 000078/2017. The Bearing Trade Group also approached the Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue Islamabad through a letter of Pakistan Automobile Spare Parts
Importers & Dealers Association dated 02-03-2017. Meanwhile on expiry of 90days the importers approached this ofPice with the request to re-determine customs values, claiming that the values determined vide Valuation Ruling No.953/2016, dated 14-102016 became irrelevant, in light of Sindh High Court’s judgments. The Customs Appellate Tribunal, Karachi remanded the case to Director Valuation, with certain observations for redetermination of customs values, after giving the opportunity of being heard to all stakeholders, within one month. Federal Tax Ombudsman required an under-taking by the Directorate General Customs Valuation
to issue fresh Valuation Ruling within the time limit speciPied by the Appellate Tribunal. Therefore, this Directorate General initiated an exercise for determination of customs values of Bearings. Different meetings with stakeholders were held on 07-03-2017 and 12-04-2017. Importers had been requested to furnish the invoices of imports during last three months showing factual value. Websites, names and E-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained. Copies of contracts made / LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of item in question.
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Iran’s 4-year oil revenues hit $157B Thursday May 4, 2017
World
TEHRAN: Iran’s oil revenues from March 2013 to March 2017, which covers Hassan Rouhani’s presidency, have reached $157 billion, said Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, head of Management and Planning Organization of Ira. He said the volume was $251 billion from March 2009 to March 2013, which covers the second term of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency, Fars news agency reported on April. He added that the oil price plunged from $104 to $44 during last four years. Before imposition of sanctions on Iran in 2012, the country was exporting 2.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) of oil and gas condensate, but the figure halved due to the sanctions. The sanctions on Iran were removed in January 2016, which led to an increase in oil and gas exports to 2.65 mb/d, but the oil price last year was over two times less than in 2012.
Russia to cooperate with Switzerland in field of customs
South African firms rack in R10m from ZItf CAPE TOWN
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MOSCOW
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he Russian authorities propose to Switzerland to reach a deal in cooperation in the Pield of customs, according to the Pirst deputy director of Russia’s Federal Customs Service, Ruslan Davydov. As he told TASS news agency on April, both countries still have not concluded an agreement on collaboration in customs. Having carried out the corresponding negotiations, the parties agreed to hold a meeting to discuss the framework of the agreement. This statement Ruslan Davydov made at a conference of the World Customs Organization, which took place in Vienna on April 19-21. The event was attended by representatives of 51 nations and the EU. Russia has become a member of WCO in 1992. Meanwhile, Russian customs of-
Saudi Arabia aims to boost fDI to 5.7% of gDp audi Arabia is aiming to increase the foreign direct investment from 3.8 per cent of its current GDP to about 5.7 per cent in 2017, as part of its efforts to diversify its economy and boost investment inflows into the kingdom. The effort is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Plan and National Transformation Programme, updates on which are set to be revealed at the Saudi Arabia Forum 2017, a Jumana House event being organised by Meed. The event will gather together influential figures from government and businesses to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the kingdom. The forum, to be held on May 9 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Riyadh, will ensure complete coverage of the latest market information, project updates, macroeconomic insight, whilst also addressing strategic labour issues and solutions to ensure the kingdom’s sustainable economic growth.–CB Report
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ficers confiscated valuable ancient artifacts that were on their way from Russia to Israel, reported the Moskva agency, citing the press office of Domodedovo Airport located just outside of Moscow. “During an inspection of passengers departing on a Moscow – Tel Aviv flight, Domodedovo customs officers
stopped a 65-year-old Russian national. The man had passed through the ‘green corridor,’ thus indicating that he had nothing to declare,” the press service said. During a random inspection of his bags, officials found 19th and 20th century household items, including a jewelry box, a cigarette case.
Saudi Arabia offers Azerbaijan to jointly invest in third countries
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audi Arabia offers Azerbaijan to jointly invest in third countries, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih said. The Saudi Arabian minister made the remarks at a meeting with Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev in Baku Apr. 26. Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih said that today Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan can hold relevant technical discus-
sions. “Together we can better assess the risks,” he added. “We propose to invest not only in the Caspian-littoral countries, but also in other countries.” The minister also expressed interest in supplying the products manufactured in Saudi Arabia to Azerbaijan. Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih said that the oil companies of Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, namely, SOCAR and Saudi Aramco, could establish technical cooperation. –CB Report
South African companies generated export sales totaling R10 million through their participation at last year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry has again dispatched Pirms for this year’s edition which kicked off Tuesday in Bulawayo. The companies that are part of the delegation will be assisted by the dti through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA), which aims to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country. South Africa’s participation at the ZITF follows on the heels of a successful participation in 2016 where a reported total of 431 trade leads were secured by ex-
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hibitors, with a total of 21 Zimbabwean agents appointed, and export sales totaling R10 million recorded through participation. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies is quoted saying that the ZITF is one of the largest intra-regional trade fair shows in sub-Saharan Africa and that it provides the largest and most convenient trade hub in the region. Meanwhile, South African Government’s priority is to ensure that there is certainty and continuity in the trade and investment relationship with the United Kingdom as a result of Brexit, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies. Minister Davies told the British Chamber of Business that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) provides a good basis to facilitate trade between South Africa and the UK going forward. ‘Our priority now is that we do not want any interruption in our trade relations with the UK.
Iranian crude oil at $53 per barrel ran’s crude oil traded above $53 a barrel in the week to April 14, rePlecting the global conPidence in a pact between OPEC and nonOPEC producers to slash supplies to boost Plagging oil prices. Iran Heavy, the country’s main export grade, gained $1.82 per barrel to settle at $53.10 in the week. The country’s light crude rose 99 cents to $52.42 a barrel, IRNA reported on Sunday, citing a report by the Oil Ministry. Both grades have held above the $50-per-barrel mark in 2017 on the back of the global supply cut deal. Eleven members of the Organization of Petroleum Ex-
porting Countries and 13 producers outside the oil bloc announced a deal last year to erase a total of 1.8 million barrels in daily production in the Pirst half of this year to ease a global oversupply which dislodged prices over the last three years. Iran was exempt from the cuts because it is boosting production after years of economic sanctions that stiPled its oil production. The No. 3 OPEC producer was allowed to pump around 3.8 million barrels a day in the Pirst six months of the year. According to OPEC’s latest monthly report, Iran’s crude oil averaged $51.71 between January and March. –CB Report
HKtDc, thai oSmep sign memorandum of understanding
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HONG KONG
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he Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Thailand’s OfPice of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the promotion of bilateral SME development and economic cooperation
between Thailand and Hong Kong. The agreement was witnessed by Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and signed by OSMEP Director General Salinee Wangtal and HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. Under the MOU, the two parties will promote SME development and economic cooperation between Thailand and Hong Kong by exchanging SME development-related
information, encouraging Thai SMEs to participate in HKTDC trade fairs and other activities, jointly promoting products made by Thai SMEs in the international market as well as organising seminars, contests and delegations to support bilateral SME development. Prior to the signing ceremony, a meeting was held between the HKTDC, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Thailand’s Minister of Industry,
Uttama Savanayana, the Director General of Thailand’s Department of Industrial Promotion, Pasu Loharjun, and representatives of OSMEP and the SME Development Bank of Thailand. The parties discussed various issues, including support for development of high-tech industries, upgrading of traditional SME business and strengthening cooperation between Thailand and Hong Kong.
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Five point guide to boost UK food, drinks exports LONDON: A new five step guide has been launched to offer advice to food and drink companies to help accelerate their export journey. Currently only one in five of the UK’s manufacturers export which presents a massive untapped opportunity for the industry. Food and drink exporting – Five steps to success has been developed by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and Food and Drink Exporters Association (FDEA). It was launched today (26 April) at an export breakfast for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Food and Drink Manufacturing in Parliament. The guide encourages current and would-be exporters to think about the core elements of the export process, answering key questions, and providing useful tips and relevant contacts.
uS economy shows only modest signs of inflation pressures he US economy expanded at a modest-to-moderate pace between mid-February and the end of March, but inflation pressures remained in check despite more difficulties in attracting and retaining workers, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday. “On balance, prices rose modestly,” the U.S. central bank said in its periodic gauge of the health of the economy derived from surveying business contacts nationwide. Firms mostly expected price growth to be mild to moderate over the coming months, the Fed added. It raised its benchmark interest rate in March for the second time in three months and many policymakers appear bullish on the prospects of more tightening this year with the nation near full employment and inflation slowly rising. That said, there is still debate within the Fed about just how rapid and sustained the pickup in inflation will be given that it has struggled to reach the central bank’s 2 per cent target over several years. –CB Report
World Customs
chinese customs takes firm hand on IpR infringements
ran exported more than 57.68 million tons of mineral products worth over $7 billion during the previous fiscal year (March 2016-17), registering a 38% and 17% growth in trade volume and value respectively compared with the year before. Mineral exports accounted for 44% and 16% of Iran’s total export volume and value during the period respectively, according to the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization. The mining industry accounts for only about 5% of Iran’s GDP. Mineral imports last year stood at 5.89 million tons worth $3.7 billion, registering a 26% and 17% decline in volume and value respectively year-on-year. Imports made up 18% and 8% of all Iranian imports in terms of volume and value respectively during the year. –CB Report
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mazars uK sees revenue grow by 7% to £160 million azars UK saw its revenue grow by 7% last year to £160 million, continuing a winning run. The firm, which recently refreshed its executive team, now has 140 partners and 1,700 employees across 19 offices. In its latest financial year, the accounting and consulting firm booked a 7% revenue hike to its UKbased operation, growing turnover from £149 million last year to £160 million this year. Mazars has enjoyed steady business growth over the past five years, last year at 14.5%, with revenues now 40% higher than in 2012. The firm recently expanded its operations in the south with the addition of a team from rival Grant Thornton to its office in Poole, as well as appointed a new Executive team. The firm’s Tax and Financial Planning services line saw the biggest increase over the previous year, up 11.3%. Its Financial Advisory, Accounting and Outsourcing business too saw solid growth, up 6.6% on the previous year. The firm’s Assurance and Internal Audit and Consulting and Actuarial business lines also saw solid growth, at 5.3% and 5.2% respectively. Phil Verity, who was recently voted as the firm’s UK Senior Partner, reflects that he is “proud” that the firm has achieved such consistent growth in its business with increases in turnover and profit. –CB Report
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$3.3b trade surplus in Iran’s mining sector
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BEIJING
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hinese customs has been an important player in protecting intellectual property rights (IPR), taking a Pirm hand against smuggling of illegal products, a customs ofPicial said Tuesday. In 2015, China started a threeyear campaign to protect the image of “made-in-China” products internationally, with a focus on products exported to Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and countries along
the Belt and Road. More than 43,000 batches of goods suspected of IPR infringement have been seized during the campaign, involving more than 81 million individual items, Zou Zhiwu, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), told Xinhua. IPR infringement in the imported products have been rising at around 10 percent a year. In 2016 alone, Chinese authorities seized 670 batches of illegal goods, including fake lubricants imported from Malaysia. For the healthy growth of the e-commerce sector, the GAC has acted on Internet-related IPR infringements by joining with e-commerce platforms
and integrating online and ofPline supervision, he said. In 2016, customs authorities streamlined the procedures for Pile for IPR and suspended charges, resulting in 8,844 IPR Pilings last year, up 55 percent year on year. Chinese companies are becoming more aware of IPR protection and had Piled 27,873 IPR with GAC by the end of last year, accounting for 52.51 percent of all IPR on record, Zou said. Chinese companies are also victims of IPR infringements. Customs seized 7.58 million pieces of goods suspected of infringing the IPR of Chinese companies in 2016, up 13.2 percent from the previous year.
canada export bank eyes philippine
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OTTAWA
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s offers of development funding from China and Japan pour in, Canada also wants a bigger piece of the Philippine growth story as its export credit agency Export Development Canada (EDC) seeks more opportunities to fund infrastructure projects and other key industries. In an e-mail interview with the Inquirer, EDC regional vice president for Asia
international business development William Brown said EDC was anticipating more Canadian businesses wanting to invest and sell more products to the Philippines as Canadian exporters and investors seek opportunities in emerging markets. The domestic sectors that EDC is most bullish about include food processing, clean technology, pulp and paper, information and communications technology and aerospace-related industries. EDC also expects to play a bigger role in the country’s infrastructure
sector given President Duterte’s ambition to bring the Philippines to a golden age of infrastructure. “EDC’s funding is disbursed according to customer needs and opportunities for trade between Canada and the Philippines. EDC can be a valuable resource to Philippine corporations in the infrastructure sector by providing Pinancing and introducing them to leading Canadian infrastructure companies,” Brown said. “Rail, clean technology and power are all key industries that EDC and Canada can contribute to in the
Philippines. We also have in-depth experience in Pinancing PPP (publicprivate partnership) projects. This will augur well with the President’s agenda in bringing more private capital to support infrastructure development in the Philippines using the PPP model,” he said. As funding from Asian economic giants like China and Japan Plow more abundantly to the Philippines, Brown said EDC being “one of the most progressive export credit agencies” had many competitive advantages compared to other Pinanciers.
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Court approves physical remand of accused involved in smuggling Thursday May 4, 2017
Lahore
LAHORE: The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling handed over three accused persons to customs investigation team in smuggling of Indian made saris. According to details available to Customs Today three accused namely Sajjad Qureshi, Abdul Sattar and Hammad Ahmad were arrested by the customs authorities when they were making attempt to smuggle huge quantity of Indian made saris. Investigation team of Customs Preventive produced them before the court of Aqal Hussain Chohan and asked for three days physical remand. On the request of the investigation team Customs Court handed over them to the investigation team for further investigations.
customs court rejects post-arrest bail plea of alleged smuggler LAHORE
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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has rejected the post arrest bail plea of an accused who is on a 14-day judicial remand. The accused was arrested by the customs authorities from Lahore on the charge of smuggling powder milk by showing it as plastic raw material. Accused Zahid Rasheed was booked by the customs intelligence while he was trying to smuggle a huge quantity of powder milk of different brands. Customs intelligence on secret information intercepted a truck in the suburbs of Lahore city and found it loaded with international branded powder milk. The customs intelligence raided a
pakistani imports from India decrease by 23pc mport of goods from India has decreased by 23 percent during the last eight months from July 2016 to March 2017. Sources told Customs Today that Pakistan exported goods to India worth Rs 25 billion in eight months. Even in tensed conditions on borders, line of control and working boundary, Pakistan has successfully increased its exports to India. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Customs at Wagah has earned a huge amount of taxes through this import figure. Pakistan has big share of import of cotton in last eight months. Import of Indian tomatoes, fruits and other such fresh items has fallen in the last eight months due to many reasons. On other hand, due to increase in exports to India, Pakistan Customs has started construction of a huge dry port at Wagah border in which big warehouses are also included. –CB Report
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warehouse and found a huge quantity of powder milk. The customs team found 9349 bags of powder milk of different brands. The weight of the recovered powder was 232,000 kilograms. The worth of the recovered powder milk is Rs70.00million. The milk is made of America, Turkey, Holland, Korea and India. All the milk was smuggled from these countries by different routes, especially from Afghanistan. A team of customs investigation presented the accused before the court of Ch Aqal Hussain and asked for remand of Pive days to complete investigation from the accused. After listening arguments from both sides, the customs court handed over the accused to investigation team for two days. Again on last Wednesday, he was produced before the court of Ch Aqal Hussain and asked for two more days which was approved.
customs preventive impounds huge quantity of NDp goods
LAHORE
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irectorate of Customs Preventive has seized millions of rupees non-customs paid
Appraisement stops clearance of alleged India made cloth container
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he Customs Appraisement Mughalpura Lahore has stopped the clearance of a container that was declared as Chinese consignment. It was loaded with cloths of Rs670million. The appraisement has stopped the clearance of a consignment that was declared as imported from China but in real it is an Indian cloths Pilled container. Sources of Customs Today said that importer and clearing agent declared that consignment has been imported from China but it was imported from
China. Director Customs Intelligence ZulPiqar Yonus informed the clearing authorities of appraisement that this consignment is ambiguous. The customs appraisement has started investigation regarding the clearance of the cloths. After investigation, the customs appraisement will decide either to release the container or not. It is pertinent to mention here that customs appraisement stopped many consignments in the past that were declared Chinese and actually they were Indian.–CB Report
goods, articles and vehicles during Pirst 15 days of April, 2017. According to the details, during the month of April 2017, cases of cigarettes, Gutka, cloth, soft juice, Toyota Surf jeeps, ceramic tiles and smart mobile phone sets were seized which were estimated at Rs25 million. The ASO staff seized mobile phone sets of
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assorted models of Samsung brand worth Rs8.5 million from railway station arrived from Karachi. A bus loaded with misc goods was intercepted at Sheera Kot Babu Sabu interchange coming from Peshawar. Cases are registered and further investigations are underway. The operation were conducted on the directions of the Chief Collector Central Zeba Hai Azhar and Collector Customs Preventive Lahore Ch. ZulPiqar to curb the menace of smuggling in Lahore. Meanwhile, As per details, the Collectorate of Preventive collected Rs 6143 million customs duty during March against the proposed target of Rs 6701 million for the month. Similarly, the collectoarte collected Rs 10502 million on account of sales taxes during the month under review against the target of Rs 10189 million. On the other hand the Collectorate collected Rs 5895 million withholding tax against the target of Rs 6788 million for the months from July to March FY 2017.
customs court hears 20 cases he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Monday heard 20 cases, including pre-arrest bail pleas Piled by different suspects. Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as the parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court. Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas Piled by accused Abdul Razzaq and Salman were adjourned for new dates in next week. A case against Shaukat Ali was also scheduled for hearing in which court recorded statements of the parties. Shaukat Ali is is on bail nowadays. Framing of charges against Humayun Rasheed also ad-
journed for next week. Final arguments and statements of the concerned parties in a case of smuggling against RaPique Ali was also scheduled for hearing which is rescheduled for next week. Meanwhile, The Special Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling heard 18 cases, including pre-arrest bail pleas Piled by different suspects. Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as the parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court. Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas Piled by accused Muhammad Razzaq and Salman were adjourned for new dates in next week. –CB Report
fto adjourns hearing against corporate Rto
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LAHORE
SAJID NAwAZ
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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) adjourned the hearing of a case Piled by proprietor Falcon Trading Corporation against the Corporate Regional Tax OfPice (CRTO), Zone-V Lahore, until the next date of hearing.
FTO Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case in which counsel for the appellant argued that the Corporate Regional Tax OfPice (CRTO), Zone-V, had failed to release the tax refund of the last two years claimed by the company. He said the RTO has been collecting excessive tax from proprietor Falcon Trading Corporation for the last two years. He approached the commissioner concerned many times for is-
suance of refunds but the CRTO ZoneV ofPicials did not pay the refunds after the lapse of reasonable time. At the end, the company decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the CRTO to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said the CRTO should have refunded the excess collection in the wake of taxes by the end of Pinancial year but the situation is
quite otherwise. Delay in release of refund put the burden on the taxpayer, he said, adding that the CRTO Lahore should make audit of the case and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for CRTO argued that appellant Malik Munawar Ahmed, proprietor Falcon Trading Corporation, has not submitted all the record in the ofPice on which basis it is claiming refund.
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Portland Port unveils bigger cruise ship berth WASHINGTON: Portland Port in Dorset has unveiled a new £3m extended cruise berth that will allow it to accommodate larger ships. The upgraded facility will allow vessels of up to 1,115ft (340m) in length – it previously could take ships under a length of 985ft (300m). A spokesman said the work would “future proof” the port’s cruise business as the industry continued to grow. The first vessel expected to use the new extension is the 300m-long Disney Magic on 23 May. Port chief executive Bill Reeves, said: “The berth extension is to future proof our relationship with the cruise lines. “Cruise lines and their visits are a significant part of our turnover so we have to make sure we can continue to service them and support them well into the future.”
port of Vancouver has record year for tonnage he Port of Vancouver had a record year for tonnage last year, though imports and operating revenues are less glowing. Port officials announced last week that nearly 7.5 million metric tons crossed its docks in 2016 a 7.7 percent bump from the year prior. About 86 percent of that freight came from exported goods, such as grains, jet fuel and copper. The weighty results suggest that the port’s tenants are booming, officials said. “It’s showing that not only is business continuing to do really great here, but our strategic investments like the West Vancouver Freight Access Project are really paying off,” spokesperson Magan Reed said. Fifty businesses and about 3,200 employees work at the port, according to the port. A 2014 report commissioned by the port said it helps put $2.9 billion annually into
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the local economy. Port officials said it was the third straight year it had broken its own tonnage record. Agriculture remained the heavy hitter. Grain, soy beans and corn alone shipped 5.3 million metric tons. Exports altogether climbed 14 percent. Imports, however, are another story. While imports of some commodities rose, such as components for windmills, imports as a whole decreased 17 percent year over year. Ports across the country have seen similar drops. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, imports fell by 2.7 percent, or $63 billion, nationwide. The Port of Vancouver also saw its operating revenue decline from $38.2 million to $35.9 million. Port officials wrote in the announcement that the global economy and fluctuating currency contributed. –CB Report
Ports & Shipping
port of toledo wins major award for international cargo TOLEDO
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major honor for the Port of Toledo. It’s one of six ports, that are being recognized with what’s known as a Pacesetter Award. The award is given by the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to ports that increase international cargo tonage. About 7,000 jobs are tied to the Port of Toledo and it has a one billion dollar economic impact on the region. 2016 was another award winning year. Joe Cappel is the Vice President of Business Development for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, “Toledo is truly a gateway to global markets.” And global business is up double digits, “We were up about 15% from 2015. A lot of that increase is due to grain, direct overseas grain shipments.” Cappel says between 500-800 vessels come in and out of the port every year, up to 100 of them from overseas, “Most of our direct overseas trade is with
northern Europe and north Africa and the Mediterranean region.We have had shipments from Mexico and South America as well. We even get shipments from Russia and eastern Europe.” More than 8 million tons of cargo moved in and out of Toledo in 2016. One of the most common products is aluminum that’s brought from eastern Canada to Toledo’s general cargo dock, “It is stored at the general cargo dock which is run by Midwest Terminals. It is traded on the London Metal Exchange as
well as others. It is then shipped out on trucks to automakers and appliance manufacturers and other users of aluminum.” In addition to aluminum, other cargo includes coal, iron ore and items related to the energy industry, “We’re seeing wind towers and windmill blades,transformers. Large equipment and products for Toledo’s rePineries.” When it comes to freighters, their sheer size of course makes it easier to move that very large cargo, “One ship can carry as much product as 870 trucks or about 225 rail cars.
Thursday May 4, 2017
ga. ports report record march business he Georgia Ports Authority experienced strong growth in containerized, auto and breakbulk trade in March. The Port of Savannah moved 311,770 20-foot equivalent units last month, an increase of 5.6% or 16,621 TEUs. Total tonnage across all terminals increased 9.8% (258,627 tons), moving 2.89 million tons for the busiest March ever in the Authority’s history. “Strong demand from retail and manufacturing customers –both in the U.S. and abroad – is driving growth in Savannah and Brunswick,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “As existing port users expand their trade through our terminals and new customers tap into Georgia’s connectivity to major population centers across the Southeast, we expect to see additional job and economic development opportunities for our region.” The GPA’s cargo report follows the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission’s approval Friday of an agreement between the port authorities of Georgia and Virginia to share best practices and marketing efforts. –CB Report
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port of centralia succeeds in creating new jobs P
WASHINGTON
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oliticians often rise to public ofPice behind vague promises to focus on economic development and job creation. In many cases, the ofPice they seek lacks the power or mandate to accomplish such a feat beyond simply improving economic conditions by fairly managing and investing taxpayer money. That’s not the case for the Port of Centralia, which considers the creation of employment opportunities the driving force of its mission. The Port of Centralia has had great success in this sometimes arduous task. Centralia Station is just one example. The Port of Centralia unveiled plans for the project in 2013, showcasing drawings of what will become a hub of business activity off of the Interstate 5 interchange at Mellen Street in Centralia. Earlier
this year, The Chronicle reported that the port had secured the interest of Fred Meyer to be the anchor tenant on the land, which will also be home to dozens of additional businesses if project leaders are able to cross a few more hurdles. Powell Development, which purchased the property from the Port earlier this year, will need the assistance of the city of Centralia on utilities and roads along with a federal permit for freeway access to bring Centralia Station to fruition, but the path looks promising. The construction of the project alone would employ the full time equivalent of 410 workers while supporting 575 local jobs and create $4.6 million in state and local taxes, according to a report by ECONorthwest released last October. The same report found that when Centralia Station is at full capacity, the businesses would employ 535 peo-
ple in Centralia directly, earn $118 million in annual sales and pay almost $7.1 million in state and local taxes. Meanwhile, at the port’s property on Galvin Road, a grocery distribution center is expected to bring in 200 to 400 jobs. Details, including the name of the company, have not been released, but we look forward to the announcements to come. The port’s excellence in economic development is certainly not new. The 32 businesses operating at the port’s industrial parks employ 937 people and pay $53.5 million a year in salaries, wages and benePits, according to information provided last year. True economic development is time-consuming and difPicult. It goes beyond buzzwords and pie-in-the-sky promises made by politicians seeking another term in ofPice. We’re thankful for the work of past and present Port of Centralia commissioners as well as that of Ex-
ecutive Director Kyle Heaton. “It also afPirms the Kingdom’s status as a leader of the global maritime industry. This boost in inbound and outbound freight at Saudi ports is not only in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, but also an addendum to another achievement of 2016 – King Abdullah Port was named the world’s fastest-growing port.” Hameedadin praised the roles of Saudi Customs, the Border Guard, and the Economic Cities Authority, along with all other stakeholders among the government agencies and private Pirms that operate at the port, for their support that helped the port achieve such feats in such a short period of time, integrating itself into the Saudi seaport infrastructure and helping to propel the national economy. “King Abdullah Port is instrumental in boosting the national economy and fostering growth, thanks to its role in creating business and new jobs,” said Hameedadin.
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Khushab FIU impounds non duty paid Toyota Coaster KHUSHAB: The Field Investigation Unit (FIU) of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Faisalabad has seized a non duty paid Toyota Coaster (20-seater), model 1992 worth Rs45,00,000 involving customs duty and taxes Rs52,11,900. Sources told to Customs Today, that Deputy Director Ittrat Hussain received information regarding some smuggled attempts. On this he constituted a team comprising Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Siddique, Mansoor Nasir and sepoys Liaqat Ali, Shouqat Ali, Israr Ahmed, Zeeshan Usman, Muhammad Iqbal participated.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
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muhammad Saleem made Dg (opS) of customs Reforms & Automation ISLAMABAD cuStomS BuLLetIN RepoRt www.customsbulletin.com
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uhammad Saleem, a BS20 ofPicer of Pakistan Customs Service, on return from National Management Course (NMC), has been transferred and posted as Director General (OPS), Directorate General of Reforms & Automation (Customs), Islamabad, with immediate effect and until further orders. According to the notiPication, if the ofPicer is drawing performance allowance, he will continue to draw this allowance on the new place of posting. He has been directed to relinquish/assume charge, using online HRMS facility made available to FBR or by using their IJP logins. Saleem assumed the charge as Director, Director General, Intelligence and Investigation-FBR, Islamabad on August 21, 2015 after relinquishing charge of the post of Collector, Customs, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (West), Karachi on August 15, 2015. He was also given look-after charge of the post of Director, Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation-FBR, Peshawar on April 15, 2016, while being posted as Islamabad I&I Director.
Dg Valuation revises customs value of fresh dates KARACHI
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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of Fresh Dates through Valuation Ruling No 1133/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.According to details, Customs values of Dates of various types from different origins were determined vide Valuation
Ruling No. 1014/2017 dated 1701-2017. Some importers/stakeholders agitated the values before the Director General Customs Valuation under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969. The Director General Customs Valuation vide Order-In-Revision No. 324/2017 dated 07-04-2017 remanded the matter back to the Director to extent of Zahidi dates only. Therefore a fresh exercise was initiated to re-determine the values of Fresh Dates. A meeting for the determination of customs values of Zahidi Dates with stakeholders was held on 18-04-2017 which
was duly attended by all the stakeholders, however, the representative of MCC, Quetta, and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry Quetta and Chaman could not attend the meeting despite being invited to the same for their valuable input. The representative from All Pakistan Dry Fruit Importers and Exporters Association, Quetta attended the meeting. The representatives from MCC Appraisement West shared their market inquiry and contributed to the working of this Directorate. All the stakeholders strongly contended and requested
that the said Valuation Ruling may be reviewed in light of prevailing international and local market prices and further contended that the market surveys may be conducted from wholesale markets. The view point of all participants was heard in detail and considered to arrive at customs value of subject goods. It was also highlighted that the goods under consideration are perishable items and therefore miscellaneous margins may be adjusted while applying the deductive method of section 25(7) of the Act. The contentions of all stakeholders were
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given due consideration. Valuation methods provided in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were duly followed and applied sequentially to address the valuation issue at hand. Transaction value method provided in Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 was found inapplicable because the requisite information was not available as per law. Identical I similar goods value method provided in Sub-Sections (5) & (6) of Section 25 ibid were examined for applicability to determine Customs value of subject goods, this data provided some references.