May 9 layout 1

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Karachi, Tue May 9, 2017

QUETTA

TARIQ DERYA

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he Federal Board of Revenue (MCC) assigned Rs1660.71million all duty taxes’ collection to the Model Customs Collectorate Quetta for May of Financial Year (FY) 201617. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) assigned Rs238.00million collection of Withholding and Income Tax to Model Customs Collec-

torate, and the FBR assigned Rs811.00million Sales Tax. The MCC Quetta has been assigned Rs18.00million Federal Excise Duty and it has been assigned Rs593.71million Customs Duty.

The sources said the MCC Quetta was assigned Rs1398.00million All Duty Taxes during April FY2016-17 whereas the Quetta Collectorate exceeded its assigned collection target of All Duty and Taxes with the collection of Rs1400.00million during April 2016-

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17. Elaborating the revenue earned during April FY-16-17, the sources said the Quetta Collectorate generated Rs557.00million revenue against the assigned target of Rs513million Customs Duty. The MCC Quetta received Rs597.00million Sales Tax while the collector said the collectorate c o l l e c t e d Rs33.00million against the assigned target of Rs15.00million Federal Excise Duty.

Peshawar Customs seizes 225 non-duty-paid mobiles

Pakistan extends unequivocal support to One Belt One Road: Dar

‘Pakistan looks forward to strong economic cooperation with Japan’

Customs ASO impounds 560 Samsung brand smart phones

Customs I&I-Enforcement thwarts attempt of mis-declaration byM/s Diamond

The Anti-Smuggling Division of Peshawar Customs has seized 225 NDP | SEE pAgE 02 |

Billingintra-regionaltradeandconnectivity as sine qua non for sustainable economic | SEE pAgE 03 |

MamnoonHussainsaidPakregardsJapanas aclosefriendandareliableeconomicpartner | SEE pAgE 04 |

TheCustomsASOhasfoiledabidtosmuggle 560 sets of smart phone of Samsung | SEE pAgE 14 |

DG of Custom I&I Enforcement has taken action against M/s Diamond Fabrics | SEE pAgE 16 |

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Khushab FIU seizes 627 smuggled bags of peanuts Tuesday, May 9, 2017

National

KHUSHAB: The Field Investigation Unit of Khushab has confiscated smuggled loaded trailer of foreign origin (F/O) groundnut worth Rs05.5million involving duty and taxes of Rs766304 during a road checking. The Field Investigation Unit (FIU) Khushab, following the directions of Assistant Director Ittrat Hussain, constituted different teams to foil smuggling attempts in the region. The FIU team, during road checking, impounded a trailer with registration No: TLT-161 loaded with Foreign Origin (F/O) 627 bags from near Mianwali Toll Plaza.

peshawar customs seizes 225 non-duty-paid mobiles

Shc seeks comments on petition filed by m/s faco Trading KARACH

PESHAWAR

m B RAnA

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he Anti-Smuggling Division of Peshawar Customs has seized 225 non-duty-paid cell phones worth million of rupees.

The huge quantity of Samsung mobiles were recovered by the Peshawar Model Customs Collectorate’s Mobile Squad 2.

Previously, the Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation (I&I) Peshawar detained 870 assorted mobile phones found in bags/cartons unattended at the luggage conveyor belt. The value of mobile phones and memory cards is estimated at Rs25 million.

Meanwhile, The Customs Department foiled an attempt to smuggle 225 non-custom-paid Samsung mobile phones worth million of rupees at Peshawar.

According to Anti-Smuggling Division North of Model Customs Collectorate Peshawar, cell phones were seized during the duty hours on Tuesday in Peshawar.

The Anti-Smuggling Division staff of the Mobile Squad-2, including Inspector Adeel along with Superintendent Amanullah, Sepoy Faraz, intercepted a car at Peshawar during a checking when a number of cellphones were recovered.

The mobile squad on duty asked for goods declaration document but two alleged persons failed to pro-

he Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the parties to file para wise comments on a sale tax reference filed by Faco Trading against appellate tribunal’s judgment over refund claim of Rs 12,58,980. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, was hearing the petition.

During the hearing, counsel for the applicant sought time for comments, therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the hearing. Earlier, counsel for the applicant stated that the applicant is engaged in commercial imports and fully entitled to deduct input tax paid by petitioner form the payable output tax in terms of section 7 (1) of Sales Tax Act 1990.

He further argued that it filed a refund claim of Rs12,58, 980 on account of the input incurred by the petitioner on its imports. According to the applicant, the claim was not allowed for reasons that the terms of SRO 484 (1)/2004 dated 32/06/04 read with CBR letter C.No 3 (12) ST-Lx P104 dated 08/09/2004 the appellate were not considered to be entitled for refund.

vide any record. So the accused smugglers were arrested and cell phones taken into possession.

An FIR has been registered and a

case has been forwarded for further prosecution and investigation of the two accused smugglers. Further inquiry to trace the group involved in

the crime will also be carried out.

DC Zakir Muhammad lauded the role of Inspector Adeel and his team in making such a seizure.

mianwali ASo impounds abandoned Toyota car T

FAISALABAD

nAEEm ShEIkh

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization Mianwali impounded smuggled used Toyota car near Jandanwala district Bhakkar.

Deputy Collector ASO Mainwali Muhammad Rizwan received a tipoff regarding the above said smuggled vehicle. Soon after receiving information, the ASO Mianwali formed a raiding team comprising Superin-

tendent Choudhary Sardar Muhammad, Inspector Azhar Hussain Jafri and Sepoys Faiz Ahmed, Sher Ahmed, Muhammad Yousaf and Saifullah. The raiding team intercepted a Toyota vehicle with registration No: AAM-303 (Quetta) model 2005.

The market value of the car is Rs01.3million involving customs duty and taxes of Rs655680.

At the time of interception, the vehicle was parked near Lasani Restaurant, Janfanwala, district Bhakkar and no one came to claim

the ownership of the same. The vehicle was found unlocked and empty. On the request of In-charge PRAL, Custom Dry Port Faisalabad telephonically informed the department that the above intercepted vehicle was not imported in the country. Therefore the vehicle was seized according to Customs Section 2(s) read with SRO 566(1) 2005 of the Customs Act-1969.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation conSiscated smuggled goods

worth Rs28million involving duty and taxes of Rs12million besides impounding offending vehicles worth Rs04million in different anti-smuggling activities during the second week of April 2017.

OfSicials said the Customs Intelligence conducted operations on the instruction of Assistant Director Ittrat Hussain against the smuggled goods and vehicles in different areas of its jurisdiction including Sargodha, Khushab and Faisalabad.

The teams conSiscated smuggled

goods including Indian origin grey fabrics (14500-kg) worth Rs06million Toyota Coaster (20-Seater) worth Rs06.5 miscellaneous goods worth Rs01.5million, cotton polyester fabrics (18880-kg) worth Rs09.1million and chiffon grey cloth (16131-kg) worth Rs06.1million after the accused could not produce documents regarding the legal import of the items.

The seizures have been referred to the Customs Adjudication for further legal proceedings.

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Sukkur Customs Intelligence seizes 3,000kg black cloves worth Rs1.275 m SUKKUR: The Customs’ intelligence wing in Sukkur has seized 3,000kg black cloves worth Rs1.275 million.

The officials, on the directives of Customs Intelligence Director Tahir Qureshi, increased the monitoring efforts and conducted this operation under the supervision of Assistant Director Mukhtar Shaikh. The accused could not provide any proof of the legal import of the goods. The accused include Ziauddin Paracha of M/s Jan Traders and Ali Ahmed of M/s The New Shaikh Goods Transport company. The department also calculated the duty and worth Rs0.387 million.

Tuesday May 9, 2017

National

peshawar Excise police abort smuggling attempt of hashish

pakistan extends unequivocal support to one Belt one Road: Dar

PESHAWAR

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he Excise Police have foiled an attempt to smuggle three kg hashish of fine quality into Sarband area of Peshawar. Director General Excise Anwar Khan and Director Admin Excise Shohaib Jadoon issued directives to abort the smuggling attempt after getting a tip-off. Zeeshan Afridy, Incharge of Mobile Squad, Sub-Inspector Sami Khashif, Hamza Shahrom and other members of the raiding team, were sent for the operation. Sub-Inspector Sami Khashif told Customs Today that on the directives of the high-ups we chased a pointed Mehran car from the exit of Kharkhano check-post.

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nAB arrests patwari for Rs 30.21m embezzlement LAHORE

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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) has arrested a patwari on the charge of embezzling Rs30.21 million by selling 62 kanal and 18 marla land with the connivance of State Life Insurance Cooperative Housing Society officials.

According to NAB spokesman, the NAB Lahore initiated investigations, keeping in view, a comprehensive complaint submitted by an anonymous complainant against patwari Abid Hussain and others. During the course of investigations, the NAB Lahore found the involvement of other housing society officials in sale and purchase of around 500 kanal land for SLICHS while patwari Abid Hussain in connivance with them sold 62 kanal, 18 marla land on fake “fard-e-malkiat” which costs Rs 30.21 million.

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YOKOHAMA

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illing intra-regional trade and connectivity as sine qua non for sustainable economic development of Asia and the PaciSic, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar exuded unequivocal support to One Belt and One Road a giant initiative undertaken by China for economic progress and prosperity on sound grounds. Expressing his views over the reservations voiced by Indian Finance Minister Arun Jailtly on the vision of connectivity during a debate on Trade, hosted by CNBC here at Conference Centre, Ishaq Dar categorically stated, “Pakistan fully supports the One Belt One Road Initiative” adding, such gigantic leap was pressingly needed to address the economic challenges as well as persisting issues in a lasting manner.

President, Asian Development Bank Takehito Nakao and Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati were also participants of the debate along with Finance Ministers of Pakistan and India. In response to a question during the debate, the Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitly had stated that in general terms the idea of connectivity was good, however India had reservations in this regard and he would not like to get into further debate on this issue at this forum.

Describing the connectivity as name of the game, Ishaq Dar said that Asian Development Bank had a greater role to play in this regard to achieve ultimate economic goals and objectives.

The Minister said world was now a global village and no region could economically survive in isolation, therefore cooperation, coordination and connectivity were badly needed to ensure economic development in this part of the

Dar said different countries were faced with diverse economic challenges and issues that is why, he observed a single generic solution could not help resolve their problems

Afu Exports Section earns Rs839.567m

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ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

www.customsbulletin.com he Exports Section of the Customs Air Freight Unit (AFU) Islamabad earned Rs839.567million of April of Financial Year (FY) 2016-17. The Exports Section did the above said business under both heads of WeBOC and One Customs.

According to Dr. Tahir Iqbal, Deputy Collector AFU Exports at Islamabad Airport, the performance of the Export Section has been above expec-

tation as during the Sirst 15 days of current month of April, the Exports Section processed 936 Goods Deceleration (GD) whereas the Exports Section processed 783 GDs through WeBOC and 143 GDs processed by the One Customs.

The Exports Section earned business through WeBOC valued Rs839.097million and it earned business valued Rs02.5million through One Customs.

During nine months (July to March) of current Financial Year

2016-17, the Exports Section entertained about 19,002 Goods Declarations (GDs). The main goods exported to different European and Middle East countries comprise textile fabrics, fresh fruits and vegetables, leather goods, surgical instruments and sports goods. He said the GD Registration Section recorded 08 to 10 GDs on daily basis.

During the Sirst nine months of FY2016-17, the exports of textile garments were on the rise as compared to other items.

planet.He said different countries were faced with diverse economic challenges and issues that is why, he observed a single generic solution could not help resolve their problems.

The Minister was of the view that Asian Development Bank was well-positioned to play an effective role in fostering intra-regional trade and promoting financial integration and connectivity for the mutual benefits.

Excise postings, appointments banned ecretary Excise Punjab Dr Ahmad Bilal has imposed a ban on posting and appointment to the Punjab Excise Department. According to the notification released here on Saturday, the ban will be effective till June 30. The ban has been imposed to ensure better tax collection process during the last quarter of the financial year, starting from April.

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Nobuo Kishi vows to strengthen Pak-Japan ties ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Nobuo Kishi, Thursday reaffirming his government’s resolve to help Pakistan have sustainable progress and development, vowed to further strengthen the friendly ties between the two countries. Addressing a reception hosted by the Japan Embassy here, he said his visit his visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan. His visit also marks the 60th anniversary of his grandfather, Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi’s visit to Pakistan in May 1957, he added.

Tuesday May 9, 2017

Business

‘pakistan for economic ties with Japan’ ISLAMABAD

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resident Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan regards Japan as a close friend and a reliable economic partner and looks forward to a greater level of cooperation in areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and capacitybuilding of the institutions.

Talking to Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Japan Dr. Asad Majeed Khan here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President emphasized that proactive measures were needed to boost the existing level of bilateral trade between the two countries.

Congratulating the Ambassador-

private sector to capture halal food market KARACHI

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PCCI former president SM Muneer has called for more efforts by the government and the private sector to capture the emerging halal food market in Canada. “Canada’s halal food market is currently estimated to be worth $1 billion and the demand for halal options has increased in Canada’s Muslim population. It grew 82 percent over the last decade, and is expected to triple by 2031,” he said while speaking at an event organised by the Universal promotion.

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designate on his new assignment, the President stated that engaging Japan at every level and advocating Pakistan’s position on Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) should be one of Ambassador’s major tasks.

The President said balance of trade was in favour of Japan and

stressed the need to enhance Pakistan’s exports to Japan.

He also advised the ambassadordesignate to encourage Japanese companies to invest in Pakistan to enhance the capacity of industrial sector to produce value-added goods. He expressed conSidence that

Ambassador-designate would undertake strong efforts to get 3-4 year exception for Pakistani textiles under Japan’s Temporary Tariff Measures (like EU GSP+ model) to bring Pakistan at par with our competitors who enjoy free access to Japanese market.

The President also directed the ambassador-designate to actively pursue employment opportunities for Pakistani labour in Japan, especially in context of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He appreciated the increase in number of Pakistani students availing scholarships in various prestigious institutions of Japan and stated that the ambassador-designate may explore further opportunities of higher studies, research and scholarships for the country’s students.

Rs937,765.233 million released for various power, water projects T

KARACHI

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he Planning Commission has released Rs937,765.233 million against total allocation of Rs 161,816.37 million in annual Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2016-17 for various power and Power projects so far. According to data of Planning Commission, a sum of Rs69,859.400 million was released for power sector against total allocation of Rs130,100 million while

Rs23905.833 million was released against total Rs31,716.370 million for water projects.

An amount of Rs9676 million was released for construction of Diamer Basha dam, Rs.30,000 million each for 1200 MW LNG based power plants Baloki and Haveli Bahadurshah, Rs78.400 million for 132 KV Pasinzai Grid station with transmission line (Quetta) and Rs.60 million for 132 KV Sub Statio at Deep Sea Port Gwadar.

Similarly, a sum of Rs 1000 million for Darwat dam, Rs.350 million for construction of small storage dams, Rs.9115 million for Kachi Canal Proj-

ect (Phase-1), Rs.3000 million for Nai Gaj Dam, Rs.500 million for Lining of Irrigation Channels (Punjab), Rs 1550 million for Remodeling of Warsak Canal, Rs.700 million for Raising of Mangla dam project and Rs.836.370 million for re-construction of Shahdi Kour dam. A sum of Rs500 million was released for Rainee Canal (Phase-I-II), Rs.600 million for Rehabilitation of Irrigation System in KPK, Rs.979.463 million for Remedial Measures to Control Water logging (Muzaffargarh), Rs.700 million for Basool dam, Rs.1000 million for construction of 100 Delay Action dam in Balochistan.

nppmcL signs agreement with chinese company ISLAMABAD

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he state-owned National Power Parks Management Company (NPPMCL) signed a 12-year Operations and Maintenance (O&M) agreement with China’s state-owned company SEPCOIII for its 1,230 MW Haveli Bahadur Shah Combined-Cycle Power Plant. Chief Executive Officer NPPMCL, Rashid Mahmood and Vice President SEPCOIII Shi Huaiwei signed the agreement, having a reference value of US$ 148 million over 12 years, said a press statement. With this O&M agreement, NPPMCL has managed to save the consumer Rs. 0.20/kWh from the Rs. 0.52/kWh O&M costs allowed by the regulator. This fee structure is estimated to result in direct savings of at least Rs. 23 billion over 12 years.

Under the agreement, SEPCOIII would have end-to-end responsibility for the operations and maintenance of the Haveli Power Plant for at least 12 years or its second Major Inspection (MI), whichever is later. SEPCOIII would deploy human resource and be responsible for any repair or replacement of functional parts at the plant to maintain plant availability at 92%.

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Strategic Engagement plan between pakistan, Italy held ISLAMABAD

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he First Ministerial review of the Pakistan-Italy Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) was held in Rome and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italy, Angelino Alfano led their respective sides. According to a foreign ofSice

statement, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. They expressed satisfaction at the deepening ties between Pakistan and Italy, and the progress under various strands of the SEP. Terming the SEP a comprehensive document, which represents a longterm commitment to work together to further strengthen this partnership, the two sides agreed to intensify efforts to achieve the objectives set out under this framework.

Acknowledging the growing frequency of high-level interaction between the two sides, they agreed to enhance leadership-level interaction to further boost the existing relationship. In the economic sphere, the two sides renewed their commitment to further expand bilateral trade. It was also agreed to undertake measures to promote investment and joint ventures. Pakistan appreciated Italian support in the EU and the two sides agreed to con-

tinue collaboration on EU related matters. The two sides appreciated the outcome of the second session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Islamabad in December 2016, which identiSied key areas of economic and development cooperation, including infrastructure development, renewable energy, automotive sector, pharmaceuticals, agro-industry and mining. They agreed to expeditiously implement the decisions reached at the JEC.

Taking note of the growing cooperation in the Sield of defence, the two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in this area. Views were also exchanged on regional and international issues of importance, including Afghanistan, Pakistan- India relations, Mediterranean and Sahel regions, migration and the EU. Pakistan and Italy termed terrorism as a major threat, which needs to be eradicated through greater international cooperation.

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he Directorate of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of silicone dioxide and iron oxide vide Valuation Ruling No.1151/2017.

Silicone dioxide and iron oxide were selected for determination of customs values due to vide variation in declared and assessed values. An exercise was initiated to determine the customs values of the goods for uniform applicability.

Customs values of silicone dioxide (nonpharmaceutical grade) under PCT 2811.2200 of China/India are Sixed at $1.10/kg, of Germany at $1.70/kg.

Customs values of iron oxide red under PCT 2821.1010 of china 1.06/kg. Customs values of iron oxide yellow under PCT 2821.1010 of china 1.30/kg. Customs values of iron oxide yellow (Bay Ferrox grade) under PCT 2821.1010 of china 1.67/kg.

Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs values of gasoline water pumps (low end brands) through Valuation Ruling No 1150/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. According to details Directorate General notiSied VDB values of Gaso-

line Water Pumps (low end brands) vide VDB letter No. 139 dated 30-12-2016. Meanwhile, this Directorate General also initiated an exercise for determination of customs values gasoline water pumps (low end brands) under Section 25-A. Importers had been requested to furnish invoices of imports during last three months, showing factual values as well as the websites, names and E-mail addresses of known

foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value can be ascertained. The importers were also asked to submit copies of contracts or LCs which opened during the last three months, showing the values of the item in question as well as the copies of sales tax invoices issued during last four months, showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneSit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers. No documents were submitted in this Directorate General on or before the said scheduled meeting.

However, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore submitted a written request that the customs value of said product shall not be Sixed higher than US$ 2/Kg. The chamber objected that values notiSied vide VDB lett i m sub o t ter No 139 was far higher and d e sk also a ned owing to higher valuation there e e r p e o w h hic ers t w r o s was danger of shifting legal e c p h L t g or The im howin tracts import to the smuggling s n , o s c h f t e o s th mon a e l channel. The importers, who l e copies e r h sw st t st tion a attended meeting, were s a the la l e g u g n q n i i r du dur m in d e t again asked to submit docue i u e s s e si of th in pric mentary evidence in supnvoice e i c values x n a e r t s e die port of their contention, ate of sale ing th stanti w b copies o u h s s directly or through chamber o , t s ) h s t e s n o tax ice i of commerce if they liked. four m ty and e in pr

u erenc ding d of di t (exclu fi yers e n cal bu e be o h l t e t h a t th on to passed

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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

projection of growth by un agency

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he United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has projected the economic growth for Pakistan at 5.4 percent during the current and the next financial years. Higher consumer credits, improved security situation and developmental projects under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor would spur economic growth in two years. The inflow of Chinese investment in projects related to the economic corridor is continuing and the process has also contributed in generating the receipts of foreign exchange from various legal sources. In view of Chinese investment, many other countries are also taking interest to invest in Pakistan. Various energy projects are part of the economic corridor, which will help move the wheel of industry in Pakistan once those are completed. The UN agency hopes the largescale manufacturing sector would benefit from greater energy security and the government has already slashed gas prices for the industrial sector. It is also hoped that the agricultural sector would improve the production of cotton, sugarcane and maize this year. The country faced severe cotton shortage due to low yield last year and had to import it from India to cater to the needs of the local textile industry. The current government has successfully contained inflation at around five percent, but upward trends in the oil prices in the international market can push the inflation rate up to six percent. The agency, however, warns that energy shortage could affect potential growth in the country and the government should introduce energy sector reforms by reducing subsidies, tackling the outstanding arrears and better use of technical efficiency.

A low tax base is a major area of concern and tax revenues in Pakistan are one of the lowest as compared to the countries in the region. The government will have to assert its writ on every sector of the economy and should have to launch capacity building programmes for the tax officials. In the current scenario, those who pay taxes and those who don’t are treated equally by the government authorities. Rather, the government is ever ready to tighten the noose of tax laws around the neck of genuine taxpayers and they are not offered any privilege by any government department.

funding for small industry T

LAHORE

DR AfTAB AfZAL

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he small and medium enterprises are considered the backbone of any economy and get heavy funding and attention in Malaysia, China, South Korea and Turkey. Their role in the industrial development as well as in creation of jobs is undeniable and Pakistan is not an exception.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority has announced a plan, under Vision 2025,for the development of this sector in Sive years, hoping that it will contribute to arrest the falling exports, create jobs and help set up new startups. The volume of investment in the sector remained

Rs 1.25 billion last year, but the small and medium enterprises sector needs special attention to enhance its viability. The cottage industry is also part of this sector and it is growing in various parts of the country without the government help. The small entrepreneurs have the capacity to produce industrial surplus, but they need buyers which they are unable to Sind due to limited resources. Thousands of small units are contributing to the national economy by producing various items which do not need sophisticated technology in the production process. What the government has to do is to create demand for the items produced by the home industry and it will be good help for the development

of the economy.

According to the authority, a state-of-the-art Sports Industries Development Centre has started operation in Sialkot which is providing assistance to sports goods manufacturers to adopt new technology to enhance their production. Despite tall claims made by the authority in facilitating the small and medium level entrepreneurs, the private sector will have to help themselves and should put minimum reliance on the government. The government departments always have limited budgets and have limited capacity to work independently. But the private organizations like chambers of commerce and trade and manufacturing bodies can work in coordination with one another for

the beneSit of all the stakeholders. The Vision 2025 is good effort under which the government will provide a conducive business environment in the country.Under the plan, the authority will also facilitate businesses through comprehensive product and service portfolio. Japan, Malaysia and the latest entrant in the Sirst world, Turkey, all started their journey from small industry. The small businesses should be strictly protected from certain government authorities given the level of corruption in the country. The harassment of the owners of the small and medium organizations must be stopped and a strict check and balance should be maintained to stop unlawful steps from the corrupt ofSicials.

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Pakistani businessmen to attend SelectUSA Investment Summit ISLAMABAD: Steve Knode, Commercial Counselor of USA visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and invited Pakistani business community to participate in SelectUSA Investment Summit that is scheduled to be held in Washington DC, USA from June 18,20, 2017. He said the event provided Pakistani investors a good platform to explore new business opportunities by interacting with global participants.

He said the US welcomes investors of all sizes, including established multinationals, SMEs and highgrowth startups. He said the SelectUSA Investment Summit brings the diversity of the United States together under one roof enabling any business to find the people, the resources, and the market it needs to be successful. He said that the participants at the first three Investment Summits had announced more than $20.6 billion in greenfield FDI into the United States since 2013.

Dubai chamber hosts high-Level Delegation from Azerbaijan DUBAI

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he Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a high-level delegation from Azerbaijan. at its head office, which was led by H.E. Sahil Babayev, the country’s Deputy Minister of Economy. The visiting delegation, which included 28 representatives from the country’s public and private sectors, was received by H.E. Majid Al Shamsi, Vice Chairman, Dubai Chamber, and H.E. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs for the UAE Ministry of Economy. Delegates met with H.E. Al Shamsi, H.E. Al Shehhi, and a group of UAE-based businessmen representing

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some of the country’s leading food and retail companies to discuss the potential to expand trade ties and increase bilateral investment. Addressing the delegation, H.E. Al Shamsi highlighted the unique trade relationship between Azerbaijan and the UAE, which has strengthened in recent years supported by high-level visits from both sides. He explained that Dubai-Azerbaijan non-oil trade has grown considerably following the opening of Dubai Chamber’s first representative office in Baku in 2012, and revealed that the number of Azerbaijani companies registered with the Chamber has recently exceeded 230.

Dubai Chamber’s Vice Chairman noted that non-oil trade between Dubai and Azerbaijan amounted to AED 808 million ($220 million) last year. He pointed out that the emirate has become a major re-export hub and a logical base for traders from Central Asia to reach major consumer markets in the Middle East and Africa.

Tuesday May 9, 2017

Chambers

chinese investors to set up Industrial park and Livestock farm M

ISLAMABAD

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s. Xu Jingling, Director, Tianjin Building Materials Industry Association said that Chinese investors would set up an industrial park and livestock farm in Pakistan under CPEC projects.

She said the industrial park would be established in Gwadar at an area of 2000 Kanal. She said the surplus products produced in the said industrial park would be exported to China. She said this while addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She visited ICCI leading an 11-member delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs.

Ms. Xu Jingling said that the Chinese delegation has come to Pakistan to explore business partners for industrial park and livestock farm projects. She hoped that completion of these facilities in Pakistan would help in promoting Pakistan’s exports including its meat products. The delegation was representing various sectors including building materials & steel pipe fittings, steel fencing

systems, engineering machinery, optical fibre cable, warehouse equipment and glass products.

Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that timely execution of CPEC project was vital for better economic future of Pakistan. He

stressed that Chinese investors should explore maximum joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts in CPEC projects. He said many sectors of Pakistan’s economy including energy, infrastructure development, real estate and construction offered lucrative investment opportunities to Chinese

investors. He said Pakistan also offered cheap labor and Chinese investors should set up industrial units in Pakistan.

Khalid Malik, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mian Akram Farid, Zahid Maqbool and others also spoke at the occasion.

EoBI chairman assures to address encroachment issue to facilitate traders

cpEc to serve as lifeline for national economy: RccI

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awalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry(RCCI) President Raja Amer Iqbal Monday said ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is crucial for country’s economic stability and prosperity. He said CPEC is a mega development initiative regarded a game changer for the country and the region.

The project, he said shows the eternal friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China and will serve as a lifeline for our economy,he added. Amer urged the government to announce a domestic business plan along the route of the CPEC in consultation with the chambers, so that domestic investor can reap maximum benefit of the project. –CB Report

ISLAMABAD

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haqan Murtaza, Chairman, Employees Old Age BeneSit Institution along with Director General Operations Abdul Wahid and Deputy Director General Syed Iqbal Haider Zaidi visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and addressing the business community assured to address the issue of encroachments in I-8 Markaz due suspended EOBI projects so that traders of area could get rid of multiple problems. He said due to cases in court, work on EOBI projects in I8 Markaz was on hold, but efforts were being made to resolve this issue through negotiations. He said about 18 projects of EOBI were sus-

pended due to court cases and the department was suffering losses of millions of rupees.

He EOBI was providing pension to 40 million pensioners while 40,000 employees were being insured every year. He said if this trend continued, EOBI pensioners would touch the Sigure of 400 million in coming times. He said EOBI has taken steps to facilitate its beneSiciaries and has issued ATM cards of Bank Al-Falah to 3 Lac 63 thousand pensioners so that they could draw pension through ATMs. He said EOBI has assets of over Rs.300 billion and it was making investments in PIBs and other safe instruments. He admitted that minimum pension of Rs.5250/month was quite insufSicient, but added that pension case was in Supreme Court. He asked the

business community to cooperate in registration of employees in EOBI so that maximum workers could take beneSit of its pension. Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that EOBI was paying minimum pension of only Rs.5250/month which was totally insufSicient to meet even the minimum basic needs of life and urged that EOBI should enhance its minimum pension to at least Rs.10,000/- to ease the woes of its pensioners. He said government used to increase pension of its employees almost every year, but EOBI was giving raise in pension after a gap of many years. He said that EOBI should link increase in pension with annual inSlation to provide better relief to its pensioners.

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10 Assist Private Secretaries promoted as Private Secretaries of BS-17 ISLAMABAD: Ten Assistant Private Secretaries have been promoted to the post of Private Secretaries of BS-17. The officers, including Saeed Ullah Khan, Syed Irfan Ahmad, Kaleem Ahmad, Amir Khan, Majid Yusuf Khan, Khawar Mahmood, Nemat Ali, Muhammad Yasin, Shabbir Ahmad and Khurshid Alam, were promoted as Private Secretaries at Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad with immediate effect. According to the notification, the officers will be on probation for a period of one year, extendable for further period, not exceeding one year, provided that if no order is issued by the day following the termination of probationary period, the appointment will be deemed to be held until further orders.

Tuesday May 9, 2017

Islamabad mir Badshah assumes charge as peshawar chief commissioner-IR ISLAMABAD

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Arif Raza takes charge as Assist Director of karachi Transit Trade A

ISLAMABAD

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ir Badshah Khan Wazir, a BS20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Chief Commissioner-IR (OPS). The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 1222-IRI/2017, dated 17.04.2017, took the charge of the post of Chief Commissioner-IR (OPS) at Regional Tax Office, Peshawar with effect from April 18.

Mir Badshah was transferred from the post of Commissioner, (WHT) Regional Tax Office, Peshawar and posted as Chief Commissioner (OPS) at Peshawar RTO on April 18. He had also been assigned the additional charge of the post of CommissionerIR (WHT) till the posting of a regular incumbent. Meanwhile, Syed Javed Ahsan, a Pakistan Customs Service officer, has assumed the charge as Assistant Director, Directorate General of Transit Trade, Karachi on his promotion to BS-17. –CB Report

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najeeb Arjumand takes charge as Assist collector ajeeb Arjumand, a Pakistan Customs Service officer, has assumed the charge as Assistant Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Peshawar. Najeeb, pursuing the Board’s Notification No. 1003-C-II/2017 dated 27.03.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Assistant Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (East), Karachi with effect from April 11. Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue has announced deep regret over the sad demise of Ali Hussain Naqvi, a BS-16 officer of Customs Department. Ali Hussain Naqvi was born on April 14, 1964 and joined government service on January 15, 1986. –CB Report

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rif Raza, a Pakistan Customs Service ofSicer, has assumed the charge of the post of Assistant Director, Directorate General of Transit Trade, Karachi on his promotion to BS-17.

The ofSicer, on his promotion vide Board’s NotiSication No. 0931-CIII/2017 dated 20.03.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Superintendent, Regional Tax OfSice-II, Karachi on March 24.

Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue has announced deep regret over the sad demise of Ali Hussain Naqvi, a BS-16 ofSicer of Customs Department. Ali Hussain Naqvi was born on April 14, 1964 and joined government service on January 15, 1986. At the time of his death, the of-

Sicer was posted as Inspector, Model Customs Collectorate, GilgitBaltistan and he was drawing salary from MCC, Islamabad. The FBR ap-

preciated the dedicated services rendered by the deceased ofSicer and also conveyed its commiseration to the members of the bereaved family,

praying, “May his soul rest in eternal peace and may Allah give patience and fortitude to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.”

hazara customs generates Rs117.99 million T

HAZARA

TARIQ DERYA

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he Hazara customs station collected Rs117.99million All Duty Taxes and Surcharges during April’s Financial Year FY2016-17. The Hazara generated Rs47.94million All Duty Taxes and Surcharges from 1st to 15th of April of Financial Year FY2016-17.

The sources of Hazara told Customs Today that the Hazara customs station received Rs32.83million Customs Duty during April whereas it did Rs0.94million Sales Tax and it got Rs3.08million various taxes and surcharges.

The sources said the said station collected Rs0.21million Redemption Duty, Rs55.15million Sales Tax on palm oil, Rs22.01million Additional Income Tax and it earned Rs3.77million Federal Excise Duty on imports during April FY16-17. During initial 15 days of April FY16-17, the Hazara generated Rs13.77million Customs Duty, Rs1.24million miscellaneous taxes and surcharges

while Hazara customs station collected Rs0.06million Redemption Duty on imports during 1st to 15th of April. The said

customs station earned Rs22.433million Sales Tax on palm oil and it did Rs8.94million Additional Income Tax. The said

customs station received Rs1.50million Federal Excise Duty on imports during the first 15 days of April FY16-17.

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Customs Adjudication sets aside show-cause notice served on Aleem Enterprises KARACAHI: Customs Adjudication has dismissed a show-cause notice served on M/s Aleem Enterprises by Customs Appraisement East.

M/s Aleem Enterprises imported a consignment of electronic parts at total invoice value of $4937.04 from China and sought clearance. The imported determined its liability and paid the amount into national exchequer.

The goods declaration was selected for scrutiny and it was reported that the importer has mis-declared the description and quantity of several items with an intention to evade duty and taxes amounting to Rs1.393 million. That’s why a show-cause notice was served on the importer.

customs classification committee classifies Quaker oat under pcT heading 1104.1200 KARACHI

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he Customs Classification Committee initiated that Quaker Oat is classifiable under PCT Heading 1104.1200. Customs Port Qasim initiated a reference of classification of Quaker Oat imported by M/s Overseas Business Corporation under HS Code 1004.9000. The Collectorate classified the goods under HS Code 1904.1090. As it has only been worked / treated i.e. rolled to make it into flakes, hence; outside the ambit of HS Code 1904.1090.

Collectorate is of the view that Quick Cooking Oats are instant cooking breakfast meal. The test report has confirmed that the oats were first ‘Steamed’ and then rolled’ and ‘Steaming’ is a method of cooking using steam which is an addi-

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tional process and has not been specified in the processes required for classification under Chapter 11 i.e. hulled. Imported contended that in order to apply HS Code 1904.1090 it is important that the goods should be a prepared food which have been made crisp by swelling and roasting and easy to eat with or without milk. Rolled, flaked, pearled, sliced or kibbled, hence; goods are classifiable under HS Code 19.04. The importer approached the court and Court referred the matter to Classification Committee for determination of the classification as per law. The importer approached the court and Court referred the matter to Classification Committee for determination of the classification as per law. Additional collector Haris Ansari Chairman of the Classification Committee after deliberations held that Quaker Oat is classifiable through application of GIR-I under PCT Heading 1104.1200.

Karachi

Dg Valuation revises customs values of scent and similar toilet sprays, mount head T

KARACHI

wAQAR AhmED AnSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation revised the customs values of scent and similar toilet sprays and mount head through Valuation Ruling No 1139/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.

According to details, it has been observed that the scent and similar toilet sprays and mount head thereof are being assessed at different customs values at different customs stations. For the purpose of uniform assessment, the Directorate General initiated an exercise for determination of customs values of the subject goods.

A meeting with stakeholders was held on 19-04-2017and the importers were requested to furnish 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 and copies of Sales

Tax Invoices issued during last four months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneSit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers. The importers abstained from attending the scheduled meetings. No documents were submitted in the Directorate General on or even after the said sched-

Tuesday May 9, 2017

uled meeting. Valuation methods given in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were followed to arrive at value of scent and similar toilet sprays and mount head thereof transaction value method provided in Section 25 (1) was found applicable owing to wide variation in the values being declared to the customs and incomplete examinations.

customs classification committee finds correctly classifiable under 7616.9990 KARACHI

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he Customs Classification Committee has found that suspension clamp for 500 MM2 (ALSC 182) made up of Aluminum equipped with all essential accessories is classifiable under HS Code 7616.9990. Customs Appraisement-West on the directions of FTO forwarded a case of classification of suspension clamp for 500 MM2 (ALSC 182) imported by M/s Seven Star Company declared under HS Code 7616.9910. Imported contended that main component of the subject item is manufactured by the process of casting, hence the same is classifiable under Hs Code 7616.9910. Collectorate on the other hand is of the view that the goods are finished articles equipped with all necessary attachments and is ready to use hence the same are classifiable under Hs code 7616.9990. Additional collector Haris Ansari Chairman of the Classification Committee after deliberations held that the suspension clamp for 500 MM2 (ALSC 182) made up of Aluminum equipped with all essential accessories is classifiable through application of GIR-I under HS Code 7616.9990.

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Shc orders customs to return two oil tankers

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KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered Customs authorities to return two oil tankers, conSiscated on alleged oil smuggling.

The Custom Authorities on order of SHC appellate bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Arshad Hussain Khan, produced the vehicles. The Nazir of the court who was to take custody of the two was told that these vehicles are filled with oil. The fact was brought into the notice of the court and consequence in case of an accident or fire.

The bench in view of above, ordered the Custom officials to take back the oil tankers, de-fill the same and produce the same again on May 02, 2017. The appellant was represented by Ms Dil Khurram Shaheen advocate.

Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-IV Karachi to decide the appeal of Sindh Dairy Lives Stock and Breeding Farm within four weeks.

The court ordered this on a constitutional petition filed by the petitioner, seeking directions for early disposal of its appeal pending before the commissioner Inland Revenue Appeals-IV over disputed

amount of Rs 86,837,299. A twomember bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, heard the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that being aggrieved and dissatisfied with the inaction of CIR Appeals-IV, which is not conducting the hearing and deciding the appeal filed under section 127 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2011. Due to delay in deciding the appeal, the tax authorities have taken coercive measures for recovery of the amount and have ordered attachment of the petitioner’s bank accounts for that purpose. The counsel submitted that the court may pass any interim relief. After the arguments,

the court disposed of the petition with directions to the respondents not to enforce recovery of the impugned demand, which is subject matter of appeal before the commissioner Appeals-IV till its final disposal, whereas, in case of any adverse order, if passed by the commissioner appeals, the respondents shall not be forced for the recovery of impugned demand for further period of 7 days from the date of receipt of such appellate order. SHC also mentioned in its order that “it is expected that the appeals of the petitioner, if not disposal of so far by the commissioner IR appeals shall be decided within a period of four weeks.

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Iran’s gold jewelry demand rises to 4-year high, bucks oil slump Tuesday May 9, 2017

World

TEHRAN: Iran’s gold jewelry demand climbed to a four-year high in the first quarter, as the rest of the Middle East was hurt by low oil prices.

An improving economy helped Iran’s jewelry demand climb 27 percent from a year earlier to 12.9 metric tons in the first three months this year, the World Gold Council said in a report. Iran’s gold bar and coin demand was 3.7 tons, the most for the region, compared with sales of 0.3 ton.

“Demand across the rest of the region remained weak in the face of low oil prices and subdued tourist numbers, the impact of which was exaggerated by rising gold prices,” the World Gold Council said.

philippines Boc seizes 3 korean cars worth p10m

SA trade balance records R11.4b surplus in march JOHANNESBURG

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MANILA

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hree high-end used cars shipped from Korea were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Subic, Zambales.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said the cars – a used BMW 745 Sedan, one used BMW 745 Li Sedan and a Hyundai Equus JS350 Sedan estimated to worth around P10 million were taken after its shippers were found to have violated a provision of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The vehicles arrived at the Port of Subic on board M/V SITC Osaka 1636S and were consigned to Sea Star Express Corp., a freight forwarder and that the importation may have violated Section 3 of Executive Order 156 prohibiting the importation of used motor vehicles.

Meanwhile, A complaint has been

India, cyprus eye more bilateral investments ndia and Cyprus on expressed hope that after the removal of Cyprus as a notified jurisdictional area and the revised tax avoidance pact bilateral investments between the two countries will increase. “These can give a completely new dynamic and strengthen the economic ties, particularly in the field of investments between the two countries,” said Nico’s Anastasiades, President of Cyprus at a bilateral business session. To this effect, a number of bilateral agreements will be signed during his visit to New Delhi, he said. Minister of State of Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal also expressed hope that Cyprus will not only increase foreign direct investments to India but also invest in manufacturing in the county. For its part, he said that India can invest in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, wind energy and film production in Cyprus. –CB Report

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initiated by the Bureau of Customs against the builder of Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) Philippine Arena, real estate developer New San Jose Builders Company (San Jose) for failing to settle their tax obligations with the agency, Customs said. Also included in complaint are San Jose’s three surety companies.

Customs said its Legal Service transmitted the complaint on April

25 to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG). Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, ensures privileges to companies within the Tourism Enterprise Zone. Section 86 of the Act provides that “subject to rules and regulations which properly define capital investments and equipment necessary for various kinds of tourism enterprises

finland, Russia eyes to increase bilateral trade turnover

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ussia and Finland have been able to overcome the inSluence of the EU’s destructive policy towards Russia on bilateral relations and achieve an increase in trade turnover, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday in the runup to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Finland on May 4, where he will be meeting with Helsinki’s top diplomat Timo Soini and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.

“The two sides have been able to scale

back the adverse impact on bilateral ties from the unfavorable political climate and the EU’s destructive policy towards Russia, which is even backed

by Finland, by using decades of experience and a tradition of constructive and pragmatic interaction,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. “The decrease in the trade turnover that had continued since 2014 (dropping 50% from $18bln to $9bln in 2016) came to a halt in the second half of last year,” the ministry added. –CB Report

outh Africa’s trade surplus grew sharply in March as commodity exports jumped on the back of strong global demand, raising the chances it will be able to narrow the current account deSicit, which is seen as a key economic weakness.

The treasury has an ambitious target to trim the current account deSicit to around 3% from 4% of gross domestic product last year.

Economists said the trade data put that within reach, which might help avert further cuts to South Africa’s credit ratings, although economic prospects overall remained subdued. “We’re already well ahead on last year’s Sigures and at this rate it looks like a current account deSicit of about 3% is not impossible,” said Nedbank chief economist Dennis

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Dykes. “A year ago people saw that as fairly unlikely. So if this continues that’s very, very good news.”

Data from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Friday showed the trade account rose to an R11.44-billion surplus from a nearly R5-billion surplus in February, with exports up 16%. Imports were up 8.9%. Sales of precious metals climbed 33% in the month, followed by a 27% increase in exports of machinery and a 19% rise in sales of vehicles.

South Africa lost its investmentgrade ratings from S&P Global and Fitch earlier this month, after President Jacob Zuma Sired Pravin Gordhan as Finance Minister a midnight Cabinet reshufSle. A fall to “junk” grade usually pushes up borrowing costs. Both ratings Sirms said the downgrades could hamper treasury plans to cut spending and reduce the budget and current account deSicits which have swelled as anaemic economic growth reduces tax revenues.

china’s 51job sees jump in revenue

job 51, a provider of integrated HR services in China, has seen revenues jump 16% year-onyear, according to unaudited financial results for Q1 2017. The results, published this morning, reveal total revenues over the quarter increased to RMB607.7m (£68m), with online recruitment services revenues rising 19.4% over Q1 2016 to RMB420.1m, gross margin of 73.5% compared with 72.8% in Q1 2016 and income from operations up 29.4% on Q1 2016 to RMB164.4m. President and CEO Rick Yan said: “2017 is off to an encouraging start with

accelerated growth in our online business and improved operating efficiency across the entire organisation. Strengthened by recent product innovations that have received positive feedback from both jobseekers and employers, we saw robust customer acquisition in the first quarter that surpassed our expectations. “At the same time, we maintained focus on up-selling initiatives to increase online spend among existing customers, which successfully and largely mitigated the downward effect of new customers on average revenue per employer. –CB Report

germany ranks 5th top goods exporters to Iran

G BERLIN

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ermany remained the Sifth top goods exporter to Iran during the last Siscal year which ended 2017 with 2.537 billion worth of exports.

Germanys exports to Iran increased by 39.2 percent in the 12-

month period, according to the latest statistics released by Trade Promotion Organization of Iran on May 1. The country shared 5.8 percent of Iran’s overall imports which amounted to 43.684 billion the last Siscal year. Besides Germany, Switzerland and Italy were the European countries that took place among the top exporters of goods to Iran in the period.

Iran purchased 59 percent of its imported goods during the 12month period from Sive countries China, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Turkey and Germany.

China was the main exporter of goods to Iran in the mentioned period. Chinas exports accounted for 24.6 percent of Iran’s total imports in terms of value. Iran imported 10.753 billion worth of goods from

China during the 12-month period, indicating a 2.64 percent increase year-on-year.

Iran also imported 6.407 billion worth of goods from the UAE (a 17.49 percent fall), which makes 14.67 percent of Iran’s total imports value. South Korea and Turkey exported 3.46 billion and 2.738 billion worth of goods to Tehran, respectively.

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Vietnam-South Korea to boost trade under FTA

World Customs

SEOUL: The three-year-old free trade agreement with Vietnam will allow South Korean companies to further increase their auto, steel and petrochemical exports on tax removal or cuts, customs experts said Thursday.

In a seminar held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in central Seoul, customs experts called on Korean companies to aggressively take advantage of tariff benefits in the third year of the bilateral free trade pact with Vietnam and afterwards.

“Exports to South Korea’s major markets such as the United States, China and Japan are all on the decline but shipments to Vietnam are on the rise.

Two canada customs agents nabbed in trafficking bust he charges come after an 18month investigation into organized crime, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement.

Canadian federal police arrested two border agents stationed at the Toronto international airport Thursday and charged them and three others with drug trafficking. The group is accused of having moved over 30 kilograms of cocaine through Canada’s busiest airport during the period, for sale in the Toronto area. The drugs had been shipped from Colombia and Jamaica.

Meanwhile, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has approved mechanically-extracted camelina oil as a feed ingredient for farmed salmon and trout, Genome Atlantic says in a release. That paves the way for the oilseed to serve as a new rotation option for Maritime potato farmers. Camelina sativa, or false flax, is a hardy oilseed plant that is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and antioxidants. –CB Report

1,628 drug smugglers held in 6 months

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u.S. maritime regulator rejects Japanese deal he US maritime regulator has rejected an application by Japan’s three biggest shipping companies to operate as a merged company while their transaction is still being finalized back home. An approval would have given container operators Nippon Yusen K.K . NPNYY -1.96% , Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. 9104 -0.88% and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. 9107 1.03% the right to share ships, port calls and negotiate with third-party service providers as a single company while their $2.7 billion merger is months away from being approved by Japanese regulators. “Much of what the tripartite parties were asking for revolved around premerger coordination,” Federal Maritime Commissioner William Doyle said. –CB Report

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RIYADH

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ome 1,628 drug smugglers, consisting of 589 Saudis and 1,039 foreigners from 41 countries, were detained during the past six months, the Interior Ministry has announced. The ministry’s spokesman, Maj. Gen. Mansour AlTurki, told a press conference in Riyadh on Tuesday that the detainees were involved in smuggling, receiving, transporting and trafSicking narcotics. He said Sive of the smugglers were killed and 14 others

injured in confrontations with security forces while 16 policemen were injured. Al-Turki revealed that 21,429,859 amphetamine (Captagon) pills, 19,612 ton of hashish, 12,932 kg of raw heroin and 218,948 kg of cocaine were conSiscated. He said 5,468 pieces of various weapons, 14,100 bullets and SR43.8 million in cash were seized from the smugglers.

Turki said the Saudis constituted about 70 percent of the smugglers while the majority of the others came from Yemen, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Syria. “These hauls are apart from the quantities of drugs conSiscated by the depart-

ment of customs or the preemptive operations carried in cooperation with seven countries,” he added. He explained that the seven countries with which the Kingdom cooperated to foil a number of drug smuggling operations were Pakistan, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Sudan. The spokesman denied social media reports that the punishment against the users of Qat was cancelled and asked people never to heed such rumors. Meanwhile, Brig. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, director of the department of statistics of the Border Guard, said last year as many as 5,700 drug smugglers from Yemen and some African countries.

Tuesday May 9, 2017

South korean fruit imports rise in 2016: customs Data he amount of fruit imported by South Korea reached record high levels last year on growing demand for dietary diversity, customs data showed. A total of 863,663 tons of fruit were imported in 2016, up 4.2 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Korea Customs Service.

It surpass the earlier annual record of 840,171 tons set in 2012, although its value fell 6.9 percent to US$1.6 billion over the one-year period. The amount of fruit imports has been on a steady rise for more than a decade, with numbers hitting 349,000 tons in 2000 and rising to 505,000 tons in 2004 and 753,000 tons in 2011. The popularity of avocados rose sharply in South Korea last year with imports shooting up 92.4 percent on-year to 2,915 tons in 2016, while inflow of oranges surged 38.7 percent to 154,944 tons.

Kiwi imports rose a sharp 29 percent on-year and those of melon and moved up 21.1 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively. By country, the Philippines is the biggest fruit exporter to South Korea, followed by the United States. Fruit imports from the Philippines reached 380,878 tons, accounting for 44.1 percent of the total last year. The customs office said imports from the United States stood at 248,640 tons or 28.8 percent of the total. –CB Report

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Border patrol arrests woman at drug stash house

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LOS ANGELES

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S Border Patrol agents arrested a 54-year-old woman yesterday who is linked to a signiSicant narcotics and illicit currency seizure at a Los Angeles residence. The arrest took place during the course of a Border Patrol investigation involving a Chevrolet Malibu sedan that agents suspected was being used for cross-border narcotics smuggling. Also involved

in the investigation was law enforcement personnel with the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (Cal-MMET), a multi-agency narcotics task force.

The investigation led to a Boyle Heights apartment complex, where Cal-MMET ofSicers discovered 15 bundles of cocaine inside the Chevrolet Malibu and arrested the vehicle’s owner, Hugo Rueda, 50. The cocaine is estimated to weigh 33 pounds. CalMMET ofSicers were granted consent

by Rueda’s wife, Teresa Vidal-Jaime, to

conduct a further search of the apartment, resulting in the discovery of approximately $600,000 in currency, and about one ounce of crystal methamphetamine. Vidal-Jaime was arrested and Border Patrol agents took custody of her upon discovering that she was living in the country illegally. VidalJaime was processed for deportation proceedings. Cal-MMET arrested three other men, ages 49, 46, and 28, in connection with the seizure. These men, along with Rueda, were booked into a Los Angeles County Jail and are facing state narcotics charges. Cal-MMET

seized the cocaine and currency. To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance in corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the uniSied border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the ofSicial ports of entry.

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ANF arrests six drug peddlers Tuesday May 9, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Anti-Narcotics Force Lahore has intercepted several vehicles at different points and recovered more than six kilogram of narcotics.

During a routine check, the ANF Lahore’s Road Check Team intercepted a Toyota Carolla Car No: RA-413 and Motorcycle Yamaha No: LXD-9468 near Choras Tank, Green Town, and recovered 2.4 kg hashish from the vehicle and arrested two persons named Naveed Khan, a resident of Kohat, and Muhammad Sajid Khan, a resident of Lahore. In another operation, the ANF Lahore recovered two kg hashish from the possession of accused named Mumtaz, a resident of Mardan, and arrested him from near Jamia Masjid, Sargodha Road, Faisalabad.

customs court to hear Rs 80 million tax evasion case LAHORE

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling will hear the case of an accused, Manzoor Ahmad, arrested on the charge of tax evasion.

The hearing will be held Sources told Customs Today that a suspect, Manzoor Ahmad, was charged with tax evasion. Manzoor Ahmad has a textile factory on Raiwind road. He was allegedly involved in tax evasion by submitting fake returns and other statements before the FBR. On the intelligence information, the Inland Revenue Department registered a case against him under Pakistan Sales Tax Act and started investigations. After collecting proofs against the accused, the In-

customs judge hears 17 cases court he Customs Court on adjourned the hearing of 16 cases related to customs matters. Even a special judge of the court has notified his own transfer from Lahore to Attock.

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 named Shehzad, Abdullah, Tariq Fatmi and others. The pre-arrest bail pleas were also scheduled for Friday which the court also adjourned for next hearing. The court also adjourned cases of narcotics, tax evasion, smuggling and customs matters. Cases from Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan were also scheduled for hearing on Friday. –CB Report

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land Revenue produced him before the court of Chaudary Ameer Muhammad Khan for physical remand. On a request, the customs court approved his physical remand for three days and handed over him to investigation team for further investigations. The customs court granted him bail as well. The accused has allegedly evaded Rs80million in the wake of sales tax from 2013 to 2014.

Meanwhile, 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.

customs ASo impounds 560 Samsung brand smart phones

LAHORE

m hAYAT

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization has foiled a bid to smuggle 560 sets of smart phone of Samsung.

Sources told Customs Today that

following information of Collector of Customs Preventive Ch ZulSiqar Ali that a huge quantity of Samsung mobiles phones would be supplied to the electronic market of Lahore, an ASO Lahore team raided a goods transport Ada at Nicholson Road and seized 560 mobiles phones worth Rs 8,400,000.

The sources said that the ASO team after seizing the mobiles reg-

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istered an FIR against the accused persons including Muhammad Salim son of Gulzar Ahmed, a resident of Gujranwala, Zahid of M/s Mobile Palace and Shaukat, a resident of Karachi and others.

The source said that the millions of rupees mobiles have been seized by the Customs authorities. The accused persons are booked under section 2(s)16-156 (i) (1) (89) -157178. It was added that the customs authorities after registering a case have started further investigations and started raids to arrest the accused in the case. Meanwhile, Customs Intelligence & Investigation Lahore has seized non-customs paid Hoda Civic AAR 572 worth millions of rupees. The ofSicial sources told Customs Today that on directions of Deputy Director Ali Zeb Khan AntiSmuggling team seized the above mention vehicle in Gulberg area.

The sources said that the vehicle was being used by the driver on Islamabad registration number.

Aqal hussain chauhan of customs court Appellate Tribunal hears 16 cases he Customs Appellate Tri- (PCA) Bristol Mayor and Directorate appointed as sessions judge Attock bunal’s Division Bench-II (sin- Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore

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pecial judge of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling Court Aqal Hussain Chauhan has been transferred from Lahore to Attock as sessions judge of the district.

According to a notiSication issued here by the Lahore High Court, Aqal Hussain Chauhan has been posted as session judge of district Attock.

Mr Chauhan had been working as special judge of the Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Lahore since December 2016.

The notiSication of the transfer was

issued by the Lahore High Court on Wednesday. The Lahore High Court has transferred nine judges from different districts.

Registrar of the Lahore High Court Rasheed Ahmad Rizvi has issued the notiSications of their transfers and new postings. Aqal Hussain Chauhan was appointed as district and sessions judge Attock while Suhail Nasir who was serving as district and sessions judge Attock was posted as district and sessions Judge of Rawalpindi. –CB Report

gle and double), comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Member Technical Imran Tariq, heard 16 cases and adjourned all of them until the next hearing. The Customs Appellate Tribunal’s single bench, comprising Omer Arshed Hakeem, heard six cases including Muhammad Latif versus customs Lahore, customs Lahore versus Kaleem Saleem, Directorate Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Lahore versus Zain Enterprises, customs Faisalabad versus JK Spinning, Directorate Post Clearance Audit

versus Rudolf Pakistan.

On Thursday, the tribunal division bench-II heard 10 cases of Muhammad Anwar Khan versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad, Supreme Tube Industries versus customs Lahore, Meer Alam Khan versus customs Faisalabad, Yasir Bashir versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad. Furthermore, the tribunal heard Shakir Hussain versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad, Maxi Inch versus Valuation Lahore. –CB Report

fTo adjourns hearing of m/s Bismillah cng case

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LAHORE

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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has postponed the hearing of a case Siled by M/s Bismillah CNG Station against the Regional Tax OfSice-II (RTO-II), Lahore until the next date.

FTO Advisor Tariq Yousaf heard

the case of Muhammad Sarwar Khan, M/s Bismillah CNG Filling Station in which the counsel for the appellant argued that RTO has not released the refund to the appellant of the last three years.

He said that the RTO collected excessive tax from the company during the last three years. The company approached the ofSicer concerned many times for issuance

of the refunds but the department did not pay the refunds after the passage of reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims.

The counsel further said that the delay in issuance of refunds put burden on the taxpayers, adding that

the RTO should make audit of the cases and release the extra amount collected from it from the taxpayer.

On the other hand, counsel for RTO argued that the appellant has not submitted all record in the office on which basis it is claiming for refunds. If appellant provides accurate record, the RTO will issue the refunds after proper assessment, he added.

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Essar Ports to build Haldia LNG hub CALCUTTA: Essar Ports has won a contract to build the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Bengal at an investment of Rs 450 crore. The facility will come up at the Haldia port with a capacity to store one million tonne of the clean fuel, and the terminal is expected to be ready within two years. The project follows a bid floated by the Calcutta Port Trust (CPT) last year inviting companies to set up storage and distribution facilities in Haldia .

Essar Ports, in consortium with Ultra LNG and Essar Shipping, had participated in the tender and emerged as the highest bidder for the project, beating state-owned Petronet and private operator V Energy.

Sc ports boast record container traffic he embattled S.C. State Ports Authority (SCSPA) says it moved 192,411 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) during the month of March – a new record. That’s a thirteen percent increase from March 2016 – and beats the record set in January of this year by approximately 7,000 TEUs. “We are excited about the further deployment of large container ships, including the first 13,000 TEU container ship in May,” SCSPA president and CEO Jim Newsome said in a press release.

Good news? Sure unless you look at the context (something the Palmetto State’s mainstream media almost never does). South Carolina’s top rival – the Port of Savannah – moved 311,770 TEUs during the month of March. And that’s before its expanded facilities come online. Charleston currently finds itself in a pincers – with Georgia and Virginia actively collabo-

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rating to undercut its already-waning competitiveness. In fact Georgia port officials referenced this collaboration in touting their recent success. “As our ports continue to experience record growth, it is more important than ever that Georgia and other gateway hubs begin to plan regionally for the future,” Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) chairman Jimmy Allgood said in a statement. “Cooperation between ports, with an eye toward maintaining world-class service, is a necessary part of today’s marketplace. As gateways to global commerce for the U.S. East Coast, the ports of Georgia and Virginia are critical links to the nation’s economy.” In addition to Georgia and Virginia’s collaboration, port expansion plans in Savannah were included on U.S. president Donald Trump’s list of priority infrastructure projects. –CB Report

Ports & Shipping

march cargo volumes surge at san pedro’s twin ports WASHINGTON

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he twin ports of Long Beach and of Los Angeles saw increased cargo trafSic in March. The Port of Long Beach saw a 20 percent increase in its cargo numbers compared to a year ago and posted its best quarter since 2007. The Los Angeles port saw a whopping 29 percent jump in incoming cargo containers compared to the year earlier.

Los Angeles saw 788,524 20foot equivalent units (TEUs) moved, compared to 612,863 at the same time last year. Of those, 373,549 TEUs came into the port and 191,772 were exported. Another 223,203 empty containers were shipped out, an increase of 37 percent. In Long Beach, exports decreased 5.3 percent to 120,435 TEUs. Empties numbered 135,413, up 4.2 percent. In total, container movement increased 8.7 percent to 505,382 TEUs last month. “We see

a lot of upside for the remainder of 2017 as we expand our partnership with the world’s second-largest line, Mediterranean Shipping Co., add new business, and strengthen our relationships with our partners,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán, said in a statement.

Port ofSicials at Los Angeles, which saw better export numbers

than Long Beach, said that the higher numbers were due to a combination of strong export volumes (up 20 percent), a post-Lunar New Year surge of cargo from Asia, and U.S. retailers shipping merchandise ahead of the new vessel alliance deployments that began this month. Three new shipping alliances launched on April 1 as a response to the shipping industry’s struggles in recent years.

Tuesday May 9, 2017

cargo growth touches 13.16% at kochi port ochi is among the major ports in the country that have put up a commendable performance during the last financial year with a cargo growth rate of more than 13% compared to the national average growth of nearly 7%. The Kochi port also did well in improving business. The port recorded an operating surplus of more than Rs. 127 crore during the last financial year compared to the operating surplus of nearly Rs. 71 core during the previous financial year. The port made a total operating income of Rs. 496.15 crore during the last year compared to Rs. 437 crore during the previous financial year. The port trust has also been able to cut net loss during the last financial year compared to the previous year. According to data available with the Indian Ports Association, cargo growth touched 13.16 per cent during 2016-17. Cargo throughput at Kochi grew from 22.09 million tonnes during 2015-16 to 25 million tonnes during the last financial year. The other ports that have put up a better performance than Kochi include Paradip portand Mormugao port. –CB Report

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chilean ports increase traffic by 4.3% C

WASHINGTON

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hile’s ten publicly-owned ports boosted traffic by 4.3% in 2016. Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, San Antonio, Talcahuano-San Vicente, Puerto Montt, Chacabuco and Punta Arenas (Austral) handled a combined 45.07m tonnes last year, compared to 43.21m in 2015. San Antonio (18,21m tonnes) was the busiest, and increased traffic by 4.62%. Valparaíso, which saw a 1.5% decrease to 10.19m, was not the only port to register a downturn in traffic, since the 827,511 handled by Empormontt, was also down, by 4.24%.

Antofagasta showed the largest growth, boosting throughput by 20.24% to 2,75m tonnes. Nevertheless, of the northern ports, Arica remain the most important, handling

3.09m tonnes last year, up 0.72%, while Iquique grew by 6.98% to 2.21m tonnes. Coquimbo (829,675 tonnes) was up 13.15%. In the south, Talcahuano-San Vicente grew by 10.04% to 6,187,388.

Right now, Rotterdam’s port area is effectively protected against Sloods. While most of the port area is situated outside the dikes, these port sites are elevated relatively high above sea level and are partly protected by storm surge barriers.

Only under particularly extreme weather conditions will a small number of companies be affected by limited Slooding. This is one of the conclusions of a recently-completed joint study that focussed on water safety in the port area: the Botlek Water Safety pilot project. This is a unique project, since it is actually the Sirst time the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Ministry of Infrastruc-

ture and the Environment and the port’s private sector worked closely together to study the potential consequences of climate change for the Botlek area – and to determine which measures can be taken in response. The pilot examined the impact of climate change with the aid of various climate scenarios developed by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). This institute has forecast that the local sea level will rise by 35 to 85 cm in the period until 2100, which also increases the risk of Sloods in the port area. The study shows that this does not create any signiSicant risks for people living or working in the area.

Most of the damage will be economic in nature. The Port Authority has conferred with the relevant companies set up outside the dikes regarding how best to respond to these kinds of situations. As far as the potential consequences of Slood-

ing are concerned, companies set up in areas outside the dikes operate at their own risk. The pilot project is one of the outcomes of the ‘Advies Deltaprogramma Rijnmond Drechtsteden (2014)’, which concludes that we need to perform targeted research to ensure that local residents and companies in four areas outside the dikes – including the Botlek area – remain protected against Sloods in the years ahead. In 2017, we will be examining a number of elements and/or sub-areas of the Botlek Water Safety pilot project in further detail. In 2017, we will also be performing a comparable study for the port areas WaalEemhaven and Merwe-Vierhavens.

Meanwhile, The Long Beach port logged its strongest Sirst quarter in a decade, after being hammered last year by the bankruptcy of its largest tenant, the South Korean-based Hanjin Shipping Co.

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FBR I&I-IR unearths tax evasion of about Rs900m by tyre dealer ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Inland Revenue has unearthed tax evasion worth Rs898.4 million by a wholesaler/retailer of tyre and tubes.

The alleged tax evader suppressed the sales data of tyres and tubes between 2011 and 2015. The government introduced additional sales tax at the rate of two per cent of the value of supplies of several goods, including tyres and tubes, in 2013. The investigation revealed several cases of non-payment of the additional tax in the tyres and tubes sector.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

customs I&I-Enforcement thwarts attempt of mis-declaration by m/s Diamond fabrics ISLAMABAD cuSTomS BuLLETIn REpoRT www.customsbulletin.com

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irectorate General of Custom Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Enforcement has taken action against M/s Diamond Fabrics operating as importer / exporter manufacturing unit involved in the misuse of SRO-4500(I)/2001.

According to the details, Directorate General of Custom Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Enforcement consistently received complaints from All Pakistan Textile Manufacturers Association (APTMA) that certain unscrupulous elements in trade are exploiting export incentive regime/SROs. The Director Enforcement Samina Taslim Zahra received a credible information that M/s Diamond Fabrics, Faisalabad (NTN-2470659), operating as importer / exporter manufacturing unit are involved in the misuse of the facility exemption on fabrics imported as raw materials for manufacturing of textile made ups, bed sheets, curtains, etc for subsequent exportation in terms of SRO-4500(I)/2001.

M/s Diamond Fabrics was reportedly removing Sinished im-

ported fabrics (raw-materials) meant for use in manufacture of textile article for subsequent export from the manufacturing bonded premises without payment of duty and taxes and selling in local markets for, and to cover up the illegal removals, Sinished goods / fabrics

purchased from local markets were used in export shipments.

M/s Diamond Fabric Siled a Goods declaration (GD) for export to United Kingdom, described as 100% polyester print and Duvet Cover Sined Valance sheet and Bolster 100-80 GSM, and to check the veracity of dec-

laration the consignment was blocked online. The said consignment was jointly examined kind samples for testing was collected in pursuance of Export/Clearing agent, representatives of Terminal Operator on 11.042017.

Thus, the lab test report categorically conSirmed that the fabrics being ex-

ported are made up of cotton and blended fabrics. Accused proprietor, owner and CFO of M/s Diamond Fabrics Faisalabad have committed the offence of mis-declaration and Siscal fraud in terms of Sections 18, 19, 32(1) & (2), 32(A), 79(1), 86, 97, 98 and 116 of the Customs Act, 1969.

‘Every trader must play role in country’s development’ KARACHI

muBEEn huSSAIn

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hief Commissioner Inland Revenue Large Taxpayers Unit Ayaz Mahmood has said that all the importers and the stakeholder must play their role in development of the country and it will be only possible if all of them pay taxes according to the law and on time.

The Southern Regional Com-

mittee (SRC) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized the annual prebudget seminar at a local hotel.

Chief Commissioner Ayaz Mahmood,hile addressing to the gathering, said that tax evasion is a major crime and before tax evasion the people must understand that they are committing a crime that is a big hurdle in the prosperity of the country.

He said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is doing efforts day and night to enhance tax net the traders must submit their reservations to the authorities

concern in case of any complaint.

Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Large Taxpayers Unit said that

the all the importers and the stakeholder must play their part in the development of the country and it will be only possible if all of us pay taxes.

A presentation on the direct tax and indirect tax was also presented in the seminar In the seminar after an engaging panel discussion a detailed question answer session was also held when the participants requested the FBR that refunds are sometimes issued on fake and Slying invoices whereas genuine / honest taxpayer suffers due to delaying tactics. Therefore, the Federal Board of Revenue should publish on quarterly basis, a list of persons to whom refunds were

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

released and the date when such refund was applied. This would be a right step towards transparency and will act as a deterrent to corrupt people / practices. List of outstanding refunds / RPOs should be available on web portal. They suggested that a section on the lines of income tax should be incorporated in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 whereby group companies should be allowed an option to be taxed as one Siscal unit for the purposes of Sales Tax.s a result of above, sales tax refund / excess input tax of one Group Company would be adjustable against the sales tax payable by another group.