RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) in its budget proposals recommended the increase in Electronic I-Form (EIF) limit from US$500 to $10000 to facilitate small traders, in particular.

It said although every Pakistani, travelling abroad, was allowed to carry US$ 10,000, importers were restricted to get EIF in case of importing goods worth more than US$500, creating difficulties especially for small traders.

“EIF mandatory condition is restraining small traders to import goods as if they did so, they cannot import the goods on low margin besides seller also charged extra money. Therefore, extension in EIF limit to US$10000, small traders will not only be facilitated but it will be also helpful in minimizing trade deficit,” it said.

APCAA further suggested that plush fabrics, nylon polyester fiber eyes & nose, which were only treated for stuffed toys, should be declared as raw material for manufacturer of blankets under SRO 492(i)/2009 and polyester pile fabric, poly bags, zippers, ribbons, borders and lace labels as packing material for the subject goods.

APCAA also proposed to reduce redemption fine from 20 per cent to 10 per cent and the percentage difference between ascertained and declared weight or quantity subject to the condition should also be increased to more than 10 per cent from 5 per cent. It suggested that in case difference of opinion regarding classification of sub heading of same HS Code and if the importer agreed on custom assessment and keen to pay leviable duty & taxes, no contravention report should be established against him.

The APCAA said: It has been observed that many valuation rulings and assessment order passed by assessing officer(s) issued other than tariff unit of measurement and in international markets, different goods selling on weight/unit or otherwise. Therefore; it has been suggested to open unit of measurement whereas clause 1(g) would be omitted from SRO 499/2009. In addition, no contravention report shall be established if importer/taxpayer agrees to pay leviable duty & other taxes against the assessment finalized by custom department, it added.

Moreover, APCAA also presented recommendations on declaration and assessment for home consumption or warehousing. The owner of any imported goods shall make entry of such goods for home consumption or warehousing or for any other approved purposes within 15 days of its arrival.

It said that to promote export sector and Pakistan railway, the transportation through railways at all dry ports should be made available in coordination with all concerned public and private organizations. It said any company registered as manufacturer but not qualify in SRO 199 (I)/2009 could be allowed applying on or before shipment to get benefit of said SRO to the Chief Collector of zone, who is empowered to accept or reject the application on merit and in case of rejection, the Chief Collector may forward the case to board with a rationale for further consideration.

APCAA strongly proposed the establishment of separate Directorate for auction along with FBR web portal that would give excess to all custom stations to submit the details regarding auction goods.

It said the same would allow any person or company to participate in auction online by depositing 25% of bid to any branch of NBP. The central auction authority may approve or reject the online bids.

It also suggested that an exemption for all those consignments lying on ports and different custom station for long due to procedural lapse should be given to release against 5% fine and leviable duty & taxes as this step would not only help recover huge amount of government revenue but also address port congestion issue.

It said “Smart Cards” issued by Customs agents association should be acceptable for transaction of custom business with Customs officials by authorized persons, who dealt in routine business matter.

The association strongly urged the chairman FBR to notify other stations for a mandatory custom agents course of six days, which is conducted by the Directorate General of Training and Research (Customs) at Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar and Faisalabad on or before filing application for renewal of licenses.