KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general directing them to file their para wise comments on next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by 27 importers against determination of customs values of “Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles” over and above 12.5% of the valuation ruling no 874/2016 issued by Director General of Customs Valuation. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar was hearing the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the M/s Mars International, M/s Mukhtar & Sons, M/s Syed Hidayetullah & Brothers, M/s Shalimar Impex, M/s Abu Yousaf Traders, M/s Zainab Trading Co, M/s Sea Gold Traders and others stated that they are engaged in import and trade of goods having desperation “Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles”.
They were informed by the customs department that Director General, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Customs House Karachi revision proceedings under section 25 D wherein the DG had no jurisdiction of customs values of subject goods over and above 12.5% of the valuation ruling no 874/2016 dated 22/06/2016.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Collectorate West, Collector of Customs Collectorate East, Collector of Customs Collectorate Port Muhammad Bin Qasim and Director General, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Customs House Karachi as respondents, petitioners pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
They also pleaded the court may restrain the customs department from collection of enhanced valuation till final decision of their petition and any coercive measures against the petitioners.
