ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has amended SRO 565(I)/2006 through an SRO 221(I)/2014 to withdraw concessionary rate of customs duty on the import of BOPET film.
The FBR has enhanced import duty on BOPET film with a view to protect the interest of local manufacturers.
As per details, local manufacturers had taken up the issued with the FBR that BOPET film, classified under HS Codes 3920.6200 and 3920.6900, was being produced by them locally as an import substitute which was mainly consumed in packaging industry. On the recommendation of the Engineering Development Board (EDB), the BOPET film (all types, i.e, transparent, chemical coated, metalised, etc) having thickness of various microns, falling under the PCT headings 3920.6200 and 3920.6900, had already been included in the list of locally manufactured goods.
The local manufacturers pleaded that the concession in duty had been allowed at a time when there was no BOPET film production locally. As the product is manufactured locally now, its concessionary import is hurting interests of local manufacturing industry. They have, therefore, requested to withdraw the duty concession on the import of BOPET film (polyester film) under SRO 565(I)/2006, they added.
Following strong recommendations and keeping in view the interest of local manufacturers, the FBR issued notification in this regard. The notification read that in exercise of powers conferred by section 19 of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), the Federal government is pleased to direct that further amendments shall be made in its Notification No SRO.565 (I)/2006 dated 5.6.2006.
