Directorate initiated exercise to re-determine customs value after it was brought to notice that its actual transaction value has increased considerably
KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has determined the customs value of sodium lauryl ether sulphate vide Valuation Ruling No. 695/2014 No.Misc/02/2014-II dated October1, 2014.
The directorate initiated the exercise to re-determine the customs value of the item after it was brought into notice that its actual transaction value has increased considerably from the value determined in the previous valuation ruling.
The valuation methods provided in Section 25 of the Customs Act 1969 were applied to address this particular valuation issue. The transaction value method under Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 of Act was found inapplicable because the requisite information under the law was not available. Identical/similar goods valuation methods provided in Sub-Section (5) and (6) of Section 25 of the Act provided some reference values. Market enquiry provided under Sub-Section (7) of Section 25 of the Act was also conducted. Ultimately, the fall back method under Sub-Section (9) of Section 25 of the Act was applied to arrive at the assessable customs value.
Meetings with relevant stakeholders including M/s. Tufail Chemical and Surfactants (Pvt.) Ltd., Karachi; Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), Karachi; importers as well as representatives of the FPCCI and the KCCI were held on September 11 and October 1. The PCDMA and FPCCI also submitted recommendations vide letter dated September 10.
Finally, the Directorate General of Valuation re-determined the customs value of sodium lauryl ether sulphate.
According to details, China-origin sodium lauryl ether sulphate having PCT Code 3401.1190 and Proposed PCT for WeBOC of 3401.1190.1000 shall be assessed for duty/taxes at Customs Values (C&F) at $1.25 per kg.
The customs value (C&F) of Indian-origin sodium lauryl ether sulphate having PCT Code 3402.1190 and Proposed PCT for 3402.1190.1100 is determined at $1.30 per kg.
The customs value (C&F) of sodium lauryl ether sulphate from all other origins having PCT Code 3402.1190 and Proposed PCT for 3402.1190.1200 is determined at $1.35 per kg.
“In cases where the declared/transaction values are higher than the Customs values determined in this Ruling, the assessing officers shall apply those values in terms of Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 of the Customs Act. And in cases of consignments imported by air, the assessing officer shall take into account the differential between air freight and sea freight while applying the Customs values determined in this Ruling.”
