KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of baby diapers and sanitary towels/ napkins and Tamponsunder vide Valuation Ruling No 1284/2018 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969.
Customs values of baby diapers and sanitary) towels/napkins were earlier determined vide Valuation Ruling No.1169/2017 dated 25-05-2017. M/s. Usman Ghani & Company Karachi submitted letters dated 27-11-2017, 22-01-2018 and 06-02-2018 regarding under invoicing in the import of baby diapers “rocket” brand from China. Representations from M/s Ontex Pakistan and several other stakeholders were received to re-determine customs values of subject items. Therefore, an exercise was initiated to determine the customs value of baby diapers and Sanitary Napkins, in terms of Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969, with a view to ascertain the current prices of the subject items prevailing in the international market
Meetings were attended by the representatives of different stakeholders. The importers were of the opinion that due to fall in e international prices of raw material of baby diapers including oil, pulp etc.. the prices of object item have shown a downward trend. They contended that the existing valuation ruling is already on the higher side. They stated that many importers have established their plants for manufacturing diapers locally as the raw material of diapers is imported on lower values.
Usman Ghani of M/s Usman Ghani & Company and M/s Mariam Impex also attended the meeting. He insisted that the prices of ‘rocket’ brand baby diaper should be increased, whereas, M/s S.S. Corporation, importer of ‘rocket’ brand diaper, emphasized that their prices are genuine. He stated that frivolous complaints are being filed against him due to business rivalry. He asserted that he got two consignments of Usman Ghani of M/s Marium Impex confiscated on account of being counterfeit products in violation of IPR and submitted orders-in-original and orders-in-appeal in support of his contentions.
During the meetings, they used harsh language against each other, and tried to digress from the subject matter, therefore both were requested to remain focused on the valuation aspect of the subject item and to substantiate their contentions regarding values with substantial evidences. M/s Usman Ghani & Co. submitted copy of website Daraa.com indicating values and website values of diapers, various sizes, (no brand mentioned) obtained from the supplier Hong Kong Joy link Imp &Exp Co. Ltd. On the other hand, M/s S.S. Corporation, submitted certain documents including invoices, Sales Contract, L/C, copies of import GDs, and also furnished certain Export GDs from China.
