ISLAMABAD: The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has proposed an amendment in the Customs Act, 1969 in order to more stricken the punishments of crimes committed in guise of transit trade.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been recommended to amend the Clause 64 of Section 156 (I) of the Customs Act, 1969 in next budget 2016-17 and finance bill in wake of international roads transports.
The amendment states that if any person violates the Section 128, 129 in any way or mis-declares the transit goods or removes illegally, a fine two times greater than the value of recovered items will be imposed on the accused.
It further state that if any person is proven guilty in the Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling, an imprisonment of up to five years will be sentenced.
Officials said that this amendment was being introducing to eliminate the smuggling, especially in guise of Afghan Transit Trade, adding that the amendment will prove milestone in future when international roads transports will increase in wake of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).