KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation-Customs, Karachi has registered an FIR (First Information Report) against importer M/s Regent Enterprises, examining/assessment staff of MCC Appraisement-West in their alleged involvement in tax fraud by manipulating the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) computerised clearance system.
The importer M/s Regent Enterprises deliberately got involved in mis-declaring of quantity, origin, value, weight and Unit of Measurement (UoM) aimed to evade duty/taxes levy able thereon.
As per details, the directorate vide letter C.No.Appg-574/Div-II/2014 blocked in system a 1×40 feet container no.WHLU-5726023, imported vide IGM No.814/14 by M/s Regent Enterprises, containing miscellaneous goods including Nido Fortified Full Cream Milk Powder, Silky Cool Shampoo, Cannula, Deep Heat Rub Cream, Chew-gum, Soft drinks, Perfume spray, flavour for shisha and Cheddar Cheese lying at Al-Hamd International Container Terminal (AICT).
The total assessed value of all items by assessment staff was Rs 6,071,405 while the declared value by the importer was Rs 1,419,193. The difference stood at Rs 4,652,211. Duties/taxes on declared items were Rs 923,318, whereas, the duties/taxes on assessed value were levy able up to Rs 3,404,872. The duty/tax evasion of Rs 2,481,554 was detected.
After a joint examination, it was found that the mis-declaration of quantity, origin, value, weight and unit of measurement was in violation of Section 32(1)&(2), 32A and 79(1)(b), of the Customs Act, 1969 read with the Section 3, 6, 33, 34 and 36 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, read with the Section 148 of Income Tax Act, 2001 punishable under clause 14 and 14A, 43 and 82 of the Section 156(I) of the Customs Act, 1969 read with the Section 33,34 and 36 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990.
