ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has started investigations into telecommunication service provider, Telenor, on mis-declaration in import of telecommunication equipment.
Sources told Customs Today that Customs I&I has started reviewing goods declaration forms by the company in this regard. “Customs Intelligence initiated investigation on request of the Karachi Customs into the mis-declaration by the accused company” they added.
Sources said that it is expected that Telecommunication Company has mis-declared the goods in its previous consignments too.
It is important to mention here that telecommunication service provider company Telenor imported its equipment from abroad upon which heavy duty payable.
It is pertinent to mention here that a demand of Rs 33.03 million duty has been raised against the Telenor Pakistan on import of telecommunication equipment including GU Base Stations, IPASO link radio equipment, arial equipment pol/directional antennas-mounting brackets, GSM equipment, Yuasa power equipment with installation material, outdoor rectifier and battery cabinets on submitting less duty.
On the other hand, Atifa Asghar, Director Corporate Communications and Responsibility, Telenor Pakistan clarified to Customs Today, “Telenor Pakistan is a law abiding, responsible corporate entity and always meets its legal and ethical obligations. The allegation of tax evasion in this report is not correct and misconceived. It was a simple matter of different interpretation and confusion regarding the alteration in taxes and import duties on import of equipment as per the latest fiscal budget effective from 1 July 2014. The equipment was imported under specific HS Codes and was declared accordingly. The issue was sorted out amicably with the Customs authorities and differential payments have been made as per the new import regulations”.
“It is important to note that Telenor Pakistan is one of the largest taxpayers in Pakistan and has contributed Rs147 billion in various forms of direct and indirect taxes. In addition Telenor Pakistan has also won High Taxpayer Award from Pakistan Customs several times,” she added.
