KARACHI: M/s Salman Paper Products Private Limited has approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking entitlement for 4 percent tariff concession/ exemption in customs duty under SRO 1640(I)/2019 issued under China-Pak FTA on a consignment of 2/S coated writing paper is sheets (Nevia) brand from China.
On 3 November 2021, after the hearing of the constitutional petition, a two-member bench issued notices to the customs officials and deputy attorney general and directed them to file their respective para wise comments for next date of hearing.
Counsel submitted that during the course of business, petitioner imported a consignment of 2/S coated writing paper is sheets (Nevia) brand from China which is chargeable to 20 percent customs duty and other leviable taxes including entitled for 4% tariff concession/ exemption in customs duty under SRO 1640(I)/2019 issued under China-Pak FTA.
Counsel added that petitioner was shocked when petitioner was informed by the customs officials that said consignment was detained and imposition of customs special hold.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Appraisement East and Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation-FBR as respondents, importer pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, court to declare the impugned action of the customs officials of out of charge duty and taxes paid consignment of goods of the petitioner at port area being illegal, without lawful authority.
He further pleaded the court to direct them to release petitioner’s consignment immediately and restrained them from taking any adverse action against the petitioner.
