QUETTA: Collectorate of Customs Enforcement registered a first information report (FIR) against M/s Sitara Chemicals for mis-declaration.
According to details, M/s Sitara Chemical Industries has come under scrutiny for an alleged attempt to mis-declared goods for export. The company filed Goods Declaration (GD) No. QCME-SB-544 on July 31, 2024, in the WeBOC system, declaring the export of 200 metric tons of Caustic Soda Flakes 99% Min, packed in 25Kg PP bags with PE Liner inside. The consignment, consisting of 2000 bags, was to be exported through their clearing agent, M/s Sharafuddin & Brothers, Chaman.
The initial documentation, including packing lists and commercial invoices, indicated a total export value of USD 100,000. However, discrepancies arose when the Gate Out Officer, Sikandar Ali, noticed that the trucks purportedly carrying the caustic soda were actually loaded with Pakistani rice. Despite the GD reflecting the description as “Caustic Soda Flakes 99%,” the physical examination revealed the presence of rice.
Collectorate of Customs Enforcement team intercepted the four vehicles, which were found to be loaded with 200 metric tons of Pakistani rice instead of the declared caustic soda. This led to the detention of the vehicles on August 1, 2024, for further investigation.
Initial investigations involved issuing notices under Section 26 of the Customs Act, 1969, to both the exporter and the clearing agent. While the clearing agent did not respond, M/s Sitara Chemicals claimed they had not made any exports during the specified period and did not contest the GD filing through their clearing agent. However, financial records showed that export proceeds were credited to their accounts.
Further evidence suggested that M/s Sitara Chemicals intended to file the GD for caustic soda export but attempted to export rice under the same GD. The exporter denied authorizing the clearing agent for clearance from Chaman and provided several documents for further investigation.
Collectorate of Customs Enforcement have lodged an FIR and are conducting thorough investigations to determine the extent of the involvement of the exporter, clearing agent.
