KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the customs authorities and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Smartex International against fixation of duty and taxes on consignment of LED bulbs, LED strip light etc as violation of 5th Schedule of the Customs Act 1969.
While the hearing of the petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, also directed the customs officials to file their comments on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner imported consignment of above mentioned goods and filed goods declaration under availing exemption as entitled under 5th Schedule of the Customs Act, 1969.
He further informed the court that however, officials of the Customs Collectorate Appraisement West who has not accepted the assessment made by the petitioner on the pretext that the petitioner’s goods are not entitled for relevant exemption as per assessment.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector Customs Collectorte Appraisement West, the Engineering Development Board Alternate Energy Department Board as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
Counsel also pleaded the court to declare the above mentioned goods are entitled under 5th Schedule of the Customs Act 1969.
