KARACHI: Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit Customs Karachi has detected evasion of duties/taxes worth Rs 831,845 by M/s Tariq Auto Traders by availing illegal benefits of SRO 1125(I)/2011, it is learnt.
According to sources, M/s Tariq Auto Traders imported six consignments of Aerosol Spray Paints under PCT Heading 3208.9090 paying Custom Duty @ 12.5% after claiming benefit of SRO 659(I)/2007 dated 03.06.2007. However, the subject goods are correctly classifiable under PCT 3208.2090 attracting customs duty @ 20% sales tax @ 17%, additional sales tax @3 % and income tax @ 6%.
Thus, by way of mis-declaration of classification, M/s Tariq Auto Traders, Karachi, evaded/short paid Rs 1,014,907. Therefore, the Importer, has violated the provisions of Section 32 (1) (2) & (3A) of the Customs Act, 1969, Section 3, 6 & 7 read with Section 34 of the Sales Tax Act 1990 and Section 148 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (1), and 14 of Section 156(1) of the Customs Act 1969, Section 33(5) of the sales tax Act, 1990 and Section 148 & 182 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and section 7A of the Sales Tax Act 1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Special procedure Rules 2007(special procedures for payment of sales tax by the importers) and under relevant provisions of Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
Accordingly, an audit observation was issued to M/s Tariq Auto Trader Karachi, for explaining and clarifying as to on what basis they have avoided/ evaded the leviable duty and taxes. The importer, however, failed to come up with any tangible evidence and explanation and was also unable to refute the charges leveled by the Department.
In view of the aforesaid M/s Tariq Auto Traders are held to have intentionally and willfully caused loss to the government exchequer amounting to Rs 1,014,907. The contravention report is forwarded for initiation of adjudication proceedings in the case.
