MULTAN: The Customs Collectorate Multan has prepared a contravention report against M/s Power Tech International for tax evasion of Rs 9.65 million during the clearance of their import consignments.
Sources informed Customs Today that importer M/s Power Tech International imported consignments of solar inverters and parts which were cleared from Multan Dry Port during February 2015.
The Customs found discrepancies at the time of audit of import clearances according to clarification issued by Federal Board of Revenue. Audit teams has observed that exemption of duty and taxes available on separate import of solar batteries, inverters and charge controllers only in the cases where the importers at the time of import of PV modules furnish complete details of the solar systems comprising of the batteries inverters and charge controllers which are required for any earlier imported PV modules properly supported by the contract layout plan and drawings etc.
But solar batteries, inverters and charge controller imported without panels would not be entitled to any exemption regardless of the fact that Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) certifies that these are for dedicated use with solar panels.
While M/s Power Tech International did not pay duty and taxes on import of solar items, inverters and spare parts. The imported goods were cleared by granting the exemption under 5th Schedule of the Customs Act 1969, 6th Schedule of the Sales Tax Act 1990. The importer did not obtained the required permission from Alternative Energy Development Board for the import of said consignment under FBR issued clarification.
Due to undue subsidy gained by the importer for the clearance of its consignments which resulted revenue loss of Rs 9.658 million to the national exchequer.
Deputy Collector Abdul Mueed Kanjoo have formed contravention after detecting irregularities in the import clearance of M/s Power Tech International and forwarded the case to customs adjudication for trial.
