ISLAMABAD: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) processed 22 cases relating to Tariff measures during last five years (2010-11 to 2014-15).
NTC, a subsidiary of Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is an autonomous investigation authority of government of Pakistan on trade and tariff matters. Commission administers trade remedy laws against dumped and subsidized imports of goods hurting Pakistan’s domestic industry.
A well-placed source at MoC told this scribe here on Wednesday that the Federal government had implemented ten recommendations moved by NTC, however, status quo had been recommended in two other cases presented by NTC.
The source said that in the remaining ten cases, recommendations contained in the NTC’s reports for the year 2011-2014, were sent to Federal Board of Revenue for making part of the Finance Bill in the federal budget for the year 2013-2014. The same were however not approved for incorporation in the Finance Bill. National Tariff Commission is only recommendatory body in the tariff related issue under NTC Act. Their recommendations are not binding.
The source said that commission also conducted safeguard investigations against surge in imports. all such proceedings are carried out in conformity with a rule based international trading system. commission also advises the government on issues related to Pakistan’s industry competitiveness promotion of export and customs tariff rationalization
Moreover, the source added that commission assisted Pakistani exporters facing trade remedy actions by other WTO members by providing guidance on law and procedures in understanding and responding to a questionnaire including clarification of adjustments and related accounting aspects in investigation and review proceedings
Similarly, the source observed that the government had reformed and revamped NTC and enacted the NTC Act 2015. Under the act functions of commission have been enhanced which include advising the federal government on improving the competitiveness on domestic industry through tariff and other trade measures commission.
Through a notification invoked provisions of NTC Act to improve competitiveness of the domestic industry, the provision of the WTO agreement and rules and the needs of the domestic industry should be considered.
