ISLAMABAD: Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Headquarters Director Dr. Kamal Azhar Minhas has alerted all chief collectors of Customs Central, North and South Regions to the clearance of used transport equipment, cement bulkers and prime movers in Terms of IPO 2013.
In his alert letter to chief collectors, he has said that under para 9 (ii) (5) of Import Policy Order 2013, construction companies are allowed to import used specialised vehicle-mounted machinery, transport equipment for highway use, cement bulkers and prime movers 380 HP and above.
The Ministry of Commerce vide office memorandum dated May 5, 2016 has stated that in case where modification, changes variations in the prime movers have rendered change in the capacity of engine to 380 HP or above, the report of PSI company may be relied upon to determine HP of the engine.
Notwithstanding, the veracity of MOC clarification as above, it is observed that carelessly relying upon the clarification by the customs authorities without following it in letter and spirit may result in clearance of prime movers of engine capacity below 380Hp.
He requested to take immediate cognizance of the issue to thwart attempts of clearance of prime movers below 380 HP in the guise of MOC office memorandum dated May 5, 2016. He has also sent the copy of this letter to Customs Member Nasir Masroor Ahmed.
It may be mentioned here that the PCA had earlier unearthed a mind-boggling mega scandal of financial fraud, mis-declaration and smuggling in which ghost construction companies with the assistance of black sheep of customs department deprived the national kitty of billions of rupees.
