KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi seized telecommunication equipment and accessories cleared through mis-declaration and under-invoicing worth Rs 77.9 million, valued by customs.
On query, Customs Intelligence Director Muhammad Asif Marghoob Siddiqui said that intelligence took action on authentic information against the tax evaders. He added that clearance records of mobile companies are being examined to detect such cases causing loss of millions of rupees to national exchequer.
As per detail, seized goods were being cleared by a foreign mobile company under the wrong PCT heading, adding that accused company also concealed the actual value of items.
According to details, Customs Intelligence Karachi has seized the containers loaded with telecommunication equipment and accessories including circuit breaker and outdoor rectifiers which were being cleared through green channel under self-assessment scheme.
Value of the seized goods was declared as Rs 37.4 million by the importer in filed Goods declarations (GDs) and an amount of Rs 11 million was paid as duties and taxes on the import consignments.
Acting on authentic information, the goods and their documents were checked by Customs Intelligence officials and found that actual value of the seized goods is Rs 77.9 million while the amount of leviable duties and taxes is Rs 41 million.
Customs I&I seized the items when accused importer failed to provide a satisfactory explanation to the notices and queries of Intelligence Officials for short paid duties and taxes while the confiscated consignments have been handed over to the KICT officials at Karachi port.
A formal seizure report has been sent to Collector Customs Adjudication for further proceedings against the importer allegedly involved in tax evasion and under-invoicing.
The incident has also been brought to the notice of the Director General Mr. Lutfullah Virk who has asked Director Customs Intelligence to proceed in the matter as per law.
