KARACHI: A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials to make sure to file their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by several importers against detention of their imported used HinoPak trucks due to disputed valuation.
On 26 July 2021, during the hearing, counsel for petitioners argued that the petitioners as per their business routine have imported the consignments, through supporting imported documents, on the basis of import customs documents, the petitioners prepared and filed the 8 goods declarations through clearing agent M/s J L Enterprises for clearance of used HinoPak trucks.
He further informs the court that however, the assessment authority has refused to clear the imported goods on declared values well as assessment of duty & taxes, the assessment authority final assessment the imported goods on enhancement value from US$ 4,000.00 to US$ 55,500.00 each, consequently the import duty and taxes were enhance from Rs. 77,853 to Rs. 10,80,214 each, after payment the goods declarations was completed and out of charged and vehicles were accordingly released after payment of leviable duty and taxes.
Citing chairman FBR, Collector of Customs Appraisement Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (PMBQ) and the Terminal Operator, DP World, QICT as respondents, petitioners pleaded the court to direct them to release the seized vehicles and waived the delay/ demurrage charges etc, because the respondents are the license of the customs authority and they are bound to follow the direction of customs authority as per customs act, 1969 & customs license rules, otherwise suspend/ block/ revoke the customs license of the The Terminal Operator DP World OICT, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim.
