KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed petitioner to file a rejoinder on the next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Usman Trade Linkers (Private) Limited, seeking release of a consignment of polyethylene shrink film. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, heard the petition.
During the hearing, counsel for the Deputy Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Directorate of Customs Valuation filed a reply in which the customs officials informed the court that the petitioner was involved in mis-declaration. The counsel alleged the petitioner clearly mentioned in the documents that the imported goods were polyethylene shrink film. After the hearing, the court directed the petitioner’s counsel to file a rejoinder on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in lawful import of plastic packing materiel falling under subject of polyethylene. He submitted that the consignments of the petitioner was cleared under the PCT Code three 920.1000 and customs duty of 20 percent was charged on the transnational value of the consignments, however, the customs officials put on hold the consignments of the petitioner suggesting that the same should be assessed under valuation ruling 1039/2017.
Citing Secretary Ministry of Finance, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Chief Collector of Customs Collecotorate, Deputy Director of Customs Intelligence & Investigation-FBR, Directorate of Customs Valuation as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, he also pleaded the court to direct them to release its consignments seized by customs department as per law.
