KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to tax authorities and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by 28 importers, challenging determination of customs values of “ceramic and porcelain tiles” over and above 12.5 percent of the valuation ruling no 874/2016 by Director General of Valuation.
While hearing of the petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar also directing them to file their respective para wise comments on THE next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for M/s Minhas Corporation, M/s Abu Yousaf, M/S Sulehri Brothers, M/s Classic Ceramics (Private) Limited, M/s Mehdi Tiles, M/S Yousaf Brothers, M/s Umer Corporation, M/s Haseeb Traders, M/s Five Stars Trading Company, M/s Artica Ceramics and others stated in their constitutional petition that they are engaged in the lawful business of import and trade a goods having description “ceramic & porcelain tiles” and fulfilling all the liabilities according with the law.
According to the petitioners, they had imported consignments of said goods, however, they were informed by the customs department that Director General, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Customs House Karachi revision proceedings under section 25 D wherein the DG having no jurisdiction of customs values of subject good over and above 12.5 percent of the valuation ruling no 874/2016 dated 22/06/2016.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Customs Collectorate West, Collector of Customs Collectorate East, Collector of Customs Customs Collectorate Port Muhammad Bin Qasim and Director General, Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Customs House Karachi as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, they also pleaded the court may restrain the customs department from collection of enhanced valuation till final decision of their this petition and any coercive measures against the petitioners.
