KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs department to strictly act in accordance with law and submit para wise comments on next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Haniska Enterprises seeking release of imported toothpaste consignment detained by customs department due to disputed valuation applying Valuation Ruling 848/2016 applying $1.50 as against declared $1.00.
On 2.5.2019, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that officials of the customs department are not following court’s orders therefore court may direct customs officials to follow its orders.
Counsel for the petitioner stated in his constitutional petition that petitioner is an importer of tooth paste and during the course of his business activities he contacted M/s FMCG, Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority, Sharjah UAE to export 5718 cartons of assorted toothpaste dated Feb 03, 2019 and after the goods reached terminal the petitioner filed goods declaration with the MCC Appraisement East.
He further argued that the nominated assessing officer instead of completing the assessment on the petitioners declared value opted to pass an assessment order after applying valuation ruling 848/2016 applying $1.50 as against declared US$1.00.
Citing secretary Revenue Division, Deputy Collector of Customs MCC of Appraisement East and Assistant Collector of Customs Collectorate of Customs as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may direct the respondent to process the goods declaration of the petitioner and may order to them to secure differential amount of duty and taxes as security until the final decision of the appeal pending before the customs appellate tribunal Karachi.
