Export of smuggled goods: unscrupulous elements allowed all benefits by customs

A novel modus operandi has emerged in the customs department where some unscrupulous elements are being allowed all benefits on the export of smuggled goods; it is learnt here on Thursday. According to sources, in the past, smuggled goods were being sold in Pakistani markets that created an adverse impact on the country's economy. Now, unscrupulous elements have moved ahead, denting not only industrial sector but also national kitty, directly.
They said wrongdoers were involved in the export of smuggled foreign origin non-duty paid goods by misdeclaring its origin as of Pakistani. Moreover, sources said these goods were being exported to UAE on grossly under-invoiced values whereas the goods were declared to be of Pakistan origin despite the fact that origin of goods was duly marked and shipments were being made through customs automated system on WeBOC by these persons in connivance with their clearing agents.
On the other hand, customs officials, on condition of anonymity, confirmed the said illicit activity, being continued in the customs department. They said the department had caught an exporter, who was involved in exporting smuggled tyres of heavy machines to UAE under the garb of 'Made in Pakistan' product. They said the department had accumulated recovery of evaded duty and taxes to Rs2.99 million, which was still unrecoverable.
Moreover, customs officials said the department had issued show cause notice to the said exporter, adding that he in his reply denied all the charges with the rationale to have mentioned wrong country of origin, mistakenly. Meanwhile, the department in a rejoinder has rejected all the arguments made by the exporter in its reply and issued Order in Original to him. Furthermore, they said the exporter had failed to prove legitimate import and have in fact offered to pay duties and taxes on the same, which was tantamount to admission of the offence of smuggling.