The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) and an importer of a veterinary drug are divided on levy of duty as Appraisement Collectorate, Karachi, has slapped higher than actual custom duty.
The CBR has issued instructions to Collector of Customs, (Appraisement), Custom House Karachi to investigate the matter and submit report in the light of reservations of the company.
The CBR has asked the regional collector to re-examine the issue, taking into account the recommendation of Valuation Committee.
The company has informed CBR that the Appraisement Collectorate, Karachi has given a wrong ruling on the classification of a veterinary drug called 'Clinacox' manufactured by a pharmaceutical company of Belgium. It is registered as a drug for veterinary use with the Ministry of Health, whereas the customs has declared the same as a poultry feed.
The case was referred to Classification Committee of the Appraisement Collectorate, which agreed on most of the points raised by the company. It was agreed that 'Clinacox' is a drug and not a feed premix, as figured out by the lower staff of customs.
The company has submitted a number of documentary evidences before the CBR reflecting that the drug is used for veterinary purposes.
Moreover, the company contested that the drug is a medicament and not a conventional feed preparation or a growth promoter.
Surprisingly, the classification committee issued ruling against the importer. The said ruling was found to be arbitrary in nature which does not give any details as to how the ruling was issued. It does not mention the grounds for not accepting the arguments submitted by the unit.
The company opined that the drug 'Clinocox' is imported at a C&F price of Euro 173 per bag of 20 kg and in this way per kg C&F price before duties and taxes comes to around Rs 600, whereas one full bag of 50 kg 'Premixes' (PCT heading 23.09) can be bought for the price at much less than Rs 600.
This data revealed that it would be highly uneconomical to use such an expensive item as poultry feed.
It may be pointed out here that Premixes are fed to poultry on daily basis, whereas 'Clinacox', being a medicament, is only occasionally used which treats the intestinal disease called 'Coccidisis' found in poultry, turkey, ducks, rabbits, cattle etc.
The Premixes of heading 23.09 may be good for the general well-being of animal whereas the primary function of 'Clinacox' is medicinal and therapeutic.
The CBR will announce the decision in the light of Appraisement Collectorate's report on the issue, sources added.
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