Increase in prices of computer printers: FBR Member Customs asked to intervene

The Directorate General (DG) of Customs Valuation, Karachi, has considerably enhanced customs values of all kinds of computer printers, raising 20-25 percent prices of printers in the local market. President, Pakistan Computer Association (PCA), Munawar Iqbal told Business Recorder on Friday that the ruling of the DG Valuation has been recently issued without consulting the stakeholders.
It has increased prices of around 270 different types of printers. The valuation ruling has been based on unrealistic international prices creating panic among the entire computer industry. The directorate has not invited the stakeholders for submission of their viewpoint before issuance of valuation ruling.
Besides, substantial increase in prices, there is also a shortage of computer printers used by students, researchers and professional. He requested the FBR Member Customs Munir Quershi to intervene into the matter and direct the DG Valuation to withdraw the controversial valuation ruling. The ruling could be revised in consultation with the stakeholders.
He added that the DG Valuation has committed a serious violation of the Tax Administration Reform Project (TARP), which talks about facilitation and active consultation with the business and trade to resolve their issues. The unilateral issuance of such a ruling is a serious issue, as the directorate has fixed extraordinary high customs values of computer printers.
According to the valuation ruling of the DG Valuation, based on information that import values of computer printer were being under invoiced, this Directorate General undertook exercise to determine the customs values of Computer Printer in terms of Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. The meeting of all stakeholders was held for the determination of the customs values of imported goods and the relevant importers/stakeholders were requested to participate. However no one attended the meeting, the ruling said.
As per the ruling the analysis of the import data of Pakistan Customs Computerised System (PACCs) and "One Customs" clearance systems showed that the declared prices were comparatively much lower in comparison to the prices prevailing in the international market.
The declared values were mostly being disallowed being on the lower side. Therefore, for the same reason, data of identical/similar goods under the provisions of section 25(5) and (6) of the Customs Act 1969 was found equally inapplicable. Hence, reliance was made upon the valuation method defined under the provisions of Section 25 (7) of the Customs Act, 1969.
Simultaneously, verification was also made through discreet enquiries from the sources/dealers in the international market, to gather information, which has revealed that the computer printer were available in vast and varied specification/ functions having wide range of prices depending upon their individual output and category. Accordingly, the directorate has determined customs values under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969 for implementation.
All the collectors of customs are advised to ensure assessment of these items as per determined customs values. The values are inclusive of cost of essential packing and shall remain valid until revised. However, if the invoice/declared value is higher such higher value shall be applied. In case of HS code does not match with the description of goods mentioned in this ruling, the goods shall be examined to confirm HS code and description as mentioned in the ruling, directorate added.