Certificate of Origin fee enhanced: trade bodies, exporters term TDAP decision 'a brutal act'

Local exporters and trade bodies have expressed their deep concern over the unexpected decision of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to increase the fee for Certificate of Origin from Rs 25 to Rs 1000 and termed it a brutal act.
Exporters of all categories are required to obtain a Certificate of Origin from the TDAP under various schemes such as Generalised System of Preference (GSP) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for the export of goods.
Chairman Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA) Muhammad Younis in media release said that exporter community was already confronting with multiple problems and this increase will be troublesome and shocking for the exporters. The PGMEA Chairman urged upon the TDAP to withdraw the decision of increase without any delay for ensuring hurdle-free export activities in the country.
Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZ) also condemned the decision of increase and said the TDAP has decided to increase the certificate fee without any consultation with the stakeholders which is very shocking for them. This would be killing small exporters and is another addition to the hurdles by the government in the smooth running of businesses.
It may be mentioned that currently the form for the Certificate of Origin is being issued by the TDAP at Rs 25 per shipment per exporter. The price of form for the certificate to be issued by the TDAP will be Rs 1,000 with effect from January 1, 2011. Consequently, the price of Certificate of Origin is being enhanced to Rs 1000 with effect from January 1, 2011. The applicant shall submit a pay order of Rs 1,000 along with the request for the form for the desired Certificate of Origin. The pay order shall be in favour of the account office TDAP.