Import of Yellow Chrome Pigments: local YCP maker seeks an increase in customs duty

A leading local manufacturer of Yellow Chrome Pigments (YCP) has approached the National Tariff Commission (NTC) for increase in customs duty on the import of YCP from 15 to 25 percent for protection of the local industry. According to an announcement of the NTC here on Wednesday, the NTC has received the application for tariff protection of the domestic industry manufacturing YCP from M/S Poplon & Co (Pvt) Ltd Lahore (the Applicant).
The Applicant is a leading manufacturer of the YCP in the country. These YCPs (PCT Code:3206.2010) are used in manufacturing of Artificial Leather, Plastic, Painting Ink and Road Making etc. The applicant's request is based on the following grounds:- Firstly, the applicant is the leading domestic manufacturer of YCP. The domestic industry manufacturing YCP can cater total domestic demand, but running under capacity that increase its cost and the domestic industry manufacturing YCP is suffering due to import of YCP at concessionary rate of duty under SRO 565(I)/2006 dated June 17, 2009.
The above sanctioned SRO is issued to facilitate the concessionary imports of only these industrial raw materials that are not manufactured locally. In the light of the above, the Applicant has requested for exclusion of YCP from SRO 565(I)/2006 dated June 17, 2009 and increase in customs duty from present level of 15 percent to 25 percent on imports of YCP into Pakistan.
The NTC would welcome views, suggestions and proposals from all stakeholders interested in the business relating to or associated with the imports, or marketing of Yellow Chromes. Views/ suggestions would also be welcomed from the concerned public sector organisations. Views/ suggestions may be submitted within fifteen days to the Secretary National Tariff Commission, 4th Floor, State Life Building No 5, Blue Area, Islamabad.
A public hearing on the issue is scheduled to be held on August 13, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Committee Room of National Tariff Commission, 11th Floor, State Life Building No 5, Blue Area, Islamabad.
Further, all parties having an interest in the business relating to or associated with the imports, manufacturing and marketing of Yellow Chrome and concerned government departments are hereby advised to get themselves registered with NTC latest by August 10, 2012 for participation in the public hearing. Interested parties may submit their comments and suggestions in writing the comments and suggestions may be supported with essential facts, information and documentary evidences, which must be brought to the public hearing. The views not supported with reliable documentary evidence(s) shall not be considered, NTC added.