Shopping centres, retail outlets: FBR launching major anti-smuggling drive from September 1

The special joint teams of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will launch a major anti-smuggling drive from September 1, 2019 at major shopping centres and large retail outlets in all major cities to verify import documents of foreign goods available in the markets.
Sources told Business Recorder here Saturday that the tax authorities have given approval for the new anti-smuggling drive to be launched from next month to check selling of smuggled goods in the country. However, it has categorically been conveyed to the customs high-ups that it would not be the raids on the shops premises, but would be only verification of import documents of foreign goods available for sales.
FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi has said that Pakistan's economy in general and industrial activities in particular are being seriously affected due to availability of smuggled goods, especially consumer goods in the markets.
The government is undertaking various steps to curb these undesirable practices and inter alia some actions to this effect have also been incorporated in the Finance Act, 2019.
According to the FBR, it is strengthening its efforts and has started a phased programme in this regard which includes verification of import documents of foreign goods available in the markets.
Under the Provisions of the Customs Act, 1969 FBR has powers to seek import documents for the imported goods available for sale to consumers from the person dealing in such goods.
With effect from September 1, 2019 special joint teams of the FBR may be visiting major shopping areas, especially large retailers, in major cities to check the import documents of the imported goods available for sale to ensure compliance with various requirements of the law.
The FBR said that the exercise does not represent 'raid' on the premises or any coercive action against the traders. The purpose of this exercise is only to ensure that relevant import documents are available and foreign goods available for sale are properly backed by documents.
It has further been decided that such exercises will be undertaken on 'test' check basis. All teams will be conducting respective identification as being officially designated and the team will be headed by a senior person. In case if for any reason such documents are not readily available at the shops/offices then teams will provide adequate opportunity to submit the document in the respective offices/ shops after reasonable time, the FBR added.
Member Customs (Operations) and Member (IR-Operations) have been directed to supervise the activity and provide complete assistance to the joint teams wherever required.
Director General (Intelligence & Investigation) Customs and Director General (Intelligence & Investigation)-Inland Revenue have also been directed to constitute joint teams.
The traders can lodge complaints against any undesirable activity by the special joint teams by reporting at the helpline 111772772 or email [email protected].
The purpose of taking this step is to expedite drive against smuggling and protect the local economy of the country.