SC raises question: Since when customs officials have started examining quality of goods?

The Supreme Court has questioned since when and under what law the customs officials have started checking quality of goods at borders.

A three-member bench, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial, on Thursday heard the appeal of customs department regarding stopping containers that were transporting sugar to Afghanistan.

The customs department in June 2019 had stopped containers loaded with sugar. The officials had cleared 92 containers out of total 354 containers.

Justice Yahya Afridi questioned under what law the customs officials stopped sugar containers. The deputy director customs responded that the containers were carrying substandard sugar and were on their way to Afghanistan.

Justice Yahya questioned since when the customs authorities have started checking sugar quality. He noticed that customs authorities are becoming hurdle to smooth Pak-Afghan Transit Trade. The person who buys and one who sells can raise issue of sugar quality.

Justice Umar observed that good quality goods should be exported. He, however, said if the customs department has authority to check the sugar quality then it can be allowed doing this job.

The deputy director customs informed that according to the rules, they can prevent the export of dangerous and substandard goods. Justice Faisal asked from the deputy director since when sugar has become dangerous goods.

Justice Yahya remarked that customs department has its own rules. Justice Bandial expressing concern over the poor performance of customs remarked that the court never had proper assistance from the department in cases related to customs. He said in the instant case, they are unable to tell under what law the containers were stopped.

Giving final opportunity to the customs official to assist the court properly, Justice Bandial said the officers who are unaware of the laws and cases should be sent to jail.

The case was adjourned for one week.