The government may restrict age limit of 10 years on the import of ''dumpers for off-highway use'' under the Import Policy Order in the 2008-09 budget. Sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday that an anomaly has been detected in Para-6 of the Import Policy Order and Serial No 10 of Appendix-C.
The para-6 of the order relates to import of second-hand machinery by construction, mining and petroleum sectors, whereas Appendix-C covers list of commodities not importable in used/secondhand form.
Para-6 of the Import Policy Order 2007-08 allows import of secondhand plant, machinery and equipment including different kind of vehicles of Chapter 87 of the Pakistan Customs Tariff by construction, mining, oil and gas and petroleum sectors. This is subject to the condition that these equipment/vehicles are not more than 10 years old. However, the concession has been restricted to the actual requirement of projects in Pakistan.
On the other hand, secondhand construction machinery, like dumpers for off-highway use, having payload capacity exceeding 5 tons can be imported by commercial importers without restriction of age limit under serial number 10 (i) of Appendix-C of Import Policy Order. Irrespective of age limit, the import of the said equipment has been permitted under the order.
Sources said that the rationale behind issuance of para-6 (10 years old restriction) has not served any purpose as the same item can be freely imported under Appendix-C. It seems that papa 6 of the import policy order has become redundant.
Sources said that there is a proposal to amend the Appendix-C to bring the same at par with the condition of 10 years as specified in para 6 of the import policy order. This would be instrumental in removing any confusion in the order from 2008-09.