The non-availability of the valuation ruling for refrigeration, air-conditioning and auto-air conditioning spare parts by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has resulted in higher values of duty on the import of these items, instead of accurate assessment of customs duty. Sources told Business Recorder here on Thursday that the issue of valuation of refrigeration and air-conditioning spare parts was discussed in the annual event organised by Pakistan HVACR Importer and Trader's Association.
The issue of import of items under the Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was also discussed. The association requested Valuation Ruling for refrigeration, air conditioning and auto air conditioning spare parts, due to non-availability of the valuation ruling sometime it assesses higher values and those importers who misdeclare it were cleared at low cost creating imbalance in the market. In case of such items if valuation ruling is issued it would be better for the importer and also beneficial to the Customs department to generate revenue. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has assured the association that it will fully support valuation ruling to ensure the correct revenue also beneficial to the importers.
Another issue was raised regarding items covered under Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, but not covered in the corresponding SRO 659(1)/2007. The association said HCFC R-22 subject to quota now united nations environment programme (UNEP) and Ozone Cell Pakistan have priority to reduce consumption of ODS Gases, the following HS Code for those Refrigerant which is Replacements of HCFC R-22, help to UNEP and Ozone Cell (Ministry of Climate Change). The industry is striving to reduce the customs duty on such Gases, which is Replacements of HCFC R-22. Without the reduction of Customs duty on replacement gases, it is not possible to reduce the consumption of ODS Gases from Pakistan.
The new HS Code has been introduced in China under FTA because the copper tube which is used in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning was not clearly defined in present Customs Tariff. In Customs Tariff it is assessed under HS Code 7411-1090 but due to 15 percent rate of duty it is normally under-declared or smuggled.
The annual function was also attended by Abdullah Zaki President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry as Chief Guest; Muhammad Anis Shaikh Chairman & Khawaja Tahir Siddiq Patron in Chief of the Association; Mosuf Ali (consultant of UMEP) and other Government officials Saifuddin Junejo Ex-Commercial Counsellor in China and Arifullah Deputy Secretary Ministry of Commerce.