KARACHI: Collector Customs Adjudication Shafique Ahmed Latki has penalized M/s Colgate Palmolive Pakistan Ltd and clearing agent M/s Tanzil Traders for mis-declaring the value of imported goods sodium sulphate anhydrous.

According to the details of case as reported by Directorate General, Intelligence & Investigation-FBR Karachi, an under clearance consignment of Sulphate Anhydrous weighing 648 MT, imported from China by M/s Colgate Palmolive and sought clearance through clearing agents M/s. Tanzil Traders.

After having been cleared to gate staff, through Green Channel Customs, the said consignment was online blocked on the directives of Director Yaqoob Mako. The said consignment was examined. As a result of examination, 648 MT Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous of China origin was found. Representative samples of the imported goods were drawn from the consignments.

From perusal of the GD, it was observed that the value of imported Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous was declared by the respondents lower than the value determined of Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous of China origin vide Valuation Ruling No. 802 of 2016.

This mis-declaration of value resulted into evasion of duty and taxes of Rs1.093 million. When confronted importer voluntarily submitted pay order amounting Rs1.093 million.

After detailed deliberation of the case, Collector Adjudication Shafique Ahmed Latki found mis-declaration on the part of importer and ordered confiscation of imported goods with an option to redeem goods on payment of fine equal to the 35 percent of value of the goods.

A fine of Rs75,000 on importer and Rs25,000 on clearing agent was also imposed.