KARACHI: Pakistan Customs (South) has blocked 135 containers of PVC flex, which are suspected to be containing PVC scrap, which is prohibited to be importer as per the provisions of Import Policy Order.
PVC Flex is allowed to be imported by commercial importers, but PVC scrap can only be imported by undertakings having industrial license (industrial importers) and a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) certificate is also mandatory. The estimated value of these consignments is reported to be Rs202.5 million (Rs1.5 million/container).
Customs had information that several commercial importers were bringing in PVC Scrap and were wrongfully declaring the goods as PVC Flex to circumvent the provisions of Import Policy Order. However, consignments declared to be PVC Flex were blocked and the samples were sent to laboratory verification, which confirmed the goods to be PVC Scrap.
Subsequently, 135 containers declared to be containing PVC Flex have been blocked and would be processed further after laboratory verification.
An official said that the importers were bringing laboratory reports provided by private laboratories about the contents of consignments. However, Customs could call for fresh tests from independent and reputable laboratories.
Sources in Customs Intelligence said that a ring of four persons had been identified involved in import and clearance of goods through Green Channel by mis-declaring the description of goods to circumvent the provisions of Import Policy Order as well as evade duty and taxes.