KARACHI: The Customs Classification Committee has notified that the appropriate classification of telecommunication antenna is under heading 8517.6290 attracting customs duty of 15 percent.
The issue regarding classification of telecommunication item namely “Antenna Type A-4 Port” imported by M/s Pakistan Mobile Communication Limited was forwarded by MCC Islamabad.
Besides, MCC, Appraisement-West, Karachi also forwarded identical issue of classification of ‘directional antenna’ by M/s C.M. Pak Limited, Islamabad. Both the importers declared the imported item under PCT 8517.7000 whereas MCC Islamabad and MCC Appraisement-West Karachi classified the same under PCT 8529.1090 and 8517.6990, respectively; both attracting 15 percent duty.
M/S Pakistan Mobile Communication and M/S Telenor have also approached the Collectorate to ascertain appropriate classification of telecommunication antenna as the Directorate of Internal Audit has raised the objection that the subject goods are classifiable under PCT heading 8517.6290 as against the declared PCT heading 8517.7000.
As per submission of various importers, classification of the antenna was being done under PCT heading 8517.7000. However, after the observations of Internal Audit, clearance Collectorates are classifying the said item under PCT heading 8517.6290.
The importers argue that the goods are classifiable under PCT heading 8517.7000 being parts of telecom sector.
After detailed discussion and thorough examination of the product, its characteristics and usage thereof, the Classification Committee, chaired by Additional Collector Mohammad Tahir, ruled that the appropriate classification of the telecommunication antenna is under heading 8517.6290.
The other members of the committee include Deputy Collector Rizwan Bashir Klair, Principle Appraisers Javed Akhtar and Mir Mansoor.
It may be mentioned here that antennas and other telecommunication is widely being mis-classified and the evidence have surfaced proving revenue leakage of millions of rupees.