KARACHI: Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Customs Enforcement has lodged First Investigation Report (FIR) booking M/s Arif Overseas Traders Karachi, pertaining to the import of consignments of printed empty cartons from China without paying duty and taxes and misusing terms and conditions of SRO 492(I)2009.
The complainant Muhammad Sadiq Intelligence Officer (I&I) said after investigation it transpired that Arif Traders imported two consignments of empty printed corrugated cartons top bottom for fruit packing from China.
It was said in terms of sub clause (iv) of SRO 492 (I)/2009 the importers was bound to export such temporarily imported goods after due process within a period of 18 months of its importation.
On request of importer Collector extended six months on payment of one percent surcharge per month on C and F value of goods. But the importer did not export the entire quantity of temporarily imported cartons within stipulated period and disposed of the said goods in the open market causing a loss of Rs 30.81 million to the national exchequer.
In view of the said facts, it was established that Arif Traders were involved in illegal disposal of 651,231 cartons in violation of the provisions of Section 19, 32(I), 32A, 79 and 80 punishable under clauses (10-A), (14) and (14A) of Section 156 (I) of Customs Act 1969 read with said SRO and Sections of 3,6,33,34 and 36 of the Sales Tax Act 1990 and Section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
It was established beyond any doubt that all these consignments disposed of in the open market and the unit was physically remained non-operational.
It is said efforts were underway to apprehend other accused persons in the crime and FIR to this effect is lodged accordingly.