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FPCCI rejects Customs

Valuation Dept database

KARACHI: Standing Committee on Customs and Dry Ports of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has rejected the valuation database developed by the Customs Valuation Department, claiming it to be "without consultation with trade bodies."

The Committee, which met here under the chairmanship of Shaikh Maqbool Ahmed, called for amending the CGO issued by the CBR in December 1999 for implementation of Gatt Code of Valuation, as agreed between the FPCCI and Member (Customs) CBR.

The meeting felt that the valuation database which is based on the evidence of highest value and even without evidence has become a handy tool to harass and fleece the importers. It observed that the system being followed was reminiscent of pre-ITP days.

Shaikh Maqbool apprised the meeting of discussions of the FPCCI delegation with the CBR chairman and Member (Customs) regarding CGO 57/99 and the valuation database developed by the Valuation Department wherein a consensus was reached on a number of points including amendment in the CGO and revision of database.

He regretted that despite several reminders there was no implementation.ÑAPP