20000411

Customs duty to be

levied on smuggled

goods simultaneously

PESHAWAR: Levying of customs duty on smuggled goods in Bara markets will start simultaneously all over the country after the expiry of the deadline i.e. April 30, 2000.

This was stated by Additional Collector Customs Burki while talking to APP here on Monday.

To a question he said this was one of the demand of the tribal traders and representatives of the Bara markets.

He also denied the impression being created by vested circles that tribal traders have not been taken into confidence by the government over the issue.

He recalled that he help various meetings with the tribal traders and their representative on the matter and said that last such meeting was held in the office of Commissioner Peshawar in the first week of April.

The traders have asked for extension in the deadline and requested for starting the process of levying customs duty from Karachi, Lahore first instead of Peshawar, the Additional Collector told.

He further told that the deadline in this regard has now been extended to April 30, 2000 as against April 13, fixed earlier by the government.

Regarding their second demand, he said that they were informed in the last meeting that the campaign would start simultaneously throughout the country.

To a question about the items to be subjected to customs duty, Burki said that every item which is dutiable would be taxed.

To a question he said, customs duty varied from item to item in some cases, it is 45 percent while in some cases it is more and less as well, he explained.

He further explained that at the time of legal import which ever duty is assessed or valued that will be applicable. But on old and second hand items, 50 percent maximum depreciation facility available with the customs officials would be made applicable.

To another question, he told that survey of various Bara markets is being carried out to make a rough estimate of total revenue generation. The survey is in its initial stages, he added.

The success of the campaign depends upon the quantum of co-operation of the tribal traders and show owners in Bara markets. He said the NWFP government is extending all out co-operation and assistance in this regard.

The Bara traders have appealed to the government to provide them alternate means of income before closing the markets.ÑAPP