ISLAMABAD, July 22: The government announced on Thursday that the units operating in export processing zones (EPZs) could import goods from abroad as well as from local tariff areas.

According to the Trade Policy 2004-05, the goods should be imported in accordance with the EPZA rules and procedures.

It further says that plant and machinery imported for, or installed in the EPZs will be allowed to be sold or shifted to the tariff area after approval of the EPZA, irrespective of whether the machinery is old or new and whether it has remained installed for any period or not, provided its import is otherwise permissible.

The units established in the EPZ shall export only up to 20 per cent of their total production to tariff areas in Pakistan, while 80 per cent shall be exported to foreign countries.

The warehouses established in the EPZs will sell only such imported raw materials to the tariff area, as may be specified by the federal government from time to time by notification in the official gazette.

The units operating in the EPZs may sell defective goods, wastes, used packing materials, empty drums and cartons to the tariff area subject to the condition that the total value of such sales during a year does not exceed three per cent of the fob value of their exports. Besides, such sales will be subject to payment of normal duties and taxes.