ISLAMABAD, July 21: The government on Thursday allowed import of various types of used machinery. The list of the used machinery was announced by the Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan to further liberalize the import regime. He said the government had allowed import of weighing machines, weights, and parts of weighing machines; fork-lift trucks powered by an electric motor; rolls for rolling mills; calculating machines, data recorders, postage machines, ticket-issuing machines, cash registers; other office machines, automatic banknote dispensers, coin-sorting, counting or wrapping machines; pencil-sharpening machines, perforating or stapling machines; drawing instruments and mechano-therapy appliances.
He said presently, edible products specified in the Import Policy Order are importable subject to the condition that they have at least 9 months or 75 per cent of the remaining shelf life, which ever is less. The remaining shelf life of edible product has been reduced to 50 per cent. It has been decided to do away with the condition of attestation of Form-7 (batch-certificate) by the health authority, required in connection with the import of pharmaceutical raw material for determining the shelf life.
As per existing Import Policy, palm stearin was importable subject to the condition that it would have distinct coloration added to it. As there was no calibration of distinct coloration in respect of import of palm stearin, it gave rise to frequent disputes between the importers and the customs authorities.
The Import Policy Order would be amended so that fats soluble distinct blue colour would be added in palm stearin. This would ensure that it was not misused for manufacturing edible oils by the subsequent removal of colour.
As per existing import policy, waste, parings and scrap of styrene poly vinyl chloride and other plastics are importable subject to certification from exporting countries that the scrap being exported did not contain hazardous substances as defined under the Basel Convention. The provision, however, did not specify the agency of the country whose certificate is accepted.
It has been decided that the import of these plastic scrap would be subject to certification of the relevant government agency of that country, or by an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory. The government had done away with the requirement of prior recommendation from the Regulatory Authority for import of machinery, equipment, specialized vehicles, etc., on import-cum-export basis.
Certification of the Chief Executive of a company of the respective sector endorsing requirement of the contractor, sub-contractor would, however, be essential. Customs authorities may adopt necessary safeguard measures to ensure re-export.
Under the existing Import Policy, used fork-lifters of five tons capacity and above are permissible for import. It has, therefore, been decided to allow used fork lifters of three tons capacity and above.
Plastic granules are importable provided they are made from basic raw material. Granules made by the recycling of plastic waste are not importable for being substandard.
In order to provide low-cost raw material to local producers, import of granules made by recycled plastic waste will now be allowed.
However, to ensure that they are free from hazardous material, the import will be subject to certification of the relevant government agency of the exporting country or from an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory that the exported plastic granules are free from any hazardous substance as defined under the Basel Convention.
The trade policy also announced a string of measures to increase export to United States and European Union (EU) countries.
He said a trade lobbying firm would be hired in the US to enhance Pakistan’s exports and market access.
He said the National Tariff Commission (NTC) would be revamped to enable it to function as an effective trade defence organization of Pakistan.
Under a package for the gems and jewellery sector, he said, the government had extended the period from 90 days to 180 days for export of jewellery made from imported gold. Similarly, the time limit to remit proceeds from export of jewellery has been enhanced to 240 days from 120 days.
He said the government had abolished the valuation committee functioning for the clearance of gems and jewellery before export.
A scheme, in consultation with the State bank, Pakistan Bankers Associations, commercial banks and jewellery exporters was being developed whereby exporters would import gold by utilizing financing from private banks under a collateral arrangement acceptable to commercial banks and jewellery exporters.
It had been decided to declare this sector as an industry so that they have easy access to credit and had advantage in utility rates and taxes.
The government decided to hire a consultant of international repute that would advise measures which could help in attracting foreign direct investment and transform the local footwear industry to become a major player in the world market. It was further decided that Footwear Development Centres will be set up by the Footwear Association, at Lahore and Karachi with financial assistance from export development fund (EDF).
The government has decided to establish Textile Garments Skill Development Board to provide support to the textile garments sector and to implement the initiative of skill development and training of workers. The aim of the Board is to accelerate the implementation and harmonise the certification system pertaining to skill development under one umbrella organization.
It had been decided to declare the freight forwarding and logistics sector as an industry. This would entitle this sector to concessional duty and taxes on the import of equipment, reduced utility charges and easier access to finance. Freight forwarders had been allowed to collect freight charges locally, and remit them in foreign exchange through the State Bank. This would allow our traders to negotiate and pay lower shipping and handling charges.
The government has decided to enhance the capacity of Karachi Expo Centre by constructing two additional exhibition halls. These halls would be ready by December 2005 and would provide additional space to exporters to exhibit their products in Expo 2006, which would be held in March 2006.
Further and in partnership with the government of Punjab, an Expo Centre would be built in Lahore. This Expo Centre would be ready by December 2006.
