ISLAMABAD, Nov 2: The CBR has exempted a range of raw materials used in textile processing and finished products from customs duty. The exemptions were announced through a customs notification issued here on Thursday by amending the notification SRO 567 of 2006.

According to the notification, the CBR waived customs duty on import of ink for Ink Jet engraver; wax for Wax Jet engraver; Printing Gum (pre-gelatinized modified starch for textile printing); Printing Gum (preparation of modified starches with other gums having specific application in textile printing); and pigment thickener. The exemption on these items would be effective retrospectively from June 6, 2006.

The CBR also reduced customs duty to five per cent on import of concrete-mixer lories subject to condition that only 2,500 units will be allowed under this notification on first come first served basis, subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions, namely: import shall only be made by the construction companies; these shall be registered as concrete mixer lories and shall be used exclusively for the construction purpose; registration details shall be furnished to the collector of customs within three months of the clearance; and these shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of within next 10 years except to another construction company after an NOC from the collector of customs concerned.

The CBR also slashed customs duty to 5 per cent on the import of heat shrinkable sleeves and tubes and containers for compressed or liquefied gases, of iron or steel. The duty has been reduced to 10 per cent on import of coated fabrics; 15 per cent on various kinds of blankets of HS Codes — 6301.1000; 6301.2000; 6301.3000 and 6301.9000.