April 19, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 01, 1428

ISLAMABAD, April 18: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has advised exporters to mention correct HS code on goods declaration (GDs) forms for availing the facilities based on export performance.

The correct coding would help the exporters in establishing their claims to avail facilities extended by the TDAP based on export performance, said Ms Fauzia Perveen, deputy director TDAP while speaking at a seminar here on Wednesday.

She was speaking at a seminar on “Importance and Management of Harmonised Commodity Description and HS Coding System in International Trade” at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

Ms Perveen said the objective of organising the seminar was to create and develop awareness amongst exporters and custom agents to mention correct HS codes. To label the product correctly is equally important for exporters, data collecting agencies and customs officials. Both export and import statistics are classified and published according to the harmonized commodity description and coding system.

Director Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS), Karachi, Khalid Siddiqi provided the historical background of data collection, the role of different agencies in collection and tabulation of data. He also reflected upon the problem encountered at various ends due to incorrect HS labeling of which exporter is the ultimate loser.

Additional Collector Dr Arsalan Subaktageen explained the Customs Administrative Reforms (Care) introduced by the CBR and the modifications CBR plans to introduce from July 1, 2007 in the current HS system.

He maintained that the harmonized commodity description and coding system was a universal economic language and code for goods and an indispensable tool for international trade. It serves the basis for customs tariffs and compilation of trade statistics of more than 200 countries and economies.

The HS system is used by Customs and statisticians, governments, international organisations and the private sector.

President RCCI Dr Hassan Sarosh in his address emphasised the need to prepare correct and reliable export statistics, which are vital for a review of export performance and planning for export diversification and growth.