April 29, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 22, 1429

KARACHI, April 28: The customs authorities collected Rs4.811 billion towards duty on 14,235 vehicles of various categories, including luxurious cars, imported during the first nine months (July-March) of the current fiscal year.

During the same period last year, 20,713 vehicles, having a value of Rs9.304 billion, had fetched around Rs4.733 billion towards the customs duty.

According to official figures, 11,730 vehicles, having a value of Rs5.387 billion, were non-commercial and the remaining were commercial.

However, the highest number of vehicles (9,365) was imported under the personal baggage scheme, having a value of Rs3.626 billion, and these contributed Rs2.720 billion towards the customs duty.

A fairly large number of 2,190 brand new and luxurious cars were also imported during this period at a total value of Rs1.721 billion and fetched Rs1.154 billion towards the duty.

Under the gift and transfer of residence scheme, only eight and 167 vehicles were imported with a value of Rs6.286 and Rs33.553 million, respectively, during the period under review.

During the same period last year, 3,701 vehicles were imported under the transfer of residence and 41 under the gift scheme. A large number 346 reconditioned dumpers, having a value of Rs353.268 million and with customs duty of Rs75.520 million, were imported under the transfer of residence scheme.

Similarly, 38 brand new dumpers were imported, having a value of Rs155.478 million and customs duty of Rs7.774 million.

The customs papers further disclosed that 390 new vans and 936 pick-ups were imported during this period, having a value of Rs283 and Rs808 million, respectively.