ISLAMABAD, May 6: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) is considering a proposal to reduce customs duty on import of photopolymer plates to 10 per cent from 25 per cent. An official announcement said on Friday that Raffisons (Pvt) Ltd, the importers, distributors and sole agents of photopolymer plates, approached the commission seeking a cut in the import duty.

To consider the proposal, the NTC invited comments, suggestions and proposals from all parties having an interest in the business of photopolymer plates. A public hearing was scheduled for May 14 at 11.00 a.m. in NTC Islamabad.

According to the applicant, pre-sensitized plates were the major contributors to the cost of printing and the quality of printing. The H.S code 3701.3090 cover two items of printing industry — pre-sensitised unexposed and undeveloped aluminium plates for offset printing and pre-sensitized unexposed and undeveloped photopolymer plates for flexo printing.