KARACHI, March 13: Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association (PSMA) has sought a cut in the import duty on raw material used in soap making to five per cent from 10 per cent in the coming budget of 2008-2009.

The industry relies mainly on imported raw material but the import duty has remained higher, said PSMA Chairman Tanvir Ahmed Sufi in his pre-budget proposals sent to the government.

The present duties on some items are equal or higher than the duties on raw materials when imported through concessionary SROs.

He said the levy of 17 or 20 per cent sales tax on some bulk materials at the import stage, which results in a much higher input tax, should be reduced.

—Staff Reporter