KARACHI, Jan 10: Large consignments of imported accessories, raw material and fabrics used by value-added textile industry for re-export of goods are held up by the customs at the port on the expiry of SRO410, on December 31, 2003.

This was stated by the chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), Imran Ali Sabir in a statement issued to the press on Saturday.

He said that exporters were unable to clear their imported accessories owing to the expiry of SRO410, which allowed duty-free imports of these items used in the value-addition of textile goods.

Imran Ali Sabir said that exporters are being asked to pay exorbitant duty in cash instead of indemnity bond or bank guarantee, which was valid earlier under SRO410.

He urged the government to extend the SRO410, in the best national interest or else exports would suffer badly and result in huge loss to exporters as they would be unable to meet export orders.