ISLAMABAD, July 29: The value of dutiable imports increased by 4.93 per cent to Rs404.618 billion during the financial year 2001-02 against Rs385.587 billion over the corresponding period of last year.

And the value of total imports surged by 5.04 per cent to Rs647.176 billion during the financial year 2001-02 against Rs616.08 billion during the same period of 2000-01.

On the other hand, the value of duty-free imports stood at Rs242.558 billion in 2001-02 against Rs230.493 billion during the same period of 2000-01, showing an increase of 5.23 per cent.

The total revenue from the dutiable imports during the year 2001-02 stood at Rs48.237 billion against Rs65.047 billion during the same period of last year, showing a decrease of 25.8 per cent.

Sources in the CBR attributed the shortfall in the customs duty to decrease in the effective rate of customs tariff this year. They said depreciation of the rupee against the dollar was also one of the main factor for decrease in the customs duty collection.

Moreover, they said that Rs35.958 billion rebate was paid out to exporters during the year 2001-02 against Rs17.398 billion paid over the corresponding year, showing an increase of 54 per cent.