KARACHI: The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has not yet made any decision on clearance of those vehicles that were in transit when the duty procedures and taxes for imported cars were modified recently.

The ministry announced this to dispel an impression, created by used car dealers, that the government may have allowed old duty rates and procedures to apply on clearing those vehicles that were in transit up till Dec 31, 2017.

“Due consideration is being given to the fact that there was an inventory of vehicles in transit while this decision was being taken or under implementation. In order to avoid undue hardship, a facilitating provision is being finalised for the vehicles in transit only as a one-time dispensation,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Meanwhile, the ministry emphasised that new procedures for clearing of cars under Baggage, Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes is meant for overseas Pakistanis only and not for commercial importers. “The use of this provision in the Import Policy was never intended for commercial imports.”

The ministry also signalled caution to people seeking to book imported cars in the future, should the commercial importer try to bring the newly booked cars into the country, through misrepresentation under the scheme meant for overseas Pakistanis.

“Anyone making any further imports in the hope of any expected change in this policy will do so at own risk” the statement reads, “and the Customs authorities will be advised to confiscate such vehicles or take any other legal action meant to deal with illegal imports. The commerce ministry does not intend to make any changes in this provision of policy except for the vehicles stuck up in transit.”

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2018