KARACHI, July 18: The customs realised Rs6.966 billion from duty on import of 30,702 vehicles during fiscal 2006-07 ended on June 30. The total value of these vehicles has been estimated at Rs13.251 billion.
According to the figures released by the customs, there had been a steep fall in import of second-hand vehicles during 2006-07.
The country imported around 44,466 vehicles in 2005-06, but the government decision to fix imported vehicles’ age at less than three years has discouraged import of used vehicles.
The largest number of vehicles had been imported under Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme. But the scheme was misused, with a large number of vehicles being imported on fake arrival and departure stamps of immigration mainly involving automobile dealers. During 2004-05, when vehicles up to age of five years were allowed for import under the TR scheme, a large number of such cases were detected by the customs.
Official sources told Dawn that these cases were referred to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for providing guidance and necessary instructions. The FBR issued directives for the release of vehicles imported on fake arrival and departure stamps after charging duty and 30 per cent fine.
It was also advised that the cases might be referred to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Sources said that business of import of vehicles on fake arrival and departure stamps remained at full galore up to 2005-06, and customs officials, who tried to check such malpractices, were even transferred or suspended.
However, since March this year a tracking machine has been installed to check such clearances and import of vehicles on fake documents and customs sources said so far around 45 cases had been detected.
A total of 21,835 non-commercial vehicles were imported during 2006-07 fetching customs duty of Rs5.269 billion on a total value of Rs8.323 billion of these vehicles.
Details provided by customs authorities show that 5,241 vehicles were imported under TR scheme, 15,059 under personal baggage, 45 vehicles under gift scheme and 1,490 new vehicles imported up to June 30.
Besides, a large number of commercial vehicles ‘including buses, trucks, dumpers, tractors, and vans were also imported during the same period.