KARACHI, June 5: The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers Chairman M. Aslam Malik has said that the Paapam is ready to assist the government to set up an auto parts import monitoring committee at all sea and dry ports wherever the Federal Board of Revenue deems it fit.

In a press release issued here on Thursday, he said “over the last months we have time and again requested the Engineering Development Board and FBR to inform us of the actual duties that have been collected under SRO-693(I)/2006 dated July 1, 2006, but unfortunately to date we have not received any response”.

Taking exception to a report about duty evasion by local traders and assemblers, Aslam Malik said that when the tariff-based system was introduced Paapam had very strongly requested the government and especially the Federal Board of Revenue to introduce a strong mechanism at the appraisement/import stage so that necessary cross-checks could be undertaken to ensure that auto parts imported under SRO-693(I)/2006 must attract 15 per cent additional duty.

“The effectiveness of this SRO is the lifeline of the auto vendors in Pakistan and we feel very disturbed as a lot of companies have lost business due to cheap imports of various parts and components from abroad. The FBR and EDB have to play a vital role ensure success of TBS and the AIDP,” the Paapam chief said.

The Paapam also demanded that “all auto part imports, including CKD form must not be routed through the CARE system which somehow ensures clearance of lot of goods without collection of their rightful duties”.