ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: The Ministry of Commerce has notified that the condition of printing of retail price on imported goods will be effective from January 1, 2003.

An official source said that the condition was earlier applicable from October 2002, but some importers had already imported goods without having printing of retail price on it.

The customs authorities had held the consignments on account of non-observation of the condition, which caused inconvenience to them.

The official said the importers approached the Ministry of Commerce for relaxation of the scheme. Keeping this in view to facilitate the importers, Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood extended the date, said the official.

The ministry has also requested the Central Board of Revenue to communicate the decision to all collectorates for compliance in the matter, the official added.