Karachi, October 13, 2024 – In a significant regulatory update, Pakistan Customs has announced revised customs valuations for the import of power tools, a move aimed at curbing under-invoicing and ensuring more accurate duty and tax assessments.
The new valuation has been detailed in a ruling issued by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi, which now classifies power tools into three distinct categories based on brand and market standing. This new measure will impact the import process, with potentially far-reaching implications for importers, retailers, and consumers alike.
The reclassification, which applies to 31 different types of power tools, is part of an effort to standardize customs valuations and ensure a fairer taxation system. Under the new system, Category A consists of premium brands such as Bosch, Makita, Hitachi, Dewalt, and Hyundai, which command higher prices in both domestic and international markets. Category B includes mid-range brands such as Inge, Total, EM Top, Sancan, and Energizer, while Category C covers more affordable, low-end brands.
The valuation ruling is based on a comprehensive analysis of import data, current market trends, and the prevailing differences between declared and actual market prices. Pakistan Customs has exercised its authority under Sections 25 and 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, to conduct this revision. The intent behind the new valuation framework is to align declared values with actual market prices, thereby eliminating discrepancies that often lead to revenue losses for the government.
Stakeholders in the industry have long voiced concerns about rampant under-invoicing practices that enable certain importers to evade duties and taxes by declaring lower-than-market prices. These concerns have been substantiated by data from the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), which reveals significant inconsistencies between declared and actual import values. According to market inquiries and international price publications, the previous customs values were found to be on the lower side, further supporting the need for an overhaul.
The introduction of these revised valuations is expected to create a level playing field for importers and deter unfair trade practices. Additionally, it could lead to more competitive pricing for consumers, as importers of premium and mid-range brands will now face stricter scrutiny in terms of invoicing.
By addressing long-standing issues of under-invoicing, Pakistan Customs aims to boost transparency in trade practices while simultaneously increasing revenue generation for the national exchequer. This ruling reflects the government’s broader efforts to reform trade policies and strengthen its revenue collection mechanisms.