Hosiery manufacturers and exporters have urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to accelerate the pace of sale tax refund release.
(more…)Tag: Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association
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PHMA cries foul on gas suspension to textile industry
KARACHI: Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) on Wednesday harshly condemned gas utility for abrupt suspension to export sector.
In a statement PHMA central chairman Shahzad Azam Khan said that Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) without serving any notice and offering any alternate arrangement suspended the gas supply, which is causing severe hindrances in industrial activities.
READ MORE: PHMA organizes seminar on export facilitation scheme
The PHMA Chairman, in an appeal sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan and Energy minister Hammad Azhar, has asked to take immediate cognizance of the aggravated situation and rescue the export-industries of Karachi from inequitable conduct of the SSGC. He made a request to the Federal Energy Minister to pass directives to the SSGC for restoration of gas connections of value-added textile export industry in Karachi.
He lamented that Prime Minister Imran Khan was all out to support the export-oriented sectors of Pakistan but some vested interests are bent upon frustrating the intents of the government by harassing exporters and hindering the unprecedented growth in exports.
READ MORE: PM appealed restoring gas to Karachi industrial zones
According to him, exports from Pakistan have registered an impressive uplift over the last few months due to unflinching support by the Prime Minister and coordination of the Energy Minister Hammad Azhar but the pace of potential upsurge in exports may be retracted by unfriendly attitude of the SSGC.
The PHMA Chairman observed that the export industries of Karachi have already been facing extreme gas outages and low gas pressure for the last more than three months despite of the assurance of the govt to supply uninterrupted gas to the export industries. Nonetheless, rather to admit and take the responsibility of the current gas crises due to unwise planning the SSGC Management has been blaming the top export industries as thieves which is highly deplorable.
“It is the deepest level of disrespect and disgrace to call exporters thieves who are the highest paymasters of SSGCL, supporting the national economy and export industry as the driving force, generating 68 percent revenue for the national exchequer and contributing 54 percent to total national exports, besides providing highest urban employment in Karachi.
He said that the SSGC management is also harassing and forcing the textile exporters to sign undertakings, which is very unfortunate.
Expressing concern, Shahzad Azam Khan condemned the SSGC for character assassination of Pakistani exporters in the eyes of international community. If the government and its organizations are hesitant to give the deserving recognition and due credit to exporters to strengthen the national economy and earn valuable foreign exchange for Pakistan then they should also refrain from damaging their character.
Is there any ulterior motive to purposefully target and victimize the industries of Karachi so they may shift elsewhere in Pakistan or abroad, he questioned. He requested the Prime Minister to call an immediate delegation of value-added textile exporters to have an insight of burning issues and problems being faced by exporters. He opined that the industries of Karachi must not suffer at the cost of maladministration and ill-planning of the SSGC who are responsible for the ongoing gas crises.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan must intervene to save the billions of dollars investment of value-added textile export and facilitate them in real spirit in the light of his vision to enhance exports to strengthen the economy of Pakistan.”
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PSW to link 27 banks for trade facilitation
KARACHI: Naveed Abbas, Additional Director and Chief Domain Officer, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has said that 27 banks will be integrated with the PSW for the facilitation of import and exports.
He was addressing at an orientation session organized by Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) on Wednesday.
He said that the facility will help reduce time, cost, and complexity to ensure ease of business, besides supporting the government agencies in adopting an integrated risk management approach for efficient enforcement of control on cross-border trade.
Under the PSW platform, he said, an ICT-based port community system will also be established and all stakeholders including FIA, Customs, terminal operators, and others will be integrated for efficient cargo management at seaports, airports, dry ports, and land border crossings.
The implementation of PSW by June 2022 will enable Pakistan to achieve compliance with WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement besides helping to unlock its potential in becoming a hub for trade and transit.
He informed that thousand of registrations have been received so far in the PSW portal whereas 27 banks will also be integrated with PSW which would save the business community from visiting banks to fulfill the requirement of Export and Import forms. Right now in the first phase, PSW have five large banks integrated and other are under process.
Yawar Nawaz, Additional Director (PSW) gave a detailed presentation on the main context of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is to efficient cross border trade management – key enabler for FDI, GVCs integration, International Trade & Transit; 75 Regulators – working in silos with weak controls, limited resources, antiquated regulations/enforcement; Resultant Thick Borders – nullifies strategic location of Pakistan & investment in allied infrastructure and NSW to overhaul management of external trade/transit & fulfil commitment under WTO’s TFA.
The Scope of PSW is that Single ICT based National Trade Platform for processing cross border trade; Process re-engineering & back-end automation of participating government departments; Port Community System for removing logistic side inefficiencies; Integrated Risk Management for smarter controls, compliance & facilitation; Integrated Tariff Management System for simplified compliance; A robust Business Model for sustainable operations & phased expansion.
The Core Services of PSW are Integrated Tariff Management System, Unified Registration System, Unified e-Payment System, Integrated Lab Management, Integrated Risk Management System, Joint Inspections, Port Community System, Trade Information Portal, Alignment of WeBOC, Hardware, Change Management and Implementation Plan.
The Cardinals for PSW is to eliminating redundancy & duplication, least physical engagement among stakeholders, use of standardized and harmonized data elements, incremental submission of structured data with parallel processing, automatic routing & verifications and real time information exchange. Samar Jamil, BPM Head (PSW) briefed the Registration Process step by step.
After detailed presentation, exporters asked several questions related to PSW which was answered by the PSW Team of Officials.
Muhammad Jawed Bilwani Chief Coordinator & Former Central Chairman PHMA welcomed the PSW Officials at PHMA for this orientation seminar to enlighten the exporters about the main features of PSW which will provide single electronic platform for facilitating compliance with regulatory regime for cross border trade in Pakistan and to answer questions asked by exporters.
Shahzad Azam Khan, Central Chairman PHMA; Abdul Rehman, Chairman (SZ) PHMA; Abdul Kadir Bilwani, Senior Vice-Chairman; Faisal Arshad Shaikh, Vice-Chairman also participated in the Seminar and appreciated this imperative initiative which is a need of time to provide single and unified platform for business requirements which will decrease the cost of manufacturing and shall increase the ease of doing business.
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PHMA organizes seminar on export facilitation scheme
KARACHI: A seminar was organized by the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on new Export Facilitation Scheme 2021 (EFS 2021).
The export facilitation scheme was notified through SRO957(I)/2021 dated July 30, 2021.
The seminar was organized on Wednesday simultaneously at PHMA House, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad & Sialkot.
A large number of textile exporters participated physically at PHMA Offices and also joined this session online on Zoom and YouTube.
Amir Thahim, Collector, Model Collectorate of Customs (Exports) Port Qasim and Moeen Afzal, Additional Collector, Model Collectorate of Customs (Exports) Port Qasim participated from Customs, Federal Board of Revenue to brief the salient features and registration process of Export Facilitation Scheme 2021 (EFS 2021).
Muhammad Jawed Bilwani Chief Coordinator & Former Central Chairman PHMA welcomed the Customs Officials at PHMA for this orientation seminar to enlighten the exporters about the main features of EFS and to answer questions asked by exporters.
He appreciated that PHMA and FBR jointly believe in facilitating the exporters in order to contribute in the economic prosperity of Pakistan.
Both are working closer like hands in gloves in order to facilitate the taxpayers and exporters. With the best efforts and productive proposals of PHMA, the FBR’s FASTER and WEBOC Systems have been improved and working efficiently and exporters are getting their refunds online smoothly and all credit goes to the then Member IR Operations & sitting Chairman FBR, Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, Member Customs Operations FBR Syed Muhammad Tariq Huda and their team who eliminated human intervention and brought automation and reforms in the FBR System to facilitate the exporters.
He also appreciated the Government’s initiative of the “Pakistan Single Window (PSW)” portal is to provide a single electronic platform for facilitating compliance with the regulatory regime for cross-border trade in Pakistan.
Bilwani assured that PHMA shall also extend complete support to Customs with regards to the implementation of EFS 2021. PHMA has also introduced EFS Help Desk at its RDA Cell to support member exporters.
Amir Thahim, Collector, Model Collectorate of Customs (Exports) Port Qasim addressing the leading exporters stated that the FBR believes in maximum facilitation to exporters enabling them to enhance exports to ultimately benefit the country to earn foreign exchange. He apprised that the FBR has been continuously working to improve and develop the taxation system through reforms and automation.
In this connection, automation has been enhanced and public dealing has become limited particularly for the exporters. Introduction of export facilitation scheme 2021 is another milestone step from Customs to provide three scheme i.e. Export Oriented Unit, Manufacturing Bond, DTRE under a unified scheme which will benefit exporters particularly SMEs.
The new scheme is simplified wherein exporters can apply online without visiting Custom House. Focal Person shall also be appointed to promptly address the queries and maximize facilitation to exporters.
Moeen Afzal Additional Collector, Model Collectorate of Customs (Exports) Port Qasim gave a detailed presentation on the main feature of Export Facilitation Scheme 2021 wherein he informed that the new scheme will run parallel with existing schemes such as Manufacturing Bond, DTRE and Export Oriented Schemes for two years.
The existing old schemes shall be phased out in the next two years and will be fully replaced by Export Facilitation Scheme-2021. The EFS 2021 Rules can be accessed at the official website of the FBR.
The powers, functions and role of the Input-Output Coefficient Organisation (IOCO) under the new scheme has also been revised. The IOCO Director shall upload the value of input.
It is expected that the Export Facilitation Scheme 2021 will reduce the cost of doing business and cost of tax compliance, improve ease of doing business, reduce liquidity problems of exporters by eliminating sales tax refunds and duty drawbacks for the users of the scheme, and shall attract more users and shall ultimately promote exports. Inputs include all goods (imported or procured local) for the manufacture of goods to be exported.
These include raw materials, spare parts, components, equipment, plant, and machinery. No duty and taxes shall be levied on inputs imported by the authorized users and local supplies of inputs to the authorized users shall be zero-rated.
Through this new scheme, Common Export House will import inputs duty and tax-free for subsequent sale to the authorized users especially SMEs. This scheme will encourage new entrants and SMEs.
This scheme will be completely automated under WeBOC and PSW where users of the scheme and regulators (IOCO, Regulator Collector, PCA etc.) shall be integrated through WeBOC and PSW and communicate through these systems.
In the end, exporters asked several questions related to the new schemes which were answered by the Collector and Additional Collector, Model Collectorate of Customs (Exports) Port Qasim.
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Value added textile exporters demand 50 percent reduction in withholding tax
KARACHI: The association of value added textile exporters on Wednesday demanded to reduce the withholding income tax by 50 percent in order to reduce burden on manufacturers and improve country’s foreign exchange earnings.
In a joint press conference, the exporters demanded the government of restoring Zero Rating – No Payment No Refund System, continuation of Duty Drawback of Taxes (DDT) & Technology Up-gradation Fund (TUF) scheme, reduce WHT rate to 0.5 percent, suspension of Export Development Fund (EDF) surcharge, reduce and fix tariffs of electricity, indigenous gas & RLNG, continuation of duty free import of cotton yarn in the forthcoming Federal Budget 2021-2022.
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman, Council of All Pakistan Textile Mills Associations; Jawed Bilwani, Chairman, Pakistan Apparel Forum; Tariq Munir, Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Rafiq Godil, Chairman, Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association; Feroze Alam Lari, Chairman, Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan; Abdus Samad, Chairman, Pakistan Cloth Merchants Association, Zulfiqar Ch., Chairman, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association; Shaikh Shafiq, Former Chairman, Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers & Exporter Association; Khawaja M. Usman, Former Chairman, Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparels Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Amin Allana, Chairman, All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association, Yusuf Yaqoob, Chairman, Pakistan Weaving Manufacturers Association participated in the Joint Press Conference held at PHMA today.
The Chairmen of the Value Added Textile Exports Associations apprised that they have submitted Budget Proposals to the Federal Government wherein the top demand is to restore Zero Rating on GST – “No Payment No Refund Regime” through revival of SRO 1125 in letter & spirit as SME exporters have been closed down and decreased by 30% as compared to last year due to imposition of 17% which blocked exporters precious liquidity. They were of the view that the textile exporters are optimistic and hopeful that the Government in the Federal Budget 2021-22 will seriously consider and accept their demands, proposals and recommendations.
They highlighted that despite COVID19, the textile exports have increased by 17.35% as compared to last year and will InSha-ALLAH reach to US$ 15.50 billion in FY 2020-21 owing to incumbent Government’s pragmatic policies – payments of Drawback of Local Taxes & Levies (DLTL) / Duty Drawback of Taxes (DDT), special / competitive tariff and uninterrupted supply of utilities. They stated that It is on record that due to commencement and payments of DLTL Scheme in 2009, the Textile Exports have increased by 7.3% in 2010 and by 35% in 2011. However, in 2012, textile exports were decreased by 10.66% due to withheld payments of DLTL. Therefore it is most crucial that the Government must continue the DDT scheme for the next five years. They demanded that Duty Drawback of Taxes on Garment, Home Textile & Fabric exports should be provide @ 7%, 6% & 5% respectively on shipment basis for next five years to compete in the international market as competing countries are extending same around 12% to 16%. With commitment, the rates will be increased every year by 1% which means 7%, 6% & 5% in 2021-22, 8%, 7% & 6% in 2022-23, 9%, 8% & 7% in 2023-24 and so on, respectively. Further, Incremental DDT, on an increase of 10% exports over previous year, should also be provided @ 2%. This will bring huge investments in textile sector and shall encourage new-comer exporters to invest in textile sector.
They said that with the introduction of Technology Up-Gradation Fund (TUF) scheme in 2009, 30% Capacity of Textile Sector has been enhanced. Therefore, it is imperative to reinstate Technology Up-Gradation Fund (TUF) Scheme for next five years. This will bring up-gradation and advancement in technology leading to production enhancement as well as exports. 0.25% Export Development Fund (EDF) Surcharge is deducted from export proceeds of the exporters for export development since 1992. Collection of EDF surcharge is approx. Rs9 billion annually. Presently Govt. has Rs58 billion in its kitty on account of EDF. Hence, they demanded to the Government to suspend collection of Export Development Surcharge till unutilized amount of Rs58 billion of Export Development Fund (EDF) is exhausted. Exporters fall under Final Tax Regime and required to pay 1% WHT of their export proceeds. They demanded that Withholding Tax (WHT) should be reduced from 1% to 0.5% for exporters as this would also help the exporters in using the cash liquidity for enhancement of the exports.
The present Government had announced separate tariff of gas and electricity for export sectors with an assurance that this tariff will last for 3 years. However, tariff of gas and electricity was enhanced after a year. To compete in the internationally and capture more markets, it is crucial that tariff of Electricity, Indigenous Gas and RLNG for exporters should be fixed at 7.5 cents/kwh, Rs819/MMBTU and $6.5/MMBTU respectively for next five years and the same should be applied countrywide.
Owing to historically low cotton production in the country and severe shortage of cotton yarn, on demand of the Value Added Textile Sector, Government has allowed duty free import of Cotton Yarn till 30th June, 2021. We understand that the Government should continue duty free import of cotton yarn until Pakistan’s cotton production reaches to 14 million bales. They recommend that permission for import of Raw Materials and Intermediate Goods for manufacturing of finished goods meant for export under Duty & Tax Remission for Exporters (DTRE) should be automated and allowed to registered Textile Exporters through Ministry of Commerce Textile Industry’s RDA Cell whose licence is renewed after every two years as RDA Cell, Textile Division, Ministry of Commerce has complete details of textile units i.e. production, exports, machinery, exportable items details including HS Codes, Value, Quantity etc. Subsequently, once RDA Cell approves the permission for import of Raw Materials and Intermediate Goods under DTRE and it should be processed on fast track within 48 hours by Customs, accordingly.
It is pertinent to mentioned that Value Added Textile Exports contribute to around 62% in total exports, provides 42% urban employment particularly to female workforce who mostly are widows and orphans, earns highest foreign exchange and supports approx. 40 allied industries. In this manner, the value added textile industry playing pivotal role to strengthen the economy and prosperity of the country. They were of the view that the exports must remain top priority of the Government as it is the lifeline of economy deserves government’s continuous support. If the Government assures to extend the deserving support to the Value Added Textile Export Sector it has the capacity to achieve the milestone and pledges to enhance its exports by 30% and will reach at US $20 billion in FY2021-22 and shall increase by 25% every year onward 2022-2023 resulting to surplus trade of Pakistan, more foreign exchange earnings & additional employment.
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Industry perturbs over rampant street crime
KARACHI: Business community is worried over rampant incidents of street crimes in the metropolis ahead of Eid holidays, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
The statement issued by Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) informing the Chief Minister of Sindh about the rampant incidents of car snatching and stealing valuables and expensive parts from a vehicle parked out on the side of a road and cash snatching withdrawal from banks.
Member industrialists have approached the Association conveying their genuine concerns sense of insecurity and said that it seems that police and other law enforcement agencies are busy in lockdown activities due to COVID19 and the general public are deprived of their valuables.
One incident has taken place at Jamia Masjid Faruq e Azam near Boat Basin where a person has parked the vehicle to offer Asr Namaz when arrived back mirror of the vehicle was broken and valuables were stolen by the thieves.
The whole theft was wrapped up in 2-3 minutes and even more perturbing is the fact that all this happened in broad daylight.
No wonder, they don’t need the cover of darkness. The public is quite afraid and avoids going for even Namaz in the masjid when they are commuting on their vehicles due to increased incidents of stealing and snatching.
“We have also enquired from the suppliers/shopkeepers of parts market and they informed that the sale of the side mirror, window glass, and back glasses has increased manifold during last 2-3 weeks and stated that they have never seen such a historic sale in their whole life which is alarming,” according to the statement.
It is the need of the hour to take immediate safety measures and strict action against the criminal elements area otherwise all the efforts in the past which revived peace and security will go in vain.
Therefore, the gravity of the situation demands your immediate intervention and direct the police department to increase the patrolling and deploy policemen on key points of the areas for the safety and security of the karachiities.
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Exporters perturb over part of tax refund claims disallowed without reason
KARACHI: Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) on Friday pointed out reduction in refund amount against original claim.
The PHMA in a letter sent to Ms. Seema Shakil, Member Inland Revenue (Operations), Federal Board Revenue (FBR), informed that it is regretfully informed that against the 100 percent claimed sales tax refunds amount, FBR has cleared 60 percent to 80 percent of 100 percent refund amount and the exporters are unaware why the FBR had withhold the remaining refund amount which has created unrest and spread dissatisfaction among our member exporters.
With utmost concern we want to learn as to why 100 percent payment of Sales Tax Refund is not made and why some part payment has been deferred / withheld without informing any reason.
Kindly look into this matter and inform us how to check the reason of withhold amount against sales tax refund claims in Annexure H under FASTER.
Upon review of the outcome of the refund claims and feedback of our individual members through their professional team we have observed that rejection of the refund claim is largely attributed to the objection of “Risky” and “No amount is admissible for refund”.
These objections by and large are issuing to refund claimants having a substantial amount of carried forward in their sales tax return and RMS particularly in the month of Jun 2019 but not appearing in RPO of the Jun 2019. You may appreciate in the past electronically rejected claims were processed by local RTO and subsequently RPO’s were generated with lapse of considerable time by processing officer.
The carry forward amount in those RPOs are though appearing in RMS but due to skip of sequence the same were not incorporated in subsequent months electronic claims and therefore the carry forward amount in electronically issued RPO of Jun 2019 is not tallied with sales tax return or carried forward amount available in RMS.
You are therefore requested to kindly look into the matter and issue the necessary instructions for incorporating verified carried forward amount appearing in RMS into FASTER and reprocess such refund claims which were rejected due to this technical constraint.
Objections namely “Risky” and “No amount is admissible for refund” are not understandable, since all the Purchases are made from registered supplier & exporters for export purposes. Why would system not refund a Single Penny.
Some of the exporters in the first month i.e. July 2019 has opted to carry forward the excess input tax. According to the refund rules the annex ‘H’ is only requires to be filed by person claiming refund.
The question arises if the annex ‘H’ is not filed by the person opted for carry forward in accordance with the refund rules, how could their carried forward amount be transferred into the brought forward value of next month in the absence of this figure in their RPO of July 2019?
How it is possible that one month claim is approved by the FASTER and the very next month claim is rejected by the FASTER without giving any reason. Therefore, FASTER should be equipped to define the reason of rejection. “Risky” and “No amount is admissible for refund.
It has been observed the FASTER system runs once a month due to which large number of claims are rejected. It is proposed that FASTER system should run preferably once a week to avoid rejection of large number of claims.
The time limit of 120 days for filing of Annex ‘H’ in this background is also needs to be extended. It is proposed to extended time limit for at-least another 60days for submission of Annex ‘H’ for the months of July, 2019 and August, 2019, so that genuine amount of refund claims due to this shift of regime and technical problems should not be lapsed.
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Business community demands Pakistan Customs to launch Authorized Economic Operator certification
KARACHI: The business community has demanded Pakistan Customs of launching Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) certification program, which will enable business and industrial units to become trustworthy member of international supply chain.
In view of its significance and importance, it is imperative that Pakistan Customs, being member of the World Customs Organizations, should immediately launch the AEO Certification program without further delays to rank among the countries having fully operational AEO program.
AEO certificate will enable the business and industrial entities to become the trustful member of international supply chains and to comply high security standards.
This was stated by Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Focal Person, Authorized Economic Operators’ Stakeholders Group notified by Pakistan Customs & Chairman Pakistan Apparel Forum.
Exchanging views in the first meeting of Authorized Economic Operators’ Stakeholders Group held on Wednesday at the PHMA House Karachi, he articulated that Pakistan Custom is envisaging a robust taxpayers facilitation program in their supply chain according to International Standards.
Many countries have successfully introduced such programs under “Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs). Under the anticipated AEO program for Pakistan, eligible businesses will be recognized as credible clients and they will accrue various benefits, nationally and internationally, in accordance with their AEO status. AEO Stakeholders group will seek inputs and recommendations from the business and industrial community of Pakistan to successfully launch the AEO program from Pakistan.
In a presentation to the AEO Stakeholders’ Group, Saeed Akram, Collector (Customs) briefed that the Pakistan Customs is the member of World Customs Organization which comprise of 182 members divided into six regions and responsible for processing of 98 percent of the international trade.
The Customs role has been evolved and transformed from the Revenue Collection to Economic Development and Security with focus on Supply Chain.
One of the pillars of WCO’s Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate global trade (SAFE) which is a partnership / cooperation program between customs and trade aiming to secure and facilitate global supply chain security through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).
According to the World Customs Organization (WCO), an authorized economic operator (AEO) is a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards.
Authorized Economic Operators include inter alia manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses and distributors.
AEO is a voluntary program wherein any economic actor in the international supply chain having dealing with the Customs can participate. Currently, AEO program is operational in 83 countries while under-developed in 18 countries which includes Pakistan.
To launch AEO program in Pakistan, the Government has introduced Section 212A of Customs Act, 1969 and also drafted Rules.
The ECC has also approved summary for introduction of AEO in Pakistan and timeframe for launch of AEO/MRA is communicated to WCO while discussions with Business Community initiated to Finalize Recommendations.
In another presentation, Sheeraz Ahmed, Additional Collector (Customs) highlighted that Comprehensive AEO Program has been conceived covering all sector directly dealing in international trade, mainly the exporters and importers.
Proposed Benefits on AEO Certifications are Speedy green channel and high level of facilitation in imports / export consignments, thereby ensuing shorter cargo release time – Priority Placement, Assessment & Examination and Scanning on priority by giving front line of treatment, Facility of Direct Port Delivery (DPD) and/ or Direct Port Entry(DPE): Facility of self -sealing of export goods, Facility of deferred payment of duty/taxes, Automated disbursal of drawback amount within 72 hours of the clearance of export GD, 50 percent reduction in the quantum of required Bank Guarantee,
Speedy completion of valuation, classification disputes/Investigations – issuance of special rulings, 24/7 clearances on request, if required, at all sea ports and airports, Single point of assistance to AEOs through designated relationship officer in relation to legitimate concerns, Access cards for hassle free entry to Custom Houses, terminals, off-dock terminals and dry ports.
Benefits under consideration are account-based processing rather than transaction-by-transaction clearance of accounts; Low documentary and data requirements; Choice of location for control/clearance of goods at the premises of the authorized economic operator or another place authorized by customs; Faster clearance at transit points and fewer checks en-route; Prior notification and treatment in case of selection for physical controls; Priority use of non-intrusive inspection techniques when examination is required; Reduction of applicable fees or charges for AEOs; Deferred payment of duties, taxes, fees, and charges or periodic payment of duties/taxes; Tax privileges to be granted by speedier processing of tax refunds, drawback, and other permissions/authorizations; Extended Customs services beyond normal working hours; Priority response to request for rulings from Customs authorities; Eligibility for self-audit or reduced audit programmes etc.
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Textile exporters oppose proposed plan for abolishing zero-rating, FTR
KARACHI: The textile exporters have strongly opposed to the proposed withdrawal of zero-rating of sales tax and abolishing Final Tax Regime (FTR).
Chairmen of Value Added Export Sector Associations in a joint Press Conference held at PHMA House Karachi while expressing deep concern stated that discontinuation of zero rated status will result in ruin and disaster of export oriented industries, flight of capital, mass unemployment and huge foreign exchange losses.
It will also lead to corruption in connivance with dubious FBR officials under the mode of flying invoices, over invoicing, frauds in refunds etc. Further, due to significant volumes of liquidity being stuck in the form of sales tax refunds, export growth will be severely affected and we may even witness a decline in exports.
More than 200 billion rupees of exporters in Refunds of Sales Tax, Customs Rebate, Withholding Tax, DLTL & DDT are already held up with Government.
They also conveyed serious apprehension on proposed abolition of Final Tax Regime (FTR) for exporters.
The Chairmen and Representatives of Council of All Pakistan Textile Mills Associations, Pakistan Apparel Forum, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association, Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Cloth Merchant Association, Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association, Pakistan Denim Manufacturers & Exporters Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association, Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers & Exporter Association, Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparels Manufacturers & Exporters Association, The Surgical Instrument Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Tanners Association, Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers & Exporters Association, All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association have fervently appealed to continue the Zero-Rating Scheme in the national interest to uplift exports. The five zero rated sectors are already documented and contribute 70% of total Nation’s exports and generate 50% of total Nation’s employment.
They added that collecting sales tax and then refunding – is a futile exercise which creates hassles for exporters and also opens flood gates of corruption. No collection and no refund of sales tax from five zero rated export sectors is a tried and tested formula for increasing revenue and exports. We must not forget that during last two decades the Government had tried to undo zero rating twice but miserably failed, hence, zero rating was reintroduced.
The zero rated scheme, in consultation with stakeholders, can further be improved for much better outcome.
They added that the Government rather than involving in futile exercise of collecting sales tax and then refunding should focus its energy on increasing the number of taxpayers. According to FBR, in year 2017 number of active taxpayers was only 1.13 million only (0.51% of total population).
They warned that Government’s attempt to collect interest free money in shape of sales tax will put the country’s export at stake. Today, in this period of worst economic crisis, can we afford to do away with zero rated status for the five export oriented industries? they questioned. They cautioned that if the Zero-Rating Scheme is discontinued, 30 percent of the export will decline in first year. They urged the Government to broaden the tax-base rather than burdening the existing tax-payers and documented sectors of the economy.
Pakistan rupee has been devalued approx. 20.16% against dollar from 123.6 to 149.07 in just 9 months. Such state of affairs when the dollar is appreciating and banks are also reluctant to fix dollar rates, the Textile Exporters will be aggrieved in case of BMR because some machineries are delivered in 6 to 8 months and cost of machinery is increased to 20% during the period.
Previously, on assurances of the Government to continue zero rating, exporters made huge investment in shape of BMR.
They articulated that the Government focused on enhancing exports and identified the Five Zero-Rated Export Sectors as the main engines of growth for this purpose whereby Power Division vide Notification SRO12(I)/2019 dated 1st January, 2019 has revised the power tariff for zero rated industrial consumers to net 7.5 cents / kwh and OGRA vide Notification dated 18th October 2018 has been fixed Gas tariff for Registered Manufacturers or Exporters of five Zero-Rated sectors and their Captive Power to Rs600/- per MMBTU but discontinuation of zero rating status from the five export sector will put all the hard efforts of the government in vain.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry & Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry have also supported the stance and demand of Value Added Export Sector Associations to continue zero-rating scheme for the betterment of economy and export enhancement.
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Export sector complains non-compliance by power utilities
KARACHI – The zero-rated textile export sector in Pakistan has raised concerns over the non-compliance of power utility companies in providing subsidized rates, according to a letter addressed to Abdul Razak Dawood, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Textile Industry.
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