NTC chief says tariff measures aim to protect industry, consumers

KARACHI: Chairperson of the National Tariff Commission (NTC) Naeem Anwar has said that the commission is working to safeguard domestic industry while ensuring consumer protection.

Speaking at a meeting at the SITE Association of Industry, Anwar noted that the NTC regulates tariff determinations, imposes anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and implements safeguard measures. It also advises the government on tariff policy.

He explained that the commission currently oversees customs duties, regulatory duties, additional customs duties, countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties, which are typically imposed for a period of five years or more. A pre-application counselling desk has also been set up at the NTC office to assist industries in submitting applications, eliminating the need for legal representation.

Highlighting World Trade Organisation (WTO) guidelines, Anwar said three key agreements form the basis of these trade defence mechanisms. The first allows anti-dumping duties if a product is sold below market value in another country. The second permits countervailing duties when governments subsidise goods sold abroad at artificially low prices. The third, known as the Agreement on Safeguards, allows temporary duties to control a sudden surge in imports. Pakistan has enacted corresponding legislation to align with these international protocols.

Anwar said that anti-dumping duties can be imposed within four months, following inspections by NTC teams in both the domestic and exporting countries to verify price disparities. Where subsidies are confirmed, countervailing duties -- like anti-dumping duties -- can be levied for up to five years. These duties, he said, ultimately benefit local exporters.