Customs warns confiscation of imported plastics

KARACHI: Pakistan Customs on Monday warned importers of confiscation of imported plastics if they fail to furnish certificates that prove the consignments are hazards-free.

Model Customs Collectorate of Appraisement (MCC) -East, Karachi, in a notice, directed importers to provide certificates for imported plastic granules as per Basel Convention and upon failure the consignments will be confiscated.

The collectorate said import of recycled plastic granules requires certification from exporting country that the granules are free from hazardous substances as defined in Basel convention.  “Basel Convention provides that such a certificate shall be issued by the authority of the exporting country,” it added in the notice.  The certification is required for import of recycled plastic granules as per the Basel Convention and applicable in Pakistan under Import Policy Order 2016.

The customs authorities said some importers of recycled plastic granules were submitting certificates from their manufacturers or exporters with the endorsement from chambers of commerce and industry of the exporting country for clearance of their goods, but the certificates were not in consonance with the provision of the convention.  The authorities directed importers and clearing agents to strictly comply with the provision of import policy order and provide the required certificates.  “From September 1, 2017, non-compliance of legal requirement would entail framing of contravention for confiscation of the consignments,” MCC said.