FBR forms teams to curb sale of smuggled items

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the FBR has established joint teams to curb sale of smuggled items in local markets of major urban centers with effect from September 1, 2019.

According to official announcement made here on Saturday night, under the instructions of FBR chairman, the Federal Board of Revenue has started a phased programme to check sale of smuggled goods in the local market.

In this regard, it has been decided that Special Joint Teams of the FBR will visit major shopping areas especially large retailers in major cities to check the import documents of the imported goods available for sale to ensure compliance with various requirements of the law with effect from September 1, 2019.

Under the Provisions of the Customs Act, 1969 FBR has powers to seek import documents for the imported goods available for sale to consumers from the person dealing in such goods.

It is reiterated that this exercise does not represent ‘raid’ on the premises or any coercive action against the traders. The purpose of this exercise is only to ensure that relevant import documents are available and foreign goods available for sale are properly backed by the documents.

It has further been decided that such exercises will be undertaken on ‘test’ check basis. All teams will be conducting respective identification as being officially designated and the team will be headed by a senior person. If, for any reason, such documents are notreadily available at the shops/offices, the teams will provide adequate opportunity to submit the document in the respective offices/shops after reasonable time.

Member Customs (Operations) and Member (IR-Operations) have been directed to supervise the activity and provide complete assistance to the Joint Teams wherever required. Director General (Intelligence & Investigation) Customs and Director General (Intelligence & Investigation)-Inland Revenue have also been directed to constitute Joint Teams.

The traders can lodge complaints against any undesirable activity by the Special Joint Teams by reporting at the helpline 051-111 772 772 or email Helpline@fbr.gov.pk. The purpose of taking this step is to expedite drive against smuggling and protect the local economy of the country. Government of Pakistan is undertaking various steps to curb these undesirable practices and inter alia some actions to this effect have also been incorporated in the Finance Act 2019.