PLGMEA objects to customs notice
The Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PLGMEA) has strongly objected to a public notice issued by the Collectorate of Customs (Exports), stating that shipments of export consignments with weight discrepancies between the stated and actual weight will be held in port and subject to an official investigation. According to a press release, the notice dated January 13, 2005 issued instructions to impound all export consignments with a weight difference of 10% or greater, dating back to January 1, 2005.
Chairman of the PLGMEA, Fawad Ijaz Khan said that the notice stated that cases of discrepancies would be treated as a misdeclaration and would be subject to an official investigation. The notice also stated that shipments that were blocked could not be exported until the completion of investigative proceedings or as directed by the Customs Collector. Calling the decision harsh, Mr Khan said the move was unacceptable to exporters as it would create severe problems. He added that most exporters try to ensure that weight differences do not occur, but such cases crop up inevitably from time to time.
Mr Khan claimed it was unfair to treat such cases as misdeclaration and questioned the need for adjudication. He suggested that a more feasible and practical approach should be allowed for such shipments after making any necessary amendments to shipping documents. This, he said, would save exporters a great deal of time and money. He urged the members of the CBR to review the decision and to seek a solution that is in the best interests of the country's exports.
