In a major move to facilitate the computer industry, the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has allowed duty free import of computer monitors to clear consignments stuck up at the Karachi port.
Sources told Business Recorder on late Friday night that the computer monitors were inadvertently classified in Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) heading where 5 percent duty is applicable on the import of electronic equipment.
Following meetings between the concerned association and CBR, the board has issued instructions to all the collectors of customs to immediately clear all consignments containing computer monitors without charging any customs duty.
Meanwhile, Imran Ghaznavi, official spokesman, CBR said that a clarification from various trade bodies had been sought from the CBR regarding levy of duty on computers, computer parts and computer monitors. It is clarified that there is no decision to levy duty on computers and computer parts.
However, while adopting Tariff HS version 2007, computer monitors have been shifted to PCT 85.28 and duty @ 5 percent is reflected against the said heading.
The CBR while taking immediate notice has issued necessary instructions to all field formations to allow duty free import of computer monitors. As a result computers and computer parts continue to be allowed duty free imports as earlier. In case of any problem in clearance of computers, computer parts, including monitors, the importers are advised to contact Helpline of the relevant Collectorates, Ghaznavi added.
When contacted, Munawar Iqbal, Chairman, Pakistan Computers Association, he confirmed that the CBR had abolished 5 percent duty on computer monitors. He thanked CBR Chairman M Abdullah Yusuf for taking personal interest in the matter to resolve tax-related issues of computer industry. He appealed to the government to sympathetically consider withdrawal of sales tax on computers through amendment in the Finance Bill 2007-2008.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.