MoC lobbying for import of goods from India

Commerce Ministry is lobbying for import of dozens of products from India which are not included in Import Policy Order, well-informed sources in Industries Ministry told Business Recorder. Presently only those items which are importable from India are included in appendix-G of the Import Policy Order.
The Prime Minister is the competent authority to grant special permission on case to case basis for any other item. However, such requests are required to be examined first by a committee constituted by the Prime Minister''s secretariat (public), comprising Minister for Commerce( convenor), Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Secretary Commerce and Secretary Industries and Production.
The committee was scheduled to meet in the Ministry of Commerce on Friday, but the meeting was postponed due to the absence of the Commerce Minister and other engagements of Secretary Commerce. Sources revealed that some traders have imported Indian goods in violation of prevalent rules and now they have approached the Commerce Ministry and FBR for their release. The list of goods along with the name of importing companies is as follows:
1. Ali Electronics, Lahore, has approached the Commerce Ministry to allow release of Microphones (200 pcs) of Indian origin imported from China in contravention of the Import Policy Order. 2. R.K. Trader, Rawalpindi, had approached the ministry with the request to release Red Hat Linux Software imported from India in contravention of the Import Policy Order.
The matter was examined by the Committee in its last meeting. It was decided to refer the matter to Software Export Board for evaluation. Pakistan Software Export Board has informed that average price of the Software in local market is US $110 and listed price of the software on the official website of Red hat Linux is US $25 plus shipping charges which is consistent with the invoice.
3. Chenab Engineering Works & Foundries (Pvt), Ltd, Faisalabad, was allowed the release of Tapping Adaptors valued at Rs 143,884.65 imported from India in contravention of the Import Policy Order. The applicant has again approached the ministry stating that the consignment imported from India comprised of 04 Tapping Chucks and also the Custom authorities released the Tapping Adaptors but held up the Tapping Chucks. The applicant requested Ministry of Commerce to allow release of Tapping Chucks.
4. Chase International has approached the ministry seeking prior permission to import two complete units of Potato Graders (HS Code 8433.6000) from India through Wagha border. Chase International has justified its request by stating that it is an export oriented unit with average exports of Rs 540 million during 2009-2010 and the instant request is duly recommended by Trade Developing Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC).
5. Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) has approached the ministry seeking prior approval for import of 140,000 Intra Ocular Lenses (IOL) from India on one time basis for the current year. The justification provided by Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) is that it is a non-profit making institution providing free eye care to the poor people of Pakistan and Intra Ocular Lenses (IOL) are not produced locally as confirmed by Ministry of Health.
6. National Tent Service has approached the ministry with the request to allow release of 16800 pcs of Sleeping Mats of Indian origin imported from Dubai. The applicant has received orders from UNHCR for supply of sleeping mats. The justification is that Ministry of Commerce recommends release of the subject Sleeping Mats subject to surcharge of 50% of C & F value of the consignment.
7. Saba Aslam Education Welfare Trust, Rawalpindi has approached the ministry to allow release of medicines donated by Globus Relief USA Cephalexin 500 mg, 500 Capsules in each bottle total 924 bottles. Sertraline Hydrogen chloride tables 100 mg, 100 tablets each bottle 33/2 bottle and 155 cartons of blankets of Indian origin. The justification provided is that the medicines are meant for flood affectees in Pakistan and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued the NoC in their favour.
8. Philips Electrical Industries of Pakistan Limited has approached the ministry with the request to allow release of used medical equipments imported from India meant for flood victims of Pakistan. These items include cardiograph TC 30 (ECG machine)-3, surgico 60 D HF9-3 and heat start defibrillator 3. The justification is that the medical equipments are meant for flood affectees and NDMA has already issued NoC in their favour and MoI&P has also supported the proposal.
9. Combined Fabrics Ltd, Lahore, has approached the MoC to allow release of the sample of Fabrics imported from India with the justification that it is export oriented unit with annual exports of $14 million.
10. Pak. Lamps Limited, Lahore, has approached the MOC seeking permission for release of industrial furnace parts (classified under H.S Code 6903-2090) valued at $3205/- imported from India in contravention of Import Policy Order with the justification that it is an industrial consumer and the instant consignment is imported for their own use.
11. Murree Brewery Co Ltd, Rawalpindi, has approached Commerce Ministry seeking prior approval for import of labelling machine & foiling machine and grula capping machine valued $139,500/- from India. 12 Sapphire Fibres Ltd has approached with the request to allow release of 111 cartons containing 68600 pcs of hangers and 68600 pcs of sizers from India with the justification that it is an export oriented unit and has imported the hangers to be used in the packing of garments for export.