Customs values on imported mineral, sparkling water revised

ISLAMABAD: Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has revised Customs values on the import of branded mineral water and sparkling water.

In this regard, the directorate has issued a new valuation ruling number 2049 of 2026 on Thursday.

The new Customs values would be applicable on the import of branded Mineral Water including Masafi, Mai Dubai, Evian, Acqua Panna and other imported brands. Sparkling Water brands included Perrier, San Pellegrino and other branded sparkling water.

According to the ruling, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi, has observed that the subject items were assessed at lower values. In order to ensure consistency and safeguard government revenue, the Directorate has decided to determine the Customs values of the subject goods.

Accordingly, an exercise has been initiated for determination of Customs values of subject items under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. Meeting notices have been issued to all relevant stakeholders inviting their participation and submission of documentary evidence to facilitate a fair and transparent determination of Customs values of the subject goods.

During the meeting, the importer contended that their declared transaction values are genuine and consistent with recent import trends and do not indicate any element of under-invoicing. They further requested that the Directorate also conduct a market survey, In support of their claim, they submitted retail sales invoices.

Keeping in view the documents submitted by the importer, the import data of the preceding ninety (90) days, along with information obtained from local price sources, was thoroughly scrutinized. The brand wise specifications of the subject goods were also examined.

The available record revealed that Mineral Water imported into Pakistan mainly comprised Natural Mineral water and Sparkling Mineral Water for consumer use. This classification was taken into consideration to ensure an appropriate comparison of values and to maintain uniformity in assessment while determining the Customs values of the subject goods.

The valuation methods prescribed under Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were applied in a sequential manner in accordance with the law. Initially, the transaction value method under sub-section (l) was examined; however, it was found inapplicable due to the absence of information required under sub-section (2) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969.

The values of identical and similar goods, as provided under sub-sections (5) and (6) ibid, were also examined but could not be solely relied upon for certain origins due to the absence of verifiable evidence concerning the purity levels and other aspect of the imported goods, as well as abnormal fluctuations in prices from the same regions of origin. A market enquiry, as envisaged under sub-section (7) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, was conducted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Office Order No l712014 dated 19.03.2014.

Local markets were visited. Finally, market information obtained from credible local retailers and wholesalers and online sources, analyzed, and utilized. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, the Customs values of the subject goods have been determined under sub-section (7) of Section25 of the Customs Act, 1969. This methodology ensures that the determination of Customs values is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the law.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026