SMAP, Customs reach understating about correct use of HS code

KARACHI: Pakistan’s salt exporters and customs authorities have reached an understanding on two persistent hurdles undermining the industry’s global reputation — damaged packaging caused by improper resealing of containers after port inspections, and the widespread misuse of a generic trade code that has triggered repeated scrutiny of consignments.

The consensus emerged during a meeting between the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), led by Founder Chairman Ismail Suttar, and Collector of Customs (Exports) Rizwan Mahmood, accompanied by senior officials.

SMAP representatives, including Chairperson Saima Akhtar, Senior Vice Chairman Asim Yaqoob Paracha, and member Zohaib Akhtar, conveyed that overseas buyers had raised concerns over consignments arriving with damaged packaging. Customs officials acknowledged the issue and further pointed out that incorrect HS code declarations were a major cause of frequent inspections.

Assistant Collector Asma Sikandar and Deputy Collector Usman Hameed Butt explained that many exporters were defaulting to the catch-all “others” category (2501.00.90), instead of using the specific codes for table salt (2501.00.10) and rock salt (2501.00.20). Both sides agreed that accurate classification was essential to streamline clearance and ensure Pakistani salt reached buyers in proper condition.

To bridge the gap in compliance, Rizwan Mahmood proposed an online training session via Zoom, led by a qualified customs official, to guide exporters on correct HS code usage and documentation standards.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to reduce export losses and enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness in salt — an industry that sits atop one of the world’s largest deposits but has struggled to fully leverage its advantage.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026