DGCV fixes customs value on imports of sodium picramate

KARACHI: Directorate General of Customs Valuation (DGCV) has fixed a minimum customs value for imports of Sodium Picramate (Water Content 20 percent), a dye industry intermediate, following under-invoicing complaints.

According to the details, the earlier ruling for this product set the assessable value at USD4.41 per kilogram for Chinese-origin supplies and USD4.50 per kilogram for all other origins, on a cost-and-freight basis.

Later, the Directorate received a formal complaint filed by M/s A.A Enterprises, Karachi, which alleged that Sodium Picramate was being imported through third-country traders and declared at artificially low values, undercutting legitimate importers and eroding customs revenue.

In response to the complaint, a stakeholder meeting was held on May 19, 2026, and no other party appeared or submitted contrary evidence.

The transaction value method was set aside because of the wide variation in declared values and incomplete documentation across shipments.

Instead, the Directorate applied the identical goods method under Section 25(5) of the Customs Act, 1969, drawing on existing import data covering description, origin, quantity, and clearance patterns.

Where an importer declares a value above the ruling, the higher declared value will govern assessment. For air freight consignments, the premium over sea freight must be added before assessment. All customs collectorates across Pakistan have been directed to implement the ruling immediately.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026