ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the first time has introduced cash reward of Rs 30,000 to customs official on confiscation of each tampered smuggled vehicle exceeding engine capacity of 1800cc.

In this connection, the FBR has issued Customs Reward Rules, 2012 to specify rewards on confiscation of tampered smuggled vehicles.

When contacted, officials said that notification of cash reward during on-going national drive against non-duty paid smuggled cars would result in payment of Rs 30,000 on confiscation of each tampered smuggled vehicle. Customs officials, who are making day and night efforts to confiscate such non-duty paid smuggled vehicles, would be awarded with cash rewards under the new rules.

Moreover, tampered smuggled vehicles cannot be auctioned. The motor registration authorities (MRA) are part of the provincial excise and taxation departments. The MRA have refused to register the tampered vehicles. Thus, such vehicles cannot be publicly auctioned for the last 5-6 years. As the same cannot be auctioned, no public revenue could be recovered from seizure of such vehicles.

Such vehicles have only been allowed to federal and provincial government departments for official use, official added.

According to the Customs Reward Rules 2012, in cases of confiscation of tampered smuggled vehicles, the total amount of reward to be disbursed in one case shall not exceed Rs.30,000 in case engine capacity of the vehicle exceeds 1800 cc and Rs.12,000 in case of other vehicles. The welfare fund shall receive an equivalent share in these cases.