KARACHI: The DG Audit, Customs & Petroleum has made an observation that due to non observance of law and unlawful clearance on the part of MCC Preventive Karachi, government suffered a loss to the tune of Rs17.7 million.
According to the observations made by the Directorate General, Deputy Collector of Customs, AFU, MCC Preventive, Karachi, released consignments of raw materials under SRO 492(I)/2009 by securing amount of duty and taxes through post dated cheque, subject to its subsequent export within 18 months. When the assessment finalized within a period stipulated in each case, it needs towards encashment of the cheque. The same (cheque) was sent to the concerned bank for encashment which returned bank by the bank with remarks ‘Account Closed’.
According to provisions of Customs Act, if any person furnished a security or guarantee in shape of a cheque or a post dated cheque or any other bank instrument towards fulfillment of any obligations, which is dishonored on presentation such person shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding Rs2.0 million.
DG Audit, AFU MCC Preventive Karachi did not refer/send the cases to Adjudication Collectorate. Hence, due to non observance of law, imposition of penalty was unattended to the extent of Rs.14 million and principal amount Rs.717,120. Seven such importers were identified whose guarantees/cheque were dishonored including M/s Freeway Exports, M/s Jaza Apparel, M/s Shafy Sportswear, M/s Maxco and M/s Textile.
DG Audit, Moreover, Deputy Collector, Immediate Clearance, MCC Preventive, Karachi, cleared one consignment of “Gold” under PCT heading 9929.0000 free from duty/taxes under SRO266(I)/2001.
The Ministry of Commerce imposed ban on the import of gold in consultation with the Economic coordination committee (ECO) under the said SRO, thus, the clearance 02 kg gold made to M/s Mr. Jewellers was irregular and violation of the prevailing laws and government suffered a loss of Rs2.98 million.