Karachi– The Customs Appraisement Collectorate at South Asia Pakistan Terminal (SAPT) has issued a stern warning to importers, clearing agents, and bonded carriers against misdeclaration of units of measurement in Goods Declarations (GDs) filed through the WeBOC system. The notification underscores that any false representation, especially relating to the unit of measurement, will be treated as a punishable offence under Sections 32 and 32A of the Customs Act, 1969, as well as in violation of SRO 499.
The directive highlights that certain imported goods are assessed for customs duties and taxes based on weight (kilograms) as per the Pakistan Customs Tariff. However, some importers, in collusion with clearing agents, allegedly declare quantities in numerical units rather than by weight, thereby manipulating the valuation and reducing payable duties and taxes. Such practices result in revenue loss and are considered tax evasion.
The notification strictly instructs all stakeholders to ensure that the quantity, unit of measurement, and classification of goods declared in GDs conform exactly to the Pakistan Customs Tariff. It further warns that any misstatement or incorrect entry may lead to legal actions including registration of cases, imposition of fines, confiscation of goods, and other penal measures.
Copies of the notification have been dispatched to key trade and customs bodies, including the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA), Pakistan Ship Agents Association, and Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association. The office of the Chief Collector Appraisement (South) and other concerned Customs Collectorates have also been formally informed.
The Customs Department has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against deliberate misdeclaration and called upon the trade community to uphold compliance and transparency in import declarations.
