Pakistan Jute Mills Association (PJMA) has requested the government to increase tariff on import of jute yarn and jute twines in order to protect the domestic industry. “The PJMA requested National Tariff Commission (NTC) to enhance present customs duty of 10 per cent to 25 per cent on import of jute yarn and jute twines to protect the domestic industry”, said a statement issued here by the NTC on Tuesday. The association made its demands on the grounds that yarns and twines are made from both jute and sisal plants and are of same nature and use for similar purposes. The product, yarn and twines of jute are imported at 10 per cent CD while yarn and twines of sisal are imported at 25 per cent CD. The applicant therefore requested that the product, yarn and twines of jute may be imposed 25 per cent CD instead of present 10 per cent to bring uniformity in both products and protect the domestic jute industry against cheaper imports of yarn and twines. On request of PJMA, the NTC therefore invites views comments and other information, relevant and helpful in this study from all interested parties having business of jute yarns and jute twines, added the statement. The statement further said that such views and comments may be sent within 15 days of publication of this public notice in newspapers, to the Secretary, NTC Islamabad. Further, all parties having an interest in the business relating to or associated with the imports, manufacturing and marketing of jute yarn and twine are hereby advised to get themselves registered with NTC latest by May 24, 2012 for participation in the public hearing by providing names of the participants with their contact numbers.
