APCMA wants FBR chairman to check illegal trade of cement from Iran

The local cement industry has drawn the attention of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) towards illegal import of cement from Iran which is affecting the industry and the government’s revenues.

All-Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) Senior Vice Chairman Sayeed Tariq Saigol has written a letter to FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa drawing his attention towards illegal import of cement from Iran which is being sold in the local market at much lower rates.

He informed the FBR chief that Iranian cement was being imported under the brand names of Sistan, Khash, Mumtazan, Kirman, Ghain and was being sold in the local market at rates much lower than the Pakistani brands by means of tax evasion.

It was observed that importers of Iranian cement were paying duties/taxes to the extent of 30 tonnes against the consignment of 60 tonnes, thus evading duties and taxes by 50 per cent. The association also presented two receipts to the Chairman FBR as an example.

He said that two consignments, both dated Sept 15 bearing same serial numbers (017) for the same truck number NAA-950, showed different weights of cement – 58.75 tonnes and 30 tonnes for the clearance.

He further mentioned that the same truck declared 30 tonnes weight in the Goods Declaration Form (GD-1). He urged the FBR to take cognizance of the matter.