ISLAMABAD: Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has fixed new customs values on the import of uncoated offset paper for writing, printing and photocopy for assessment of duty/taxes.
In this regard, the directorate has issued a valuation ruling 2027 of 2025 on Tuesday.
According to the ruling, the custom values have been revised on the import of these items from China, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.
Lahore Paper Market Rates
The Customs values of Uncoated Offset Paper for Writing, Printing and Photocopy were determined under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969 vide Valuation Ruling No. 1802/2023 dated 12.09.2023. Various stakeholders approached to the Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi with the request that existing valuation ruling is more than two years old and should be revised in the light of current international market values.
Accordingly, the Directorate initiated exercise for re-determination of values of the items covered under the aforementioned valuation and publication rulings. The hearing notices to relevant stakeholders were issued and extensive discussion consultation was carried with stakeholders.
A meeting was conducted to discuss issues related to the valuation of the subject goods. The stakeholders emphasised that the existing valuation ruling, being over a two years old, does not reflect prevailing international trade prices. All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association, vide its letter, contended that international prices for wood-free and photocopy paper have significantly decreased. They further asserted that the declared values are fair and consistent with actual transaction prices.
The viewpoints of the stakeholders were carefully analysed, and a detailed examination of import data for the preceding 90days’ was undertaken, in conjunction with a review of the documentary evidence submitted by importers. This comprehensive assessment facilitated the development of a supplier-wise database, incorporating transaction values along with detailed specifications of goods imported into Pakistan.
The database provided credible insights into prevailing pricing patterns and product variations, enabling a clear understanding of market dynamics. The analysis further revealed consistent and verifiable ratios across various product categories; however, it also demonstrated that several assertions made by the importers regarding the accuracy and fairness of their declared values were not substantiated by the evidence.
The relevant data was duly shared with the concerned stakeholders to ensure transparency in the valuation process and to provide all parties with an opportunity to examine the basis upon which the proposed customs values were being considered.
The stakeholders were invited to submit their feedback, furnish additional evidence, or seek any clarification deemed necessary in relation to the shared data. Furthermore, prices published in reputable international bulletins; i.e., RISI were consulted to corroborate market trends and assist in the determination of fair and equitable customs values in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act 1969
Finally, market information obtained from surveys, credible online sources, and international publication prices were gathered, analysed, and utilized.
Based on this comprehensive evaluation, the customs values of the subject goods have been determined under sub-section (9) read with sub-section (6) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969. This methodology ensures that the determination of customs values is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with the law, while reflecting prevailing international market trends and consistent valuation principles.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
