Karachi Customs has thwarted a significant attempt to illegally import restricted Indian-made goods into the country, seizing machinery valued in the millions of rupees. The operation was carried out by the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement West.
According to FBR officials, the entire attempt was based on deception by misdeclaring the “Country of Origin.” In one case, a shipment of textile machinery, valued at 24.22 million rupees, was declared as being imported from China. However, it was actually manufactured in India.
Officials stated that the importers went to great lengths to commit this fraud, erasing the machinery’s original manufacturer plates and identification marks to hide its source. But upon detailed inspection, “Made in India” was found clearly stamped on the electrical components.
In another operation, a shipment sent from Jebel Ali, valued at 16.60 million rupees, was intercepted. This shipment contained Schneider Electric power distribution units, which were also declared as Chinese. However, the main panels of these units (worth 3.76 million rupees) were clearly marked “Made in India.” Similarly, another shipment containing “Garnet Mesh 80” was falsely declared as originating from Turkey.
Customs authorities acted promptly to stop the clearance of all these illegal goods. The FBR has stated that strict legal action will continue against those importers involved in this serious mis-declaration and illicit trade.
