FBR imposes 20% customs duty on multivitamin imports

ISLAMABAD: Federal Broad of Revenue (FBR) has implemented a 20% customs duty on the import of multivitamins, natural health products, and food supplements, as announced on Wednesday. This decision comes following a ruling issued by the Customs Classification Committee.

Despite the importer’s request for a reduced 11% duty rate based on the classification of the products as Natural Health Products by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the committee ruled in favor of imposing a higher 20% duty on these imports.

The dispute arose when M/s Base6 (Pvt) Ltd. imported consignments of Multivitamins/Natural Health products/food supplements, declaring them under HS code 3004.5090 instead of 2106.9090. The Customs Appraisement group argued that these multivitamins should be classified as food supplements under PCT heading 2106.9090, attracting a 20% duty rate.

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After reviewing the arguments and relevant documents, the Classification Committee determined that the imported goods are not intended for therapeutic or prophylactic use but rather for general well-being and health enhancement. Therefore, they should be classified under PCT heading 2106 and subject to a 20% customs duty.