Customs foils bid to smuggle ACs disguised as scrap; FIR registered against Sharif Enterprises

ISLAMABAD: Customs authorities have foiled a major attempt to smuggle new air conditioners and other electronic appliances worth tens of millions of rupees under the guise of scrap, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against Sharif Enterprises and its clearing agent.

According to official documents, four consignments imported from the United States were allegedly declared as scrap during the customs clearance process. However, a detailed physical inspection of the containers by customs officials led to the recovery of 897 new air conditioners, 113 dehumidifiers, and three water dispensers.

Value and Tax Evasion

The total value of the seized electronic goods has been estimated at Rs63.39 million.

Officials stated that the importers were attempting to evade duties and taxes amounting to approximately Rs47.95 million. The timely intervention by the customs department successfully thwarted the tax evasion attempt.

Legal and Departmental Action

The documents reveal that the accused allegedly misused the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) to import the commercial goods. Following the discovery, customs authorities confiscated all the recovered items under Section 168 of the Customs Act.

Taking strict notice of the incident, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated departmental action. The FBR has transferred Additional Collector Yawar Nawaz and Deputy Collector Aqsa Aslam over their alleged involvement or negligence regarding the misuse of the EFS.

Furthermore, charge sheets against both officers have been finalised for formal departmental proceedings.