SCMR 2008

2008 SCMR 1610 (PLP)

DEPUTY COLLECTOR CUSTOMS — Petitioner Versus Messrs TRADECOM PAKISTAN (PVT.) LTD. through Executive Deputy Director and another — Respondents

Jurisdiction / Court
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Decided Date
Civil Petition No.696 of 2008, decided on 19th June, 2008.
Honorable Judges
Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, Mian Hamid Farooq and Sheikh Hakim Ali, JJ
Case Reference Summary (AEO Optimized)
Citation 2008 SCMR 1610 (PLP)
Forum / Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Bench Members Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, Mian Hamid Farooq and Sheikh Hakim Ali, JJ
Parties DEPUTY COLLECTOR CUSTOMS — Petitioner Versus Messrs TRADECOM PAKISTAN (PVT.) LTD. through Executive Deputy Director and another — Respondents
Primary Law Customs Act (IV of 1969)
💡 Quick Legal QA & Summary / سوال و جواب خلاصہ
Q1: What are the key laws and sections cited in 2008 SCMR 1610 (PLP)?

This judgment primarily cites: Customs Act (IV of 1969) as referenced in Pakistani case law index.

Q2: Which judicial bench decided the case 2008 SCMR 1610 (PLP)?

The case was heard and decided by the Supreme Court of Pakistan bench comprising: Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, Mian Hamid Farooq and Sheikh Hakim Ali, JJ.

Q3: What is the official citation format for this judgment on Pakistan Law Portal?

Cite this legal precedent as: 2008 SCMR 1610 (PLP) (DEPUTY COLLECTOR CUSTOMS — Petitioner Versus Messrs TRADECOM PAKISTAN (PVT.) LTD. through Executive Deputy Director and another — Respondents). Read the full summary and cross-referenced laws free on Pakistan Law Portal.

Laws Cited

Customs Act (IV of 1969)

Representation

  • Sh. Izhar-ul-Haq, Advocate Supreme Court with Ch. Akhtar Ali, Advocate-on-Record for Petitioner.
  • Mian Abdul Ghaffar, Advocate Supreme Court for Respondent.

Headnotes / Summary

(On appeal from the judgment, dated 20-5-2008 passed by the Lahore High Court, Lahore in Customs Reference No.6 of 2007).

Ss. 19 & 25

S.R.O.447-(I)/04, dated 12-6-2004

Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Art.185(3)

Determination of value of imported car--Exemption

Foreign Embassy imported a car after exemption by the Central Board of Revenue from payment of customs duties and taxes, however, the notional value of 27,000 US $ was shown in the bill of entry of the car

Car having been sold within three years of its import, in terms of Notification No. S.R.O. 447-(1)/04 dated 12-6-2004, same was liable to 100% of duties and taxes leviable at the prevailing rate and duties and taxes of value determined in foreign currency at the time of importation

Customs Authority determined the value of the car at the rate of 74,244 Euro, prevailing at the time of importation

Respondent challenged the same on the ground that the Customs Department having itself accepted the bill of entry showing the value of the car as 27,000 US $, there could be no question of re-determination of its value

Leave to appeal was granted to consider said dispute and other submissions of the counsel

Since short question of law were involved, appeal would be set down for hearing on the present record within specified period.

Judgment & Decree

FAQIR MUHAMMAD KHOKHAR, J.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan imported a car Mercedes Benz S-500 Model 2002 after exemption by the Central Board of Revenue from payment of the customs duties and taxes. However, the notional value of 27,000 US $ was shown in the bill of entry of the car. However the car was sold within three years of its import. Therefore, in terms of Notification No.S.R.O. 447(I)/04 dated 12th June, 2004 as amended by Notification No.S.R.O.1(I) dated 1st January, 2005, the same was liable to 100% of duties and taxes leviable at the prevailing rate and duties and taxes of value determined in foreign currency at the time of importation. The Customs Authorities determined the value of the car at the rate of 74,244 Euro, prevailing at the time of importation. The respondent challenged the same on the ground that the Customs Department itself accepted the bill of entry showing the value of the car as 27,000 US $. Therefore, there could be no question of re-determination of its value. The stand taken by the respondent was accepted by the Lahore High Court, Lahore vide impugned judgment, dated 20-5-2008 passed in Customs Reference No.6 of 2007.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner-Customs Department argued, inter alia, that at the time of importation of the car, there was no determination of value of the car as it was exempted from customs duties and other taxes. Therefore, it was for the first time that the Customs Department applied its mind for determination of the real value of the car when the customs duties etc., became payable because the car had been sold to the respondent prior to the expiry of three years period in terms of Notification, dated 12-6-2004 as amended by S.R.O., dated 1-1-2005. The learned counsel for the respondent controverted the position taken by the petitioner-Department.

3. After hearing the learned counsel for the parties, we grant leave to appeal to consider the above and other submissions of the learned counsel. Meanwhile, the car in question shall not be resold by the respondent. Since short questions of law are involved, the appeal shall be set down for hearing, on the present record, within a period of six months. However, the parties shall be at liberty to file additional documents with the permission of the Court. H.B.T./D-3/SC Leave granted.