KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of honey vide Valuation Ruling No 1231/2017 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.
The Director General Customs Valuation vide Order-In-Revision No. 390/2017 dated 20.9.2017 directed to conduct the exercise afresh for re-determination of values of various brands of honey, particularly focusing on the points agitated by the petitioners, and notify the same under Section 25-A of the Customs Act 1969. Hence, an exercise was initiated by this Directorate General to determine the customs values of honey.
A meeting for re-determination of customs values of honey various brands was held on 17.10.2017. The commercial importers participated in the scheduled meeting and presented their view point. The representative of M/s Asian Consumer Care stated that they are importing Dabur brand honey from India and its value in the existing Valuation Ruling No. 1152/2017 dated 08.05.2017 is notified very close to value of another well-known brand Langnese Natural Honey whereas in markets there is a noticeable difference of prices in both brands which should be rationalized in fresh valuation ruling.
He also presented embassy verified documents in support of his contentions. The representative of M/s Friends International stated that they are importers of Manuka Honey from New Zealand and customs value of Manuka Honey notified vide valuation ruling is very high than its actual price prevailing in international markets. He stated that different percentage of manuka factor is used in the honey and price significantly on the basis of this factor.
The representative of M/s Sabiha Anees importing La Bonita brand honey from Europe requested to rationalize its prices according to the international market trends. The representative from Langanese brand honey stated that customs values determined in the existing valuation ruling are already on the higher side especially the customs value of Royal Jelly is not reflective of actual market trend. He requested to review the same. The view point of all participants was heard in detail and considered to arrive at Customs values of honey.