ISLAMABAD: In an attempt to fix trade deficit, the government has imposed 10 to 80 per cent import duty on thousands of items with a purpose to promote national items and to reduce the trade deficit.
The government has issued a notification in this regard and new duties would be applicable from today (Wednesday).
As per media reports, products like mobile phones, cars, sports items, diapers, eatables and makeup items would face the certain duty hike while Rs 250 per set has been imposed on mobiles.
40 per cent regulatory duty has been imposed on LEDs and LCDs, 15 per cent on cars with power more than 1000 CC, 80 per cent on Sports cars, 60 per cent of old vehicles with engine power 1801 to 3000 CC.
15-80 per cent duty would be charged on the import of new vehicles, while import of new sports cars, jeeps and new vehicles would face 60 to 80 per cent import charges.
The government stated that the step was being taken to demoralise import and it would not affect common man but on the other hand, it has imposed 25 per cent regulatory duty on fish, 10 per cent on poultry, 20-25 per cent on dairy items like cheese, milk, yoghurt and butter etc.
20 to 25 per cent regulatory duty imposed upon potatoes, honey and fruits while import of dry fruits has been imposed 50 per cent duty.
According to the notification, import of wheat and corn would face 60 per cent import duty, flour 25 per cent, sugar and gur 40 per cent while 30 per cent duty has been imposed on import of all kinds of seeds.
50 per cent regulatory duty on ketchup, 20 per cent on ice cream, 20 per cent on cigars & cigarettes, 55 per cent on Supari (Pan Masala) and 50 per cent on perfumery and shampoos have been imposed.
The issued notification states that 10 to 40 per cent duty has been imposed on clothing & leather items while 5 to 15 per cent duty imposed on marble, granite and scrape.
Import of steel items would pay 30 per cent while sanitary items would face 45 per cent regulatory duty.
55 per cent duty imposed on import of precious stones and pearls while 45 per cent on jewellery.
Electronic items would face 20 to 40 per cent, furniture 40 per cent, agricultural machines 20 to 40 per cent, generators 10 per cent, clocks 60 per cent while sports items would face 30 to 50 per cent regulatory duty overreaching Pakistan.
