Customs revises import values for soft drinks after nine years

The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued revised customs values for imported aerated beverages and soft drinks, replacing a valuation framework that had remained unchanged since 2016.

The new ruling applies to a range of branded products, including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Mirinda, Fanta, Sprite, 7Up, Kinza, Glinter, Freez, Schweppes, and other similar beverages from all origins.

Officials said the earlier valuation, notified through a 2016 ruling, had become outdated, prompting a fresh assessment. The directorate initiated consultations with stakeholders, who maintained that their declared import values were consistent with market trends and did not reflect under-invoicing.

Authorities reviewed stakeholder submissions along with import data from the past 90 days, supported by market surveys and online price analysis. A brand-wise evaluation was also conducted to account for differences in quality and product standards.

The directorate examined valuation methods under Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, but found the transaction value method and other comparative approaches unsuitable due to insufficient data and variations in declared values.

As a result, the customs values were determined using the market inquiry method under Section 25(7), based on field surveys of wholesale and retail markets and analysis of prevailing prices.

Officials said the updated valuation framework is intended to provide a more transparent and standardised basis for assessing duties and taxes on imported beverages, reflecting current market conditions.