Benapole:Customs intelligence uncovered an attempt to evade Tk 1.17 crore in government revenue through a misdeclared shipment, resulting in the recovery of Tk 2.39 crore in additional revenue, fines, and release charges.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) inspected a consignment imported by OSL Pharma Ltd after receiving a tip-off. The importer had declared 30,360 kg of goods as 'Epoxide Resin' under HS Code 39073000, which carries a total tax incidence (TTI) of 33.63 percent. The declared duty and taxes amounted to Tk 1,01,63,070.
Upon physical examination, two types of chemical products were detected, leading to samples being sent to Khulna University of Engineering and Technology for analysis. The laboratory identified the samples as Epoxide Resin and Polyamide Resin, which, when combined, form an adhesive. As per the Bangladesh Customs Tariff and explanatory notes, these components should be classified as a prepared adhesive under HS Code 35069190, which has a TTI of 76.50 percent.
The application of the correct HS code revealed an additional revenue liability of Tk 1,17,23,103.06. An adjudication order from the Customs House, Benapole resulted in the recovery of this amount as evaded/additional customs duty and taxes. Additionally, the importer was fined Tk 1.20 crore and charged Tk 2 lakh as a release penalty, bringing the total amount recovered by the government to Tk 2,39,23,103.06.
The CIID emphasized the significance of physical examinations, scientific laboratory testing, and accurate application of the Customs Tariff to ensure proper classification and prevent attempts to use lower TTI HS codes.