Pakistan Customs have foiled the major smuggling of cigarette paper at the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement (West), Karachi.
According to the officials of the Pakistan Customs, the paper was being imported to foreign countries, disguised as poster paper in reels, as the importer in his documentation claimed that it was poster paper.
During the check, the authorities got suspicious and started interrogating the shipment in detail.
The officials added that a certificate issued by the international inspection company named SGS was also attached to the documentation to support the import.
After the detailed verification and examination of the documents, it was found that the certificate was forged and was being used as a diversion to avoid any import restrictions.
Pakistan Customs has launched legal proceedings against an importer and a clearing agent after laboratory testing revealed that imported goods had been misdeclared, officials said.
According to customs authorities, the consignment had been declared as poster paper during the import process. However, laboratory analysis later confirmed that the material was cigarette tipping paper, leading officials to classify the case as one of misdeclaration.
Following the findings, customs officials reassessed the shipment under the appropriate tariff classification and initiated action under relevant customs laws.
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Authorities said a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered on charges including misdeclaration and forgery. A second container linked to the same importer was also seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Customs officials said the inquiry was continuing and further action would be taken in accordance with the law.
Pakistan Customs stated that it remained committed to enforcing import regulations, preventing revenue losses and taking action against attempts to evade customs duties or circumvent trade laws.
The case forms part of broader efforts by customs authorities to strengthen oversight of imports and address violations related to documentation and tariff declarations.
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