Carpet importers change HS code

  
A syndicate is resorting to horrific fraud and deception in importing carpets from various countries including China, Turkey, India, and Belgium.

They are evading huge amounts of government revenue by changing the HS code of expensive carpet imports and showing them at lower prices. Recently, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Investigation and VAT detectives have started conducting intelligence activities against this gang.

Intelligence investigations have revealed that expensive carpets are being imported by changing the Harmonized System (HS) code instead of low-duty ordinary carpets or mats. Carpets are also being imported under the guise of other products by making false declarations and defrauding the government of revenue.

In addition, fake invoices are being created by hiding the actual price of carpets through under-invoicing. In this, goods are being cleared and marketed at low duty or duty-free. In some cases, it has also been alleged that the actual square footage and weight of imported expensive carpets are being understated to evade duty.

Sources said that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Department of Customs Intelligence and Investigation have started auditing the documents of importers along with checking the invoices of imported goods at different times. The NBR is using X-ray scanners and checking digital databases to prevent customs evasion.

Multiple reliable sources said that customs and VAT detectives have received information that several companies in the capital, including New FM Carpet, ABC Carpet House, Mishu Carpet Limited, Mithu Carpets, Continental Carpets, Ruposhi Carpet House, are resorting to counterfeiting in carpet imports. They are importing carpets from various countries including Belgium, Turkey, China, and India and selling or distributing them in Bangladesh. Intelligence surveillance is continuing on them.