Chemical importer sued for dodging Tk 59 lakh in tax

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) yesterday filed two cases against a Dhaka-based company for dodging Tk 59 lakh in tax through false declaration while importing chemicals.

SAARC Engineering declared that it had imported 60 tonnes of dolomite worth Tk 1.9 crore in the six containers that arrived from China on May 8.

The Dhaka-based company actually brought in urea-formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde, according to CIID officials.

After being tipped off, CIID officials seized the six containers containing the chemicals upon arrival at the Chattogram port.

The cases were registered after physical and chemical tests last week confirmed the fraudulence, said CIID Chattogram Deputy Director Md Mohiuddin.

Dolomite is used for acid neutralisation in the chemical industry, in stream restoration projects and as a soil conditioner as per information available online.

Urea-formaldehyde is used in adhesives, particle board and molded objects while melamine formaldehyde extensively in automotive, epoxy and polyester appliance coatings.