Large shipment of padlocks, rexine seized at Benapole
Importer attempted to evade tax through false declaration, officials say
Customs officials have seized a large consignment of padlocks and rexine at Benapole Land Port on charges of tax evasion by the importing company.
The Jashore-based Shafi Iron Trades imported 1,051 packs of padlock and rexine but declared the shipment to be of various mechanical parts and accessories in a bid to avoid Tk 1.2 crore in taxes.
Benapole Customs Commissioner Md Azizur Rahman seized the consignment last Thursday, according to a press release yesterday.
After receiving a tip-off, the commissioner inspected the consignment with his team and seized 18 tonnes of padlocks and 982 kilogrammes of rexine.
The related C&F agent, Talukdar Traders, subsequently had its licence suspended for its direct involvement in the revenue evasion.
A fine of Tk 61.25 lakh has been imposed on this consignment as well.
"A large consignment of padlocks and rexine was seized for making false declarations," Rahman said.
Bangladesh Customs recently ramped up its efforts to prevent tax evasion. As such, any C&F agents found to be directly involved in revenue evasion will have their licences permanently cancelled, he added.