DataSoft challenges NBR probe report

DataSoft, the company that operates the automated systems of Chittagong seaport customs, has challenged the findings of an inquiry committee formed by National Board of Revenue (NBR) and demanded a high-level inquiry.
Earlier the NBR inquiry committee formed to probe the allegation of assessment of imported rods before a ship's berthing in the country's territorial waters blamed the automated assessor, DataSoft, for tax fraud, according to a report generated by news agency UNB and published by The Daily Star on May 29.
M Mominul Kabir of NBR submitted the inquiry report to the Board, saying that DataSoft 'willingly or unwillingly made the mistake'.
"As per the automation process, Data Soft submits the Import General Manifest (IGM) or Export General Manifest (EGM) to the Chittagong Customs House. The Customs just does the assessment based on the IGM or EGM of the DataSoft submissions made electronically," the UNB reported.
DataSoft said in a statement: "Only the shipping agents submit the IGM or EGM."
The role of the shipping agents (SA) and main line operators (MLO) was defined in the automation process, the company said.
"Shipping agents (SA-MLO) will submit their manifest data electronically through web or can use the file upload application software to upload the IGM data through Excel file, and assign freight forwarders as consignee or notify," DataSoft said about the role of the SA-MLO.
It said: "The inquiry committee has tried to shift the responsibility of 'willing or unwilling mistake' of Customs House to DataSoft.”