Indonesia Still Charging 20% Import Duty on Pakistani Citrus

The Indonesia customs has imposed 20 percent duty on Pakistani citrus fruit despite notification of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed between the two countries.

Muhammad Sadiq an exporter of the fruit to Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore called on the Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia Sanaullah on March 5 to enquire about the progress with regard to zero tariffs on import of citrus fruit from Pakistan in the light of Indonesia-Pakistan PTA.

He informed Indonesian side continued to impose 20 percent duty on import of citrus fruit despite notification of the PTA with effect from January 19, 2013.

The main reason had been the inability of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to issue 'Certificate of Origin' for the product. The Ambassador informed him to get the requisite benefits from zero tariffs for kinnow with immediate effect, fruit exporters could call on the senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and explain complexities of withholding implementation of PTA by Pakistan.

In view of the fact Indonesia has cleared most of the disputed 12 tariff lines and clarification is needed about two tariff lines. The government of Pakistan, if possible should complete the process quickly in order to reap the benefit of PTA.