UAE: Steel manufacturing companies from the Gulf country UAE have been accused of illegally importing steel scrap. The companies have filed a written complaint with Indian Customs authorities expressing concern over fake documents and evasion of export duty.
The companies have requested the Government of India to take immediate and strict action in this regard and stop illegal import of steel scrap from UAE.
customs duty also incurs losses
Companies have claimed that there are some shippers who are stealing steel scrap in India. These shippers are not only stealing steel scrap under fake documents but are also causing loss to India in customs duty. Apart from this, the country is also in danger from illegal imports.
The documents handed over by the companies to Indian authorities included altered bills of lading, false information about the country of origin and port of shipment, forged certificates of origin and forged pre-shipment inspection certificates. The companies have also claimed that some shippers are avoiding this fee by creating fake bills of lading.
CEPA and maritime law violations
The letter further said that the UAE and India have excellent trade relations under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The illegal steel scrap shipments from the UAE have been carried out by falsifying trade documents and evading export duties, which is a serious violation of CEPA and international maritime law.
UAE companies have written to Surjit Bhujbal, member of India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes, saying that we request you to take immediate action against illegal importers of steel scrap from the UAE.
The UAE federal authority recently imposed an export duty of AED 400 per metric tonne on industrial waste, including steel scrap, under the new waste management policy.