PTBP Web Desk
Pakistan Customs has successfully seized a large consignment of Chinese salt misdeclared as citric acid, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to combat smuggling and protect national revenue. According to official statements released on Friday, a total of 20,000 kilograms of Chinese salt, valued at approximately Rs20.5 million, was confiscated following a targeted operation at a storage facility near Walika Chowrangi.
The operation was conducted by the Anti-Smuggling Organisation of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, acting on actionable intelligence about suspicious activities at A-One Godown. Officers focused their inspection on Shed No. 9, operated by M/s United Traders, where they discovered several bags labelled as citric acid.
Initial checks indicated that the contents of these bags were inconsistent with their declared identity. Officers noted that a substantial portion of the shipment actually contained Chinese salt (monosodium glutamate), which was identifiable through its distinctive smell and texture, while the remainder of the consignment included genuine citric acid.
The shipment had been declared under Goods Declaration No. GWRI-HC-1444-10-11-2025 as imported citric acid from Iran. However, upon detailed examination and verification, customs officials confirmed that the consignment had been intentionally misdeclared, prompting the seizure.
A total of 800 bags of Chinese salt and 100 bags of genuine citric acid, each weighing 25 kilograms, were confiscated. The seized material was immediately moved to a secure customs warehouse, while samples were forwarded for laboratory testing to verify the composition and origin of the goods.
Following the seizure, Pakistan Customs initiated legal action under the Customs Act, 1969, targeting the responsible parties for attempting to circumvent import regulations. Officials emphasized that this action forms part of broader efforts to curb smuggling, misdeclaration, and fraudulent trade practices that result in revenue losses to the national exchequer.
The FBR stated that such operations are crucial to maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s import and customs enforcement system, and serve as a warning to entities attempting to misdeclare imported goods.
The seizure of 20,000 kilograms of Chinese salt highlights the challenges faced by Pakistan Customs in monitoring imported consignments for compliance with declared specifications. Misdeclaration not only poses a threat to the revenue collection system but can also compromise the quality and safety of imported goods, particularly when food-grade or chemical products are involved.
By intercepting misdeclared consignments, Pakistan Customs aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and maintain confidence in the country’s trade compliance mechanisms.
Officials noted that the Anti-Smuggling Organisation employs intelligence-based operations and targeted inspections to identify high-risk shipments. These inspections often focus on warehouses, storage facilities, and customs checkpoints, where misdeclared or smuggled goods are likely to be held.
Moreover, the FBR has urged importers, traders, and warehouse operators to comply with the law, emphasizing that non-compliance carries severe penalties, including seizure of goods and legal prosecution.
Pakistan Customs has also indicated plans to enhance laboratory testing capabilities to quickly verify the contents of imported consignments. This move will help in preventing misdeclaration and ensure that all imports comply with national safety and quality standards.
The FBR highlighted that the seizure underscores the importance of vigilance, intelligence-sharing, and coordination among customs officials to prevent revenue leakage and uphold trade integrity.
