The Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi, has issued new customs values ranging from US$0.09 per Watt to US$0.08 per Watt on the import of solar panels of all origins.
A valuation ruling (2012 of 2025) issued by the Directorate on Monday revealed that several representations were received, emphasizing the need for re-determination of customs values for the aforementioned goods.
These representations cited changes and decreases in their prices in the international market. Accordingly, the Directorate undertook an exercise to re-determine the customs values of the said goods in line with prevailing international market trends.
An initial meeting was convened on February 19, 2025, following the receipt of a representation from the Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) dated January 21, 2025. The PSA requested a revision of the existing Valuation Ruling No. 1894/2024, dated July 4, 2024, citing a significant decline in international prices of solar panels.
It was noted that the values prescribed in the prevailing Valuation Ruling were comparatively higher. Additionally, several importers were facing difficulties with banks, as the declared transaction values were lower than the existing customs values, resulting in delays in the clearance of goods due to banking compliance issues.
During the initial meeting, the majority of stakeholders and importers expressed unanimous support for the continuation of the tier-based categorization of solar panels as prescribed in the previous Valuation Ruling. They collectively emphasized that global market prices of solar panels had declined since the issuance of the last ruling in July 2024. Stakeholders also requested market verification from local distributors and ongoing solar exhibitions in Pakistan to corroborate prevailing prices.
It is pertinent to mention that several key importers could not participate in the initial meeting due to their attendance at an ongoing international annual exhibition in China, which spans approximately two months. Subsequently, the exercise experienced further delays due to the transfer of the then-concerned officials.
In the subsequent meeting, a majority of the attending stakeholders reiterated their stance on the downward trend in market prices, requesting a downward revision in customs values. To support their position, they submitted relevant commercial invoices, Goods Declarations (GDs), and other documentary evidence reflecting the current transaction values of various tier-based solar panels. Additionally, clearance data for the preceding 90 days was retrieved and thoroughly scrutinized to facilitate an informed and fair re-determination of customs values.
Methods Adopted to Determine Customs Values:
Valuation methods specified in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, were duly considered in sequential order to arrive at the customs values of the subject goods. The transaction value method, as provided in Sub-section (1) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, was found inapplicable due to the absence of information required under Sub-section (2) of Section 25. The identical goods value method, as provided in Section 25(5), was examined, and while some applicable values were found, they could not be solely relied upon due to the absence of absolute demonstrable evidence of quantities and qualities.
Subsequently, the similar goods value method, provided in Section 25(6), was also examined in light of the clearance data of the subject goods. This method was ultimately relied upon for the determination of customs values under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.
Masha Allah
So in short . Prices are decreasing and pakistan hates the fact that people can actually afford solar .
What a country, imposing taxes in a foreign currency on importing solar panels… usd 0.08 per watt… Pakistani crowds will pay same. Vow. Great visionary leadership… we love you.