KAR ACHI: The Customs Valuation Directorate is surveying leading stores and thoroughly examining prices of imported products available in various wholesale markets of the city to assess valuation rulings of the imported goods.

`The valuation rulings should be realistic to curb smuggling and protect local manufacturers` interest,` said Samaira Nazir Khan, Director-General of Customs Valuation, during her visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

She sought chamber`s advice on realistic valuation rulings.

According to a KCCI press release, she claimed that the valuation department was not under the influence of manufacturers. The doors of the directorate are open for commercial importers, she added.

On unnecessary delays by the directorate resulting in rise of the cost of imported goods due to heavy demurrage and detention charges, she clarified it was not intentional and caused by lengthy procedures.