Customs officials find 10 pieces of locally sourced ship propeller scrap instead of declared sorted copper worth $326,560 for export to Japan
Customs officials inspect 10 pieces of ship propeller scrap declared as sorted copper for export to Japan at Golden Container Ltd off-dock in Chattogram on 12 November. Photo: Courtesy
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Customs officials inspect 10 pieces of ship propeller scrap declared as sorted copper for export to Japan at Golden Container Ltd off-dock in Chattogram on 12 November. Photo: Courtesy
Customs officials have detected an alleged attempt by Nialco Alloys Limited to export locally sourced ship propeller scrap as finished copper products manufactured using duty-free imported raw materials, uncovering suspected revenue evasion of around Tk1.71 crore.
During a late-night inspection at Golden Container Ltd off-dock in Chattogram on 12 November, customs officials found 10 pieces of ship propeller scrap instead of the declared consignment of sorted copper, according to a press release issued by Customs House, ICD, Chattogram, today (14 November).
The export consignment, valued at $326,560, was destined for Japan.
The exporter, Nialco Alloys Limited, is based in Jahangabad, Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram. It had declared the shipment under Bill of Export No C-685490, dated 3 November, as a single item: sorted copper (10 VR-Bulk, Solid).
Acting on confidential information, a preventive team of Customs House, ICD, Chattogram, conducted the operation at 9:45pm in the presence of representatives of the concerned clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent and off-dock authorities.
A 100% physical examination revealed 10 pieces of ship propeller scrap, which were entirely different from the declared export product.
According to the customs release, preliminary investigations found that the exporter had imported copper scrap and copper alloy scrap under bond facilities through an import consignment dated 29 September.
Under Utilisation Permission (UP) No 6/2026(A), issued on 17 October, the company was authorised to use the imported raw materials to manufacture and export finished products declared as sorted copper under HS Code 74031900.
However, instead of exporting the declared finished products manufactured from duty-free imported raw materials, the company allegedly attempted to export locally sourced ship propeller scrap.
Customs officials said the discrepancy indicated possible misuse of bond facilities and an attempt to evade customs duties and taxes.
The estimated revenue evasion in the case stands at around Tk1.71 crore, according to the release.
Customs House, ICD, Chattogram, said it was preparing a final report and taking necessary steps to file a case over the alleged revenue evasion.
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