The Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Karachi has issued a new valuation ruling for solar panels, lowering the customs values to US$0.08–0.09 per watt for imports from all origins.
The updated Valuation Ruling No. 2012/2025, released on Monday, follows multiple representations from stakeholders, including the Pakistan Solar Association (PSA), highlighting the significant decline in international solar panel prices since mid-2024.
Importers had faced challenges as the previous ruling (No. 1894/2024) set higher customs values, creating discrepancies with actual transaction prices. This mismatch caused clearance delays due to banking compliance issues.
To address the concerns, customs authorities held multiple consultations with stakeholders, reviewed recent commercial invoices and clearance data, and verified prices through local distributors and solar exhibitions.
After thorough market analysis, officials adopted the similar goods value method under Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, to determine the revised rates.
The reduction in customs valuation is expected to facilitate smoother imports, reduce delays at ports, and align local prices with global market trends, potentially making solar power projects more affordable in Pakistan.
