Here’s a closer look at the taxation aspects of the decision and its potential effects on stakeholders.

Higher Tax Burden on Importers

The Sales Tax Act, 1990 applies an 18% sales tax on imported goods based on their retail value. Under the new policy, the MRP of Rs1200 per kilogram artificially inflates the taxable value of black tea, regardless of its actual cost of import, which ranges from $0.80 to $4.50 per kilogram.

• Increased Tax Liabilities: Importers will pay significantly higher taxes even for lower-cost tea, leading to reduced profitability and possible price hikes for end consumers.
• Unfair Evaluation: Importers argue that taxation based on the MRP rather than the import value treats tea as a finished product rather than raw material, which undermines the standard practices of the tea trade.

Price Inflation for Consumers

Tea is a staple commodity especially among low- and middle-income households. The increase in the taxable value will inevitably translate into higher retail prices.

• Disproportionate Impact: Lower-income groups will face a heavier burden as the tax increase will apply uniformly to all types of tea, regardless of quality or import cost.
• Reduced Affordability: With taxes potentially adding Rs150 to Rs300 per kilogram, black tea may become unaffordable for many, exacerbating the effects of inflation on essential commodities.

Revenue Leakage Through FATA/PATA Exemptions

Tax exemptions under FATA/PATA regulations have long been a source of revenue loss for the government. During 2023-24, 23 million kilograms of tea were imported under these exemptions, a figure that far exceeds the consumption needs of these regions.

• Misuse of Exemptions: An estimated 20 million kilograms of tea imported under FATA/PATA exemptions entered mainstream markets without paying taxes.
• Loss to the Exchequer: This diversion results in an annual revenue loss of Rs25 billion, undermining the purpose of the exemptions and creating an uneven playing field for legitimate importers.

Lack of Alignment with Trade Practices

The tea trade involves importing bulk tea in bags weighing 5 to 80 kilograms, which is later blended, processed, and packaged. This process adds significant value before the product reaches consumers.

• Misaligned Policy: By treating imported tea as a finished product, the FBR disregards the trade’s nature and imposes taxes that do not reflect the product’s true value at the import stage.
• Operational Challenges: Importers and manufacturers face increased costs and administrative burdens to comply with the new regulations.

Potential Impact on National Revenue

The Pakistan Tea Association (PTA) has warned that the flat MRP policy could lead to unintended consequences for the national treasury. If importers shift their operations or evade compliance, the government may experience revenue losses instead of gains.

• Reduced Compliance: Importers may seek alternative channels or avoid formal trade altogether, reducing tax collection.
• Erosion of Trust: Businesses discouraged by the arbitrary tax measures may limit their activities, affecting long-term revenue prospects.