KOCHI: The Legal Metrology Department has registered 27 cases of duty evasion with regard to import of toys and fancy goods, especially from China, and irregularities in their sale.
A drive conducted in the Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad and Thrissur districts by officers of the department (Central Zone) revealed that most retailers in the state sell Chinese goods at exorbitant prices.
According to Legal Metrology Deputy Controller R Ram Mohan, importers ask overseas manufacturers to imprint very low prices on commodities to evade import duty. “For example, manufacturers show `20 on a Chinese toy for which the actual price is `100 - the import duty is fixed based on the printed price. After paying duty, the importers would replace the price tags with those with very high prices,” he said.
On Wednesday, 27 retailers were booked in Kochi, Aluva, Perumbavoor, Thodupuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad for irregularities in operations. Cases were registered against 15 retailers for selling products without price tag, while 12 cases were registered for selling goods at prices higher than the MRP.
“The cases were registered under the Packaged Commodity Rules. It was found products are being sold at prices up to four times the MRP. We have slapped fine on the errant traders. If they repeat the offence, prosecution steps would be initiated,” he said. “Steps will be taken to inspect all commodities imported from China by Kerala trades and those based in other states,” said Ram Mohan.