Ammon News - Representative of the Garment and Jewelry Sector at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Asad Qawasmi on Saturday called on the government to tax items and goods bought online from outside the Kingdom.

It followed a recent government decision to expand a customs duty exemption for goods bought and shipped from abroad for personal use. According to the decision, individuals can now buy and ship packages from abroad provided the value of a package does not exceed JD200.

Before the new decision, the exemption was JD100 per package. Still, a fixed 10-per cent fee will be collected on packages the value worth JD200 or less.

Qawasmi stressed the need to ensure justice for the conventional trade sector, which he said pays taxes and fees and incur operating costs while e-commerce pays much less. He indicated that the apparel, footwear and textile sector is the hardest-hit sector by online shopping.

He emphasized that the commercial sector supports e-commerce, but on the condition that there are fair standards to control it.