Q: Could Mufti Sahib advise if the following way of trade is permissible:
1.We notice many businesses today among the Muslims, trading in something called “round tripping”. What they do is that they purchase goods, thereafter they mark the goods for export and claim the vat back, while the actual goods do not cross the border but instead is sold locally at a lower price.
From my understanding, in the process, there a lies (lying to suppliers by saying goods are going over the border, but remains in the country), bribery (a payment is made to border officials and revenue officials to stamp documents and release payments from the revenue services) and corruption taking place, yet many of our Muslims are increasingly engaging in these scams.
2. Is it permissible for us to purchase from these businesses
a. with knowledge of their transactions and
b. without knowledge of these transactions?
A: It is obviously a scam and Muslims should refrain from this. However, purchases done with this company will not be haraam.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)