FBR reverses decision on new rules for importing goods from abroad

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to withdraw the recently proposed amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006, which included a complete ban on bringing goods in commercial quantities from abroad.

As per the details, sources revealed on Tuesday that the proposed amendments, which had raised widespread concerns, have been temporarily put on hold following the directions of the Chairman FBR. The amendment notification published on the FBR website has also been removed.

The Chairman has also directed that the proposed amendments to the rules be withdrawn and reintroduced after consultation.

The sources said that the Chairman FBR has also stopped the proposed ban on bringing more than one mobile phone, stressing the need for further consultation before re-introducing any amendments.

The FBR had released the draft amendments to the baggage scheme just a day ago.

On Monday, the bureau issued a notification regarding amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006 to prevent misuse of the baggage scheme for financial gain. Under the new amendments, items worth more than $1,200 brought from abroad would be treated as commercial merchandise. Such items were not to be cleared, even if duty, tax, or penalty was paid, and would instead be confiscated.

In the case of mobile phones, passengers travelling to Pakistan were allowed to bring only one mobile phone for personal use. Any additional phones would be confiscated and would not be cleared under any circumstances.

The FBR stressed that the new rules were aimed at preventing individuals from importing commercial quantities of items under the pretext of personal use or as gifts.

According to the FBR, suggestions, views or recommendations can be given on the draft regarding further amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006 within seven days. However, views submitted after the deadline will not be considered.