The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced new regulations under the baggage scheme, which now limit travellers from importing commercial quantities of goods into Pakistan.
The updated regulations deem goods valued over $1,200 commercial trade items, subjecting them to stringent controls.
Sources reveal that the FBR has proposed amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006 and is currently soliciting stakeholder feedback. Seven days has been allotted for this feedback, and submissions after this period will not be considered.
The new rules will be enforced via a gazette notification if no substantial modifications emerge during this period.
Under these regulations, passengers from abroad will be allowed only one mobile phone for personal use. Additional phones will be confiscated to prevent the misuse of the baggage scheme for commercial purposes.
Additionally, the FBR stipulates that items valued above $1,200 cannot be cleared without paying relevant duties, taxes, and penalties.
The regulations aim to deter the smuggling of commercial goods and ensure compliance with trade regulations by travellers.
This adjustment is poised to affect travellers who previously imported larger quantities of items for resale or commercial purposes, striving for greater transparency and regulation of goods entering the country.
