FBR Withdraws Controversial Amendments to Baggage Rules 2006
The draft notification, which had been posted on the FBR’s website, has also been removed.
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to withdraw its recently proposed amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006, which had sparked widespread backlash. The controversial changes included a complete ban on bringing goods in commercial quantities from abroad and restrictions on the number of mobile phones a traveler could bring into Pakistan.
Sources confirmed that the FBR temporarily shelved the amendments following directives from FBR Chairman, who emphasized the need for further consultations before any revisions are finalized. The draft notification, which had been posted on the FBR’s website, has also been removed.
The withdrawn amendments would have classified items valued over $1,200 as commercial goods, regardless of whether duties, taxes, or fines were paid, leading to their confiscation. The rules also proposed that passengers could only bring one mobile phone for personal use, with any additional phones subject to confiscation.
The FBR clarified that the aim of these amendments was to prevent individuals from exploiting the baggage scheme to import commercial quantities of goods. However, the move led to significant public concern, prompting the FBR to reconsider its approach.
Read More: FBR Announces Stricter Baggage Rules Affecting Mobile Phones to Curb Smuggling
The chairman has instructed that the rules be resubmitted after further consultations, allowing the public to provide suggestions and recommendations within the next seven days. Any submissions after the deadline will not be considered.
