2024

Exchange

Tax

Cars

FBR defers ‘one mobile per passenger’ proposal


FBR defers 'one mobile per passenger' proposal

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reversed its proposed ban on international travelers bringing more than one mobile phone into Pakistan.

According to media reports, the FBR chairman instructed the withdrawal of the suggested changes to the Customs Baggage Rules 2006, effectively deferring the proposal. Under the current rules, passengers arriving in Pakistan are permitted to bring two mobile phones without restrictions, a regulation that remains intact following this decision.

In addition to the mobile phone proposal, the FBR had also decided to retract its proposed restriction on commercial items exceeding $1,200 in value. The chairman directed the authorities to revisit these amendments and engage stakeholders for further consultations before presenting a revised draft.

Last week, the FBR issued SRO 2028(I)/2024, which included a proposed amendment to the definition of “commercial quantity” in Rule 2 of the Baggage Rules 2006. The draft suggested that goods valued over $1,200 brought by passengers would be considered commercial and subject to confiscation.

Another significant provision of the draft proposed allowing passengers to bring only one mobile phone in addition to a previously used personal device. Any additional phones found in baggage were to be confiscated.

The amendments were met with significant backlash from stakeholders, prompting the FBR to reconsider its stance and invite feedback. The consultation period was set to conclude on December 13.

Sources suggested that following the chairman’s directive, not only the ‘one passenger one mobile phone restriction’ but also the commercial goods value cap proposals have been withdrawn for further review. This move maintains the existing rules, allowing passengers greater flexibility and preventing immediate enforcement of stricter limitations.

They also said that the new rules were stricter, calling for permanent confiscation of goods brought in commercial quantities and were no longer be released even on payment of duties, taxes, or redemption fines.

You May Also Like