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.
Sources revealed on Tuesday that the proposed amendments, which sparked widespread concerns, have been shelved temporarily following directives from the FBR chairman. The draft notification of the amendment, which was published on the FBR’s website, has also been removed.
The chairman has also directed to withdraw the proposed amendment in the rules and resubmit it after consultations.
Sources stated that the FBR chairman has also stopped the proposed ban on bringing more than one mobile phone, emphasizing the need for further consultations before reintroducing any amendments.
The FBR had issued the draft amendments to the Baggage Scheme only a day earlier.
On Monday, the bureau issued a notification regarding an amendment to the Baggage Rules 2006 to curb misuse of the baggage scheme for financial gain. Under the new amendments, items valued over $1,200 brought from abroad were to be considered commercial trade. Such goods were not to be cleared, even if duty, taxes, or fines are paid, and would have instead been confiscated.
In the case of mobile phones, passengers travelling to Pakistan were to be allowed to bring only one mobile phone for personal use. Any additional phones would have been confiscated and not cleared under any circumstances.
The FBR emphasized that the new rules are intended to prevent individuals from importing commercial quantities of goods under the pretext of personal use or as gifts.
According to the FBR, suggestions, opinions or recommendations can be given within seven days on the draft regarding further amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006. However, opinions submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
