FBR to ban items over $1,200 for passengers arriving from abroad

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced new regulations under the baggage scheme, restricting travellers from bringing commercial quantities of goods into Pakistan, Express News reported.

Under the proposed changes, any goods exceeding $1,200 in value will be considered commercial trade items and subject to strict regulations.

According to sources, the FBR has drafted amendments to the Baggage Rules 2006 and is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders. A seven-day window has been provided for suggestions, with any submissions after the deadline being disregarded.

If no significant changes are made within the timeframe, the proposed rules will be implemented through a gazette notification.

As per the new guidelines, passengers arriving from abroad will only be allowed to bring one mobile phone for personal use. Any additional phones will be confiscated. The regulations aim to curb the practice of importing goods for commercial purposes under the guise of personal luggage.

Furthermore, the FBR clarified that passengers bringing items worth over $1,200 will be unable to clear them without paying applicable duties, taxes, and penalties.

The aim of the new rules is to discourage the smuggling of commercial goods and ensure that trade regulations are adhered to by travellers.

The move is expected to impact travellers who previously brought larger quantities of items for resale or commercial use, and aims to bring more transparency and control over what enters the country.