The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has issued a draft amendment to the Customs Rules 2001. The amendment focuses on updating temporary import rules for vehicles brought into Pakistan by foreign tourists. The FBR is seeking to introduce these changes to streamline the process and maintain proper regulatory oversight.
Duty-Free Stay for Three Months
According to the draft amendment, tourists bringing vehicles into Pakistan can keep them duty-free for up to three months. The FBR notification states that certain conditions must be met to benefit from this duty-free provision. Tourists must ensure that they follow all rules and avoid transferring ownership of the vehicle during their stay in Pakistan.
Bank Guarantee Required for Extended Stay
If tourists fail to re-export their vehicles within the initial three-month period, they will be required to furnish an advance bank guarantee. This guarantee is submitted to customs authorities to secure an additional three-month stay in Pakistan. The customs collector can authorize this extension only after receiving the guarantee from the vehicle owner.
Limited Re-Entry Period for Returning Vehicles
The proposed amendment also limits the re-entry period for the same vehicles. For vehicles re-entering Pakistan, a limited temporary stay of only 14 days will be permitted. However, an exception is provided for vehicles operated by foreign tour agencies. In such cases, these vehicles can enter Pakistan for a second three-month period within the same year.
Special Provisions for Unforeseen Circumstances
The FBR amendment includes specific provisions for unforeseen situations. If a tourist faces health issues or the vehicle meets with an accident, the vehicle can remain in Pakistan for up to six months. In these cases, the tourist must submit a fresh bank guarantee to the Customs collector. This provision provides additional flexibility in handling exceptional situations while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Failure to Provide Bank Guarantee May Lead to Surrender of Vehicle
If the required bank guarantee is not provided, the tourist must surrender the vehicle to the Customs department. This measure ensures that the temporary import rules are followed. For tourists needing further extensions, the Ministry of Commerce offers an option to obtain a permit by paying the applicable customs duty. This alternative is designed to provide tourists with additional flexibility if they wish to keep the vehicle in Pakistan for an extended period.
Stakeholder Feedback Invited
The FBR is inviting recommendations and feedback from stakeholders on these proposed amendments. The aim is to introduce flexibility for tourists while maintaining proper oversight and control over temporary vehicle imports. The consultation process will enable stakeholders to provide their insights on the proposed rules.
The new amendment aims to balance flexibility for tourists with regulatory needs, ensuring that tourists can enjoy their stay in Pakistan without regulatory complications.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
