Draft rules introduce electronic system, licensing and strict monitoring for bunker fuel operations at Pakistani ports
KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued draft Customs Marine Bunkering Rules, 2026, aimed at introducing a structured regulatory framework for marine fuel supply operations at Pakistan’s major seaports.
The draft rules were notified through SRO 967(I)/2026 on June 10, 2026, and have been released for public review, inviting objections and suggestions before finalisation.
Regulatory framework for major ports
According to the FBR, the proposed framework will apply to marine bunkering operations at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), including their respective outer anchorage areas.
All bunkering operations will be managed through an electronic system integrated with the Port Community System (PCS) developed under the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) initiative, aiming to enhance transparency and streamline documentation.
Licensing and registration requirements
Under the draft rules, all entities engaged in supplying fuel to foreign vessels will be required to register as Authorised Bunker Operators (ABOs). Operators must obtain a licence from the Mercantile Marine Department and complete registration through the PCS platform.
Bunker barges used in fuel delivery will also require Customs registration and must provide detailed documentation, including:
• Flag state registration certificates
• Pollution prevention compliance certificates
• Mass flow meter calibration reports
• Ownership and crew certification records
• Safety and operational history
Monitoring fuel delivery through technology
A key feature of the proposed system is the mandatory use of Mass Flow Meters (MFMs) to ensure accurate measurement of fuel supplied to vessels.
Operators will be required to record opening and closing meter readings, calculate net delivered quantities, and issue a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) for each transaction.
Any disputes raised by vessel masters regarding quantity or fuel quality must be reported to Customs within four hours, ensuring real-time oversight.
Digital permits and export documentation
The rules also introduce a requirement for vessel masters or shipping agents to submit electronic Permit to Work (PTW) requests through the PCS before bunkering operations begin.
In addition, oil marketing companies registered with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will be required to file export Goods Declarations (GDs), detailing fuel quantity, transport method and storage origin.
Fuel quality and environmental safeguards
To ensure compliance with international maritime standards, the draft rules mandate representative fuel sampling under Customs supervision in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI regulations.
Fuel samples must be retained by the operator, Customs authorities, and vessel representatives for at least 12 months for verification purposes.
Enforcement and penalties
Customs officers will be empowered to board bunker barges, inspect records, collect samples, and seal vessels suspected of violations.
The Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit and Internal Audit will also conduct annual risk-based audits of authorised operators.
Any breach of the proposed rules will be treated as an offence under the Customs Act, 1969, and will attract penalties under applicable legal provisions.
Boost to maritime trade efficiency
The FBR stated that the introduction of dedicated marine bunkering regulations is expected to improve transparency, reduce irregularities in fuel transactions, and enhance operational efficiency at Pakistani ports.
The initiative is also aimed at positioning Pakistan as a competitive bunkering hub in the region by aligning port operations with international maritime best practices.
