Karachi, August 6, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a significant policy change under the Finance Act, 2025, aimed at enhancing transparency and revenue collection through the regulation of retail pricing for imported goods.
According to Sales Tax Circular No. 2 of 2025-26, the FBR clarified that the Finance Act, 2025 has amended the Sales Tax Act, 1990, by fixing the retail prices of imported goods listed in the Third Schedule. This move ensures that the retail price of such goods cannot be less than 130 percent of the customs-assessed value under section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969. The calculation will also include applicable customs duties and federal excise duty.
This change, the FBR emphasized, is aimed at curbing under-invoicing and ensuring fair tax assessment based on actual market prices of imported retail items. The minimum retail value condition applies across a wide range of imported consumer goods included in the Third Schedule.
Additionally, the FBR introduced a proviso to clause (27) of section 2 of the Sales Tax Act, allowing a limited reduction in retail prices of specific beverages. In cases of aerated water, mineral water, fruit juices, or similar drinks, a deduction of up to 5 percent is now permissible on account of chilling charges or related costs—provided the price remains inclusive of all applicable taxes and duties.
The FBR said these reforms will improve tax compliance in the retail sector and prevent tax evasion on imported goods.