Karachi, December 23, 2023 – Pakistan has decided to keep its customs clearance open on the last two weekly holidays of the year 2023.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the apex tax collecting agency of Pakistan, issued a notification on this matter, detailing the decision and its implications for customs clearance.
The FBR’s decision, communicated through an official notification, specifically targets December 30 and December 31, 2023, which fall on the last weekend of the year. This strategic move is expected to bolster revenue generation and streamline customs processes during the year-end period.
The notification was directed to key stakeholders, including The Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement-South), Karachi; The Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement-South), Karachi; The Chief Collector of Customs (Exports), Karachi; The Chief Collector of Customs (North), Islamabad; The Chief Collector of Customs (KP), Peshawar; The Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement-Punjab), Lahore; The Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement-Punjab), Lahore; and The Chief Collector of Customs (Balochistan), Quetta.
According to the FBR’s directive, all field formations involved in customs operations are mandated to remain operational on December 30 and 31, 2023. Furthermore, these offices are instructed to extend their working hours until 10:00 p.m. on the specified dates, ensuring optimum collection of duties and taxes.
To facilitate the smooth transfer of collected duties and taxes, the Chief Collectors of Customs have been urged to establish communication with the State Bank of Pakistan and authorized branches of the National Bank of Pakistan. The prompt transfer of funds to the State Bank of Pakistan on the same date is emphasized, contributing to accurate accounting in the revenue collection for the month of December 2023.
This decision aligns with the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and effective financial management. By keeping customs offices operational during the year-end holidays, authorities aim to expedite customs clearance processes, accommodate increased trade activities during this period, and ultimately enhance revenue collection.
The move is anticipated to be well-received by the business community, as it provides an extended window for completing customs formalities and contributes to a more conducive environment for economic activities. As businesses navigate the final days of 2023, the FBR’s initiative reflects a proactive approach towards fostering economic growth and ensuring financial stability in Pakistan.
