Karachi, December 27, 2023: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan’s apex tax collection agency, has unveiled a list of prohibited items for foreign trade during the tax year 2024.
The updated Customs Act, 1969, provides a comprehensive outline of the prohibited goods, emphasizing legal implications for violators.
The FBR has explicitly stated that no goods falling under the specified clauses shall be allowed into or out of Pakistan. The detailed list encompasses various categories to ensure the integrity of the nation’s trade and intellectual property rights.
Prohibited Items Include:
(a) Counterfeit Items: Goods such as counterfeit coins, forged currency notes, and any other counterfeit products are strictly prohibited.
(b) Obscene Materials: The import or export of any obscene books, pamphlets, papers, drawings, paintings, representations, figures, photographs, films, articles, videos, audio recordings, CDs, or any other media with explicit content is prohibited.
(c) Counterfeit Trademarks and False Descriptions: Items featuring a counterfeit trademark under the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, or a false trade description under various ordinances related to copyright, layout-designs of integrated circuits, registered designs, patents, and trademarks are forbidden.
(d) False Claims of Origin: Goods made outside Pakistan claiming a local name or trademark must clearly indicate their foreign origin on every application. The country of production must be prominently displayed in the same language and character as the name or trademark.
(e) Intellectual Property Violations: Goods infringing on copyright, layout-designs of integrated circuits, industrial designs, and patents are strictly prohibited.
(f) Fraudulent Imitations: Items made or produced outside Pakistan intended for sale, featuring a design in which copyright exists, are prohibited. This includes any fraudulent or obvious imitation of such design, patent, or copyright, unless authorized by the registered proprietor or right holder.
Adjudication under Intellectual Property Rights Violations:
A noteworthy provision is that offenses related to goods imported or exported in violation of Intellectual Property Rights will be adjudicated under section 179 by the appropriate customs officer. This underscores the commitment to safeguard intellectual property and enforce stringent penalties for violations.
The FBR’s proactive approach in updating and clarifying the prohibited items list reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of international trade practices, protecting intellectual property rights, and curbing illegal activities in the import and export sectors. Businesses and traders are urged to adhere to these guidelines to avoid legal consequences and contribute to a fair and transparent trade environment in Pakistan.
