The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has granted sales tax exemption on the import of essential medical equipment. The FBR issued SRO 1007(I)/2021 on Monday, listing a comprehensive array of medical goods that will be exempted from sales tax, aiming to facilitate the procurement and availability of critical equipment.
The sales tax exemption covers a wide range of medical equipment crucial for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. The FBR’s initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring the accessibility of vital resources during the ongoing global health crisis.
The following goods are included in the sales tax exemption:
1. Real-time PCR system (standard 96-well plate and 0.2ml tubes format, 5 channels)
2. Biosafety Cabinet
3. Auto Clave 50 Liter Capacity
4. Multi-channel pipette (0.5-10 μl)
5. Single-channel pipette: a) 2 μl b) 10 μl c) 200 μl d) 1000 μl
6. Multi-channel pipette 20-200 ml
7. Vacuum fold
8. Micro Centrifuge: (Non-refrigerated, Rotor capacity: 12 x 1.5 / 2.0 ml vessels, 2 x PCR strip, Max. speed: 12,100 x g (13,400 rpm))
9. PCR Cabinet (HEPA filter system, UV and white light)
10. Real-time PCR kit for the detection of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
11. Viral RNA Extraction Kit and machine (Automatic Extractors)
12. VTM (Viral Transport Medium)
13. Dr. Oligo Synthesizer
14. Refrigerator/freezer (-20 °C)
15. Vortex Machine
16. Refrigerated Centrifuge Machine (Rotor capacity 1.5ml x 24, max. speed 14000 rpm)
17. UPS (6 KVA)
18. Tyvek Suits
19. N-95 Masks
20. Biohazard Bags (18 Liters)
21. PARR (Powered Air Purifying Respirators)
22. Multimode ventilator with air compressor
23. Vital sign monitor with 2 IBP and ETco2 two Temp.
24. ICU motorized patient bed with side cabinet and over bed table
25. Syringe infusion pump
26. Infusion pump
27. Electric suction machine
28. Defibrillator
29. X-Ray Mobile Machine
30. Simple Nebulizer
31. Ultrasound machine
32. Noninvasive BIPAP
33. ECG Machine
34. Pulse Oximeters
35. Ripple mattress
36. Blood gas analyzer
37. AMBU Bag
38. Nitrile Gloves
39. Latex Gloves
40. Goggles
41. Face Shields
42. Gum Boots
43. Mackintosh bed sheets
44. Surgical Masks
45. Air Ways
46. Diaflow
47. Disposable Nebulizer Mask Kit
48. ECG Electrodes
49. EXT Tube (Endotracheal Tubes) All sizes
50. Humidifier Disposable Flexible
51. IV Cannula all sizes
52. IV Chambers
53. Oxygen Recovery Kit
54. Padded Sheets
55. Stomach Tube
56. Stylet for Endotracheal Tube
57. Suction Tube control valve
58. Tracheostomy Tube 7, 7.5, 8
59. Ventilator Circuit
60. Ventury Masks
61. Disposable shoe cover (waterproof)
The FBR specified that the sales tax exemption will be effective from the 9th day of July 2021 and will remain in force until the 31st day of December 2021. This temporary exemption period aims to support ongoing initiatives to combat the pandemic by ensuring the smooth import and availability of essential medical equipment. The move is expected to alleviate financial burdens and contribute to the collective efforts to safeguard public health.
