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Tag: Pakistan Customs

  • Limits of US Dollars taking out of Pakistan

    Limits of US Dollars taking out of Pakistan

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has categorized age limits for taking out of Pakistan US Dollars or equivalent amount of foreign exchange.

    According to updated foreign exchange manual the SBP granted general permission to any person to take out of Pakistan US Dollars or equivalent thereof in other foreign currencies as per the following limit:

    Up to five years $1,000 or annual ceiling per person $6,000

    From 5 years to 18 years $5,000 or annual ceiling per person $30,000

    Above 18 years $10,000 or annual ceiling of $60,000

    In pursuance of sub-section (2) of Section 8 of the Act, the State Bank has issued Notification No. F.E.2/98-SB dated July 21st, 1998 granting general permission to: –

    (a) Authorized Dealers to send out of Pakistan, cheques, drafts or bills of exchange which have been acquired by them in the normal course of their business and within the terms of their authorization.

    (b) Any person maintaining an account expressed in a foreign currency, and held under any permission, general or otherwise, granted by the State Bank of Pakistan to take or send out of Pakistan, cheques or drafts drawn on such account.

    (c) Any person, other than a person to whom foreign exchange is issued for travelling purposes only, to send out of Pakistan foreign exchange issued to him by an Authorized Dealer.

    (d) Any person to take out of Pakistan foreign exchange issued to him by an Authorized Dealer in Pakistan and endorsed on his passport and

    (e) Any person not ordinarily resident in Pakistan, to take out of Pakistan the unspent amount of foreign currency brought by him into Pakistan, provided the period of his continuous stay in Pakistan does not exceed three months.

    As an exception, NGOs, UN/Other Donor Agencies would be able to draw foreign currency from their accounts without any limit for taking it to Afghanistan to the extent of such remittances.

    Authorized Dealers would issue Certificates to these entities in duplicate, one copy of which would be submitted to Customs Authorities and the second would be kept by the concerned NGO/agency which would, however, be stamped by Customs Authorities as ‘Amount allowed to be taken out’.

    The record of all such transactions would be kept by Authorized Dealers for SBP inspection.

  • Prevailing Customs tariff for fiscal year 2019/2020

    Prevailing Customs tariff for fiscal year 2019/2020

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued updated Customs tariff for fiscal year 2019/2020, which have been imposed from July 01, 2019.

    According to the FBR the following documents to ascertain the prevailing customs tariff:

    Fifth Schedule to Customs Act w.e.f July 01 2019

    First Schedule Customs Act w.e.f July 01 2019

    Pakistan Customs follow the HS Code (Harmonized System Codes) or PCT Codes ( Pakistan Customs Tariff Codes) for Classification of Goods, these code consist of eight digits where first two represent Chapter and second two represent Sub- chapter and after decimal place four digit represent code of item.

    Find PCT Code or HS code by Description of Goods

    Find Description of Goods by PCT Code or HS code

    International Classification of Goods in Harmonized System

  • Customs foils bid to smuggle explosive material in garb of toys consignment

    Customs foils bid to smuggle explosive material in garb of toys consignment

    KARACHI: Customs authorities have foiled a bid to smuggle explosive material into Pakistan in the garb of toy consignments, a statement said on Saturday.

    According to details Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Port Muhammad Bin Qasim foiled the bid to smuggle into Pakistan a consignment of explosive filled fireworks/firecrackers in the garb of toys and fun fair items.

    M/s. Abrar Traders, Lahore, through his clearing agent A R Logistics has filed the goods declaration for clearance of imported assorted toys and fun fair items.

    However, upon detail examination scrutiny by the collectorate staff, fireworks and fireworks crackers guns were found willfully concealed within the cartons of assorted toys.

    The explosive/firecrackers are restricted items as per Import Policy Order and prone to smuggling under Section 2(s) of the Customs Act, 1969.

    Accordingly, the collectorate seized the consignment and lodged an FIR. Further investigations are underway.

    Mumtaz Ali Khoso, the collector of customs, appreciated the examination staff for detecting the case and reiterated the resolve not to allow any illegal activity at Port Qasim by unscrupulous elements.

  • Customs launches ‘authorized economic operators’ program for business entities

    Customs launches ‘authorized economic operators’ program for business entities

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has launched Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program for business entities in order to provide maximum facilitation the trade and industry.

    A statement on Friday said that the federal government has launched first trade facilitation program of its kind under the name and banner of AEO.

    The program has been chalked out in line with best international practices and in accordance with World Customs Organization (WCO) security standards.

    Under the said program, the government will certify trustworthy business entities which could demonstrate that they are credible, secure and have a clean history of compliance with national laws and, in return, a policy of maximum facilitation will be adopted by all government departments toward such trusted entities so that they could concentrate on the growth of their businesses.

    To highlight the spirit of AEO Program, Chairman FBR and Member Customs (Policy), convened a meeting in FBR Headquarters of all government departments and border agencies who were taken on board on the said Program that will substantially reduce the cost of doing business for the trade and industry.

    Shabbar Zaidi, Chairman FBR informed the participants that AEO Program was a great step towards traders facilitation and ease of doing business as “red tapism” of government departments will be replaced with “red carpet” for the trustworthy business entities, and will provide enabling environment for the business community to achieve their maximum potential.

    Muhammad Javed Ghani, Member Customs (Policy) requested the participants from all government departments to come forward for feedback to chalk out an attractive AEO Program that could meet maximum aspirations of the trade and industry.

    The representatives from government departments i.e., Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anti- Narcotics Force (ANF), Engineering Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Industries, Home Department Sind & KP, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Pakistan Quality Standards & Quality Certification Authority (PSQCA), Climate Change and PEMRA appreciated the AEO initiative and agreed that it was the first initiative of its kind which aims at recognition of trusted business partners at Federal Government level and entails benefits from all government departments.

    Such unique initiative, the participants added, has great potential to boost businesses which are the backbone of national economy.

    Chairman FBR briefed the participants that initially, AEO Program will be implemented on export stage that will not only boost national exports, but will also play vital role in jobs creation.

    Subsequently, ambit of AEO Program will be extended to other sectors of the economy for maximum facilitation and priority treatment by all government departments.

  • US experts train Pakistan Customs officers

    US experts train Pakistan Customs officers

    KARACHI: US law enforcement experts have trained probationary officers of Pakistan Customs on enforcement topics such as contraband smuggling, human trafficking, investigative methods, and evidence collection.

    In support of the United States’ ongoing commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s law enforcement organizations, Acting Consul General Jack Hillmeyer today joined Customs Chief Collector (Enforcement-South) Dr. Wasif Ali Memon for the closing ceremony of a U.S.-sponsored training for new probationary Customs officers.

    The two-week program brought U.S. law enforcement experts to Karachi Customs House to train on customs enforcement topics such as contraband smuggling, human trafficking, investigative methods, and evidence collection.

    Speaking to the 32 probationary officers—including 12 women officers—Acting Consul General Hillmeyer said Customs officers are “Pakistan’s front line in preventing smuggling of narcotics and other illicit goods through your land borders, airports, sea ports, and coastline…We are proud to support Customs with training and equipment to assist in your mission to enforce Pakistan’s customs laws.”

    This training was made possible through a partnership between U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

    INL has provided over $1,531,000 (Rs238.83 million) in support to Pakistan Customs since 2001 through the provision of training and the donation of vehicles and other equipment to support Customs’ efforts to protect Pakistan’s borders and prevent illicit smuggling.

    The United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs works in more than 90 countries to help countries combat crime and corruption, counter drug-related offences, improve police institutions, and promote laws and court systems that are fair and accountable.

  • Customs seizes huge quantity smuggled diesel oil in deep sea operation

    Customs seizes huge quantity smuggled diesel oil in deep sea operation

    KARACHI: Customs authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle large quantity of Iranian diesel oil into Pakistan, officials said on Thursday.

    The officials said that Pakistan Customs Preventive Marine Section had conducted an operation against smugglers near Gwadar.

    The customs authorities intercepted two boats in deep waters for search, which resulted in discovery of 22,000 liters of Iranian diesel oil, which was meant to smuggle into Pakistan.

    The total value of diesel oil has been estimated at Rs2.1 million.

    The customs authorities seized the diesel oil as well as both the boats. The value of seized boats has been estimated at Rs30 million.

    The preventive officials said around 32.1 million worth diesel oil and boats were seized in the operation.

  • FBR issues alert as smuggled vehicles may take advantage of political march

    FBR issues alert as smuggled vehicles may take advantage of political march

    ISLAMABAD – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a cautionary alert on Monday, raising concerns about the potential transportation of smuggled vehicles during a political rally organized by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

    (more…)
  • Tourists allowed temporary import of vehicles

    Tourists allowed temporary import of vehicles

    KARACHI: Tourists visiting Pakistan are allowed to import vehicles temporarily with certain conditions under Customs Rules 2001.

    According to the customs rules, a tourist who imports a vehicle against carnet-de-passage or a bank guarantee may be given delivery thereof by the officer-in-charge of the Customs station of entry without payment of customs-duties for its retention in Pakistan for a period of three months.

    However, such tourist is required to make a declaration at the Customs-station of entry to the effect that he will not constructively or substantially transfer the ownership of the vehicles to any other person during his stay in Pakistan:

    Provided that if it is not practicable for the tourist to export such vehicle within the said period and he makes an application to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) before the expiry of that period to this effect, the FBR may extend that period not exceeding three months:

    Provided further that if the same vehicle re-enters Pakistan within one year after its exit, whether in the name of the same tourist (non-Pakistani) or in the name of somebody else (non-Pakistani) temporary release shall not be allowed against carnet-de-passage or a bank guarantee for more than fourteen days except for vehicles operated by recognized foreign tour agencies which shall be allowed re-entry within one year for a period not exceeding three months at one point of time.

    Where the export of such vehicle is not possible on grounds of health of the importer, or in circumstances beyond his control, or because of an accident in which the vehicle is involved, the FBR may extend the period not exceeding six months, in which case a fresh bank guarantee shall be furnished if the existing bank guarantee does not cover the period of extension:

    Provided that if the importer wishes to retain such vehicle beyond period for which permission for retention has been allowed, he shall obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce and shall pay the Customs-duties and taxes leviable thereon on the date of its import.

    If a tourist imports a vehicle for passage through Pakistan to a foreign destination, the officer-in-charge of the Customs-station of entry may, in the absence of carnet-de-passage or a bank guarantee, allow the vehicle to pass through Pakistan without payment of customs duties under escort form the Customs station of entry to the Customs-station of exit on payment of escort charges to be determined by the respective Collector.

    The particulars of the vehicle so allowed to pass through Pakistan shall be endorsed on the passport of the importer.

  • Customs intelligence recovers huge quantity of liquor from diplomatic consignments

    Customs intelligence recovers huge quantity of liquor from diplomatic consignments

    KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Karachi has recovered huge quantity of liquor from consignments brought in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic goods.

    In an official note, the customs intelligence on Thursday said that it had recovered 480 bottles of foreign whisky from consignment declared to contain food stuff imported by Embassy of Lebanon, Islamabad.

    It said that pursuant to credible information regarding smuggling of liquor in the garb of diplomatic goods, the directorate blocked a number of consignments in March 2019 imported by the Embassy of Indonesia, Syria, Algeria and Lebanon after clearance from the relevant Model Customs Collectorate.

    The directorate’s headquarters has been requested to approach the ministry of affairs for nominating its representative for conducting joint examination.

    The ministry through a letter dated May 22, 2019 only nominated its representative for joint examination of Indonesian Embassy consignment imported on March 16, 2019.

    It resulted in recovery of 480 whisky ‘Black Label’ which did not contain any food stuff at all.

    The headquarter was once again requested on October 10, 2019 to approach the ministry of foreign affairs to sent representatives of respective embassies during the examination on October 22, 2019 as considerable time has lapsed and the matter cannot be left pending indefinitely.

    The consignment imported by Embassy of Lebanon, Islamabad dated March 16, 2019 was blocked by the Directorate on Information of comprising contraband goods.

    The consignment was said to contain food stuff. However, examination conducted on October 22, 2019 at BOML Terminal, West Wharf, Karachi resulted in recovery of 480 bottles of blended Scotch Whisky (Johny Walker Black Label) in one wooden box valuing Rs4.32 million.

    It did not contain any food stuff at all. Accordingly, the consignment being liable to confiscation has been seized and further proceedings under way.

  • Pakistan Customs’ travel guide for passengers

    Pakistan Customs’ travel guide for passengers

    KARACHI: Pakistan Customs has issued travel guide for persons departing to or arriving from abroad regarding clearance of goods under prevailing laws.

    GREEN CHANNEL

    Green Channel, as the color signifies, means freely passing without any Customs formalities. This is for the passengers who do not posses articles or goods that are restricted or in excess of the admissible duty-free allowance, if any.

    Customs officials are authorized to randomly request the passengers availing the facility of Green Channel to allow scanning of their luggage and if necessary to allow physical examination by opening the luggage. This is normal custom procedure adopted world wide to counter misuse of Green Channel facility.

    If you are so requested by a custom official, please understand that you have been picked up either randomly or on the basis of certain risk parameters and you are expected to cooperate with the customs officials.

    Passengers passing through the Green channel with articles or goods that are prohibited, restricted or dutiable are liable to prosecution, penalty as well as confiscation of the articles or goods.

    RED CHANNEL

    Red Channel, as the color signifies, means passing after completion of customs formalities. This is for the passengers having restricted or dutiable articles or goods.

    REGULATION ON ARTICLES OR GOODS

    Articles or goods brought in commercial quantities are released only on payment of fine equal to 30% of the value of articles or goods or in addition to the applicable duty and taxes.

    COMMERCIAL QUANTITY

    A quantity of goods imported prima facie for trading or pecuniary gain and not for personal use or gift.

    PROHIBITED ARTICLES OR GOODS

    Are those which cannot be imported in to or exported from Pakistan under any circumstances being prohibited or banned to protect society, health and the environment.

    RESTRICTED ARTICLES OR GOODS

    Are those which can be imported to or exported from Pakistan subject to certain certifications, conditions, licenses, permissions or restrictions.

    Some of the most common prohibited and restricted articles or goods that cannot be imported to or exported from Pakistan, are listed in the baggage rules brochure.

    RE-IMPORT OF ARTICLES OR GOODS

    Re-import of articles or goods earlier taken out of Pakistan can be brought back free of custom duty and other taxes. Passengers intending to re-import articles or goods are advised to obtain export certificate or an endorsement on the passport, as to the exact description of the articles or goods, and distinguishable marks thereof certified by the Assistant Collector of Customs at the time of passenger’s departure from Pakistan.

    Duty free re-import of articles or goods is not allowed in the absence of the export certificate or endorsement on the passport.

    FOREIGN CURRENCY REGULATION

    Bringing in of foreign currencies is permitted without any limit. A passenger can bring any amount of any foreign currency to Pakistan. Taking out foreign currencies is permitted up to US $ 10,000 un-conditionally.

    Taking out Pakistan currency exceeding Rs. 3,000 is not permitted and in case of departing for India a maximum of Rs. 500 is permitted.

    DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

    Regulations related to duty free allowance for Pakistani nationals are laid out in the baggage rules brochure.

    TRANSFER OF RESIDENCE

    The concept of Transfer of Residence means return of Pakistani national after staying abroad for a period of two (2) years or more. It also includes the transfer of residence by a foreign national coming to Pakistan for a period of not less than two (2) years.