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Tag: SRO 598

  • Pakistan lifts ban on import of cars, phones, luxury items

    Pakistan lifts ban on import of cars, phones, luxury items

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday lifted ban on all import of luxury and non-essential items amid serious foreign exchange crisis.

    The ministry of commerce issued SRO 1562(I)/2022 for lifting the ban on luxury and non-essential items, including motor vehicles, mobile phones and home appliances.

    The government on May 19, 2022 through a circular No. 598 (I)/2022 imposed the complete ban on import of such items in the wake of serious balance of payment crisis and to prevent fall in rupee value.

    Despite the ban, the rupee fell to the historic low of Rs239.94 against the dollar on July 28, 2022.

    It is worth mentioning that the foreign exchange reserves were drastically decreased despite imposition of ban on imported luxury items.

    READ MORE: Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have increased by $52 million by week ended August 12, 2022. The foreign exchange reserves of the country have recorded at $13.613 billion by week ended August 12, 2022 as compared with $13.561 billion a week ago i.e. August 05, 2022.

    The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit all-time high of $27.228 billion on August 27, 2021. Since then the foreign exchange reserves have declined by $13.615 billion.

    The official foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank witnessed an increase of $67 million to $7.897 billion by week ended August 12, 2022 as compared with $7.83 billion a week ago.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank witnessed a record high at $20.146 billion by week ended August 27, 2021. Since then the official reserves of the SBP declined by $12.249 billion.

    The country has taken the decision in order to fulfil the condition of International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get loans.

    Addressing a press conference a day earlier alongside members of the government’s economic team, Miftah Ismail said that the import ban on non-luxury items was placed in line with the IMF’s demands.

    Miftah said that after much back-and-forth, the IMF has finally announced that its board meeting will take place on August 29 — for considering Pakistan’s request for the release of the $1.17 billion tranche.

    The finance minister noted that the government has also fulfilled all the pre-requisites of the lender, while the funding gap of $4 billion has also been met — after friendly countries agreed to help Pakistan financially.

    He said that after the import ban, it became easier for the government to import necessary commodities, which were essential for the masses. “When we have limited dollars and we have to feed a huge population, our priority automatically becomes [the nation]. We had to choose between importing cars and wheat — that’s why we imposed a ban.”

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    The finance minister said the government was scrapping the import ban as it was an international requirement, but noted that the regulatory duty that will be imposed on the non-essential imported items will be three times higher than the current levels.

  • SBP assures allowing stuck up containers of banned import

    SBP assures allowing stuck up containers of banned import

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has assured the business community of allowing to release all the containers with consignments of banned imported goods.

    In a statement issued on Monday, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Idrees said that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has agreed to release all the containers which arrived at the Ports until July 5, 2022 but remained stuck up awaiting approval from SBP.

    READ MORE: Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    While referring to a message received from Deputy Governor SBP Dr. Inayat Hussain, President KCCI said that Deputy Governor SBP has assured that all the cases wherein the Bill of Lading is prior to issuance of SBP’s instructions on July 5, 2022 which have been submitted by KCCI will be released within the next 2 to 3 days whereas any other pending request for release of similar stuck-up consignment may also be referred to SBP for timely release.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    Muhammad Idrees said that thanks to the untiring efforts made the leadership of Karachi Chamber, particularly Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala who constantly remained in touch with Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and kept convincing him to resolve this matter, relief has finally been provided to perturbed importers which the business community warmly welcomes.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    He thanked Finance Minister Miftah Ismail for taking keen interest in all the issues being raised by KCCI and issuing prompt directives for resolving the same on top priority which has help in restoring the confidence of the entire business and industrial community.

    “This particular step to release stuck up containers along with some other pro-business measures and the government seriousness towards resolving the pressing issues suffered by the economy would ensure that the wheels of the industry keep on spinning without any interruption,” he added.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

  • Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday decided to lift the ban imposed on imported goods except for Completely Built Unit (CBU) of motor vehicles, mobile phones and home appliances.

    A review meeting was held to review the ban after two months owing to serious concerns raised by major trading partners on the imposition of ban and considering the fact that the ban has impacted supply chains and domestic retail industry.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    In the light of fact that imports substantially reduced due to consistent efforts of the government, the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) decided to lift the ban on imported goods except for Auto CBU, Mobile CBU and Home Appliances CBU.

    The committee also decided that all held up consignments (except items which still remain in banned category) which arrived at the ports after July 01, 2022 may be cleared subject to payment of 25 per cent surcharge.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary on prohibition/complete quantitative restrictions on import of non-essential and luxury items.

    It was submitted that in order to curtail the rising current account deficit (CAD), ban on the import of about 33 classes/categories of goods was imposed with the approval of the Cabinet.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    Due to the decision, the overall imports of the banned items have shrunk by over 69 per cent i.e. from $ 399.4 million to $ 123.9 million.

    Recently, the ministry of commerce had imposed surcharge up to 15 per cent for clearance of consignments stuck up at ports and were banned for saving foreign exchange.

    The ministry of commerce issued an office memorandum dated July 22, 2022 pursuance to the federal cabinet decision to release the consignments of prohibited items.

    The government through SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 imposed a complete ban on the import of luxury and non-essential items.

    However, a large number of containers were stuck up at ports that were arrived after the imposition of ban.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    The Federal Cabinet on July 15, 2022 allowed the release of all those consignments/shipment which had been imported in violation of SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 and were pending customs clearance.

    However, this clearance was subject to condition that consignments had landed at any port including sea, air or dry port of the country on or before June 30, 2022 subject to payment of surcharge to be imposed on the cost and freight value of goods.

    According to the ministry of commerce, five per cent surcharge has been imposed on the shipment which had arrived within two weeks of issuance of the SRO 598(I)/2022.

    Further, 15 per cent surcharge has been imposed on shipment which had arrived after two weeks of issuance of SRO 598(I)/2022 till June 30, 2022.

    Due to the ban about one thousand containers piled up and resulted in choking the ports. The stakeholders requested the government to allow the release of those consignments as many of the consignments were shipped before May 19, 2022 but lander after the date.

    READ MORE: Committee recommends lifting import ban on luxury items

    Previously, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 allowed one-time release of those consignments carrying banned items and reached on or before June 30, 2022.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary to seek permission for one time release of those consignments of items banned on May 19, 2022 which have reached Pakistan or would reach or their payments.

    In order to resolve the hardship cases, the ECC granted one-time special permission for release of consignments stuck at the ports due to contravention framed under SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022, only for those consignments which have landed at ports or airports in Pakistan on or before June 30, 2022.

  • Suzuki Motors warns plant shutdown in Pakistan

    Suzuki Motors warns plant shutdown in Pakistan

    KARACHI: Suzuki Motors Co. Ltd. on Thursday warned shutting down its production plant in Pakistan due to import restrictions.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the auto manufacturer said that State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had introduced a mechanism for prior approval for import under HS Code 8703 category (including CKD) vide circular No. 09 of 2022 dated May 20, 2022.

    READ MORE: Indus Motors rebuts plant shutdown reports

    “Restrictions had adversely impacted clearance of import consignments of the company from the ports which might result in shutdown of the plant in near future,” the company said, adding that Pak Suzuki has stopped bookings of its products since July 01, 2022.

    The company further clarified that at present it had not plan to shut down the plant. “The production schedule of the company and any non-production days remain contingent on a number of external factors,” it said.

    READ MORE: Toyota Indus Motors offers 100% refunds on booking cancellation

    The company is actively monitoring its production and operations and is closely working with the government of Pakistan and the central bank to alleviate the present challenges.

    A day earlier, Indus Motors Company– the manufacturers of Toyota cars in Pakistan, also issued a statement in this regard.

    READ MORE: Toyota lowers July production in Japan

    The IMC said that the auto sector was facing unprecedented difficulties in its operations due to ongoing economic challenges and factors beyond the control of automobiles manufacturers.

    “The unprecedented devaluation of Pakistan Rupee (PKR), coupled with restrictions imposed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regarding prior LC approval for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) imports and continuing financing instability has radically impacted the auto industry,” the IMC said.

    The company clarified that as of today (July 27, 2022), there are no plans fixed for complete plant shutdown for more than two weeks in the month of August 2022.

    READ MORE: COVID-19 cases reported at Toyota work sites

  • 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has imposed surcharge up to 15 per cent for clearance of consignments stuck up at ports and were banned for saving foreign exchange.

    The ministry of commerce issued an office memorandum dated July 22, 2022 pursuance to the federal cabinet decision to release the consignments of prohibited items.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    The government through SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 imposed a complete ban on the import of luxury and non-essential items.

    However, a large number of containers were stuck up at ports that were arrived after the imposition of ban.

    The Federal Cabinet on July 15, 2022 allowed the release of all those consignments/shipment which had been imported in violation of SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 and were pending customs clearance.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    However, this clearance was subject to condition that consignments had landed at any port including sea, air or dry port of the country on or before June 30, 2022 subject to payment of surcharge to be imposed on the cost and freight value of goods.

    According to the ministry of commerce, five per cent surcharge has been imposed on the shipment which had arrived within two weeks of issuance of the SRO 598(I)/2022.

    Further, 15 per cent surcharge has been imposed on shipment which had arrived after two weeks of issuance of SRO 598(I)/2022 till June 30, 2022.

    Due to the ban about one thousand containers piled up and resulted in choking the ports. The stakeholders requested the government to allow the release of those consignments as many of the consignments were shipped before May 19, 2022 but lander after the date.

    READ MORE: Committee recommends lifting import ban on luxury items

    Previously, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 allowed one-time release of those consignments carrying banned items and reached on or before June 30, 2022.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary to seek permission for one time release of those consignments of items banned on May 19, 2022 which have reached Pakistan or would reach or their payments.

    In order to resolve the hardship cases, the ECC granted one-time special permission for release of consignments stuck at the ports due to contravention framed under SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022, only for those consignments which have landed at ports or airports in Pakistan on or before June 30, 2022.

    READ MORE: Raw materials excluded from import banned items list

  • Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tuesday allowed one-time release of consignment carrying imported goods that were banned by the government on May 19, 2022 and stuck up at ports.

    The country through SRO 598(I)/2022 imposed a ban on import of luxury and non-essential items in order to discourage outflow of dollars and support balance of payment.

    Due to the ban about one thousand containers piled up and resulted in choking the ports. The stakeholders requested the government to allow the release of those consignments as many of the consignments were shipped before May 19, 2022 but lander after the date.

    READ MORE: SBP makes permission mandatory for motor car import

    In this regard the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 allowed one-time release of those consignments carrying banned items and reached on or before June 30, 2022.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary to seek permission for one time release of those consignments of items banned on May 19, 2022 which have reached Pakistan or would reach or their payments.

    In order to resolve the hardship cases, the ECC granted one-time special permission for release of consignments stuck at the ports due to contravention framed under SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022, only for those consignments which have landed at ports or airports in Pakistan on or before June 30, 2022.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s import bill records over $80 bn in 2021/2022

    Ministry of Commerce presented another summary on suspension of import conditions contained in import policy order 2022 with regard to import of timber/wood.

    In view of hardship case of timber importers as the consignments were supplied against contracts months ago and the shipments have already arrived, the ECC decided that date of implementation of Import Policy Order 2022 regarding import of timber and wood falling under HS Codes 4401 to 4409 may be suspended till August 31, 2022 i-e for the bills of Lading issued till August 31, 2022.

    The ECC also approved another summary of Ministry of Commerce to amend paragraph 3(1) of the Import policy Order 2022 to allow import of goods of Afghan origin against Pak Rupee and without the requirement of Electronic Import Form (EIF) for a period of one year, subject to the condition that Afghan exporters will provide a Certificate of Origin issued by Afghan Customs proving that the goods have originated from Afghanistan.

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail presided over the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet at Finance Division.

    READ MORE: CMOs worry over power outages, 100% cash margin on imports

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister of State for Petroleum Division Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.

    Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted a summary on urgent advice relating to award of second international wheat tender 2022 opened on 1st July, 2022 for 500,000 MT.

    The ECC considering the lower trend of wheat in the international market approved the lowest bid offer of M/s Cargill Int. PTE /Cargill Agro Foods Pakistan @ US$ 439.40/MT for 110,000 MT +/- 5% MOLSO to the extent of 500,000 MT.

    Ministry of National Food Security & Research submitted a summary on WPF operation- purchase/ reservation of 120,000 metric tons of wheat for Afghanistan in the year 2022-23.

    In view of the situation in Afghanistan and on humanitarian ground, the ECC approved the request of the WFP for purchase/ reservation of 120,000 MT of wheat from the imported wheat stock of PASSCO on the latest import price.

    The amount of supplied wheat along with cost and incidentals would be charged in US dollars. The wheat will be locally grinded into wheat flour and will be supplied to Afghanistan by WFP, subject to relaxation of ban on the export of flour to the extent of the instant proposal of 120,000 MT of wheat.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    Ministry of National Food Security & Research presented another summary on the declaration of “National Disease Emergency” on account of Emergence of Lumpy Skin disease in Pakistan. The ECC after detailed discussion directed Ministry of National Food Security & Research to prepare a cost sharing plan after convening a meeting with concerned provincial secretaries and NDMA.

    Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a summary on continuation of PM’s relief package, 2020, Sasta Atta initiative for KPK & expansion of Utility Stores network across Pakistan.

    The ECC decided to continue subsidy on five essential commodities with direction to M/o I & P to work out feasible proposal on subsidy programme keeping in mind the financial implications.

    The ECC also approved a summary submitted by Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on constitution of Auction Advisory Committee to oversee spectrum auction(s) for next generation mobile services (NGMS) in Pakistan.

    The Committee will be headed by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue. The ECC also approved supplementary grant in favor of Economic Affairs Division amounting to Rs. 193.006 Billion for foreign loan repayments.

  • KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday demanded the government of releasing containers imported goods that were banned through SRO 598(I)/2022.

    The chamber in a statement strongly denounced the non-clearance of containers at the ports subsequent to the ban imposed on luxury items.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands implementation of Riba free banking

    The ban was imposed on 85 categories of luxury items vide SRO 598 (i)/2022 which was issued on May 19, 2022.

    Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala and President KCCI Muhammad Idrees appealed to Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Minister of Finance Miftah Ismail to issue orders to immediately release the stuck up containers at the port and waive the demurrage charges to compensate for the losses of the importers.

    READ MORE: KCCI appeals rescuing small traders in Catch-22 situation

    President KCCI Muhammad Idrees claimed that around 800-900 containers which were already booked before the issuance of SRO 598, got stuck at the ports as customs authorities were not clearing them.

    Importers are facing additional hit of hefty demurrages which is causing severe distress among them.

    READ MORE: Energy price hike jolts trade, industry: Businessmen Panel

    It has also caused shortage of several items in the market which needs to be addressed urgently.

    Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala and President KCCI Muhammad Idrees urged immediate resolution of this serious issue.

    READ MORE: Govt. halts gas supply to export industry: APTMA

  • Pakistan allows conditional import of CBU vehicles

    Pakistan allows conditional import of CBU vehicles

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allowed conditional import of Completely Built Unit (CBU) motor vehicles, which have been banned through SRO 598(I)/2022.

    The country on May 19, 2022 banned import of luxury and non-essential items in order to save foreign exchange and support the local currency, which depreciated massively.

    READ MORE: Raw materials excluded from import banned items list

    Through SRO 598(I)/2022 issued May 19, 2022, the ministry of commerce imposed ban on CBU vehicles which are importable under 49 tariff lines.

    However, the ministry of commerce clarified that prohibition of import would not apply on import of CBU vehicles if the imports in Pak Rupee (PKR) or imports through barter mechanism by land routes.

    The ministry of commerce on May 21, 2022 issued a press release stating that in order to address the balance of payments (BOP) situation in the country resulting from the increase in current account deficit (CAD) during the first 10 month of the current FY-22, import of certain luxury and non-essential items has been prohibited, vide SRO 598(I)/2022 dated 19th May, 2022.

    READ MORE: Dollar weakens for 5th straight day; ends at Rs197.59

    However, to address the concerns of certain business quarters with regard to the implementation of the said SRO, it is clarified that in terms of proviso to the paragraph-4 of the Import Policy Order, 2022, the imports where Bill of Lading (B/L) or irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) was issued or established prior to the notification of the SRO 598(I)/2022 dated 19.05.2022 shall be exempt from the operation of the SRO.

    Hence, imported goods for which B/L or irrevocable L/C was established prior to 19th May, 2022 shall not be subject to the prohibitions contained in the said SRO.

    Moreover, the business community and the general public are invited to share their concerns, proposals or any anomalies with respect to the said SRO at [email protected].

  • Raw materials excluded from import banned items list

    Raw materials excluded from import banned items list

    ISLAMABAD: The ministry of commerce on Monday excluded raw materials from the list of items, which were banned through SRO 598(I)/2022.

    The ministry issued an office memorandum to issue clarification with regard to the SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022.

    Through the SRO 598(I)/2022, the federal government imposed ban on import of certain luxury and non-essential items.

    The ministry said that the decision has been taken in view of the concerns expressed by different trade organizations and the domestic industry regarding import of raw materials, intermediate goods and industrial equipment falling under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) codes listed in the SRO.

    “The SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 shall not apply on the import of raw materials, intermediate goods and industrial equipment/machinery required by industrial / manufacturing concerns and foreign grant-in-aid projects,” the ministry said.

    Prior to this, the ministry of commerce issued another clarification related to the banned imported items on May 26, 2022.

    Through this clarification, the ministry said that in order to address concerns of the citizenry and certain anomalies out of implementation of the said SRO, it is clarified:

    READ MORE: Banned items: FBR deputes officers 24X7 to facilitate passengers

    The SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 shall not apply on import of goods for which an airway bill has been issued prior to the issuance of the said SRO.

    Import of following PCT codes description ‘others’ shall be exempted from the prohibition contained in the SRO if they are:

    PCT Code 2309.9000: Other than cat and dog food

    PCT Code 9405.1090: Energy savers.