The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed a draft amendment to Pakistan’s Customs Rules 2001, implementing notable changes to the temporary import regulations for vehicles brought by tourists.
This amendment permits tourists to keep their vehicles in Pakistan duty-free for up to three months, subject to certain conditions.
According to the FBR’s notification, tourists entering Pakistan with their vehicles must submit a declaration stating they will not transfer ownership while in the country.
If a vehicle is not re-exported after the three-month period, the owner must provide a bank guarantee to customs authorities. The customs collector can then extend the vehicle’s stay by an additional three months upon receipt of this guarantee.
For vehicles re-entering Pakistan, a brief temporary stay of only 14 days will be allowed.
However, vehicles operated by foreign tour agencies may qualify for a second three-month entry within the same year.
The FBR has also accounted for unforeseen circumstances. In cases of the importer’s illness or vehicle accidents, the vehicle may remain in Pakistan for up to six months, provided the tourist submits a new bank guarantee to the customs collector.
Failure to provide this guarantee will necessitate the surrender of the vehicle to customs.
Additionally, importers may obtain a permit from the Ministry of Commerce, allowing for an extended stay by paying the applicable customs duty. The FBR is currently seeking recommendations and feedback from stakeholders regarding these proposed amendments, aiming to balance flexibility for tourists with the need for effective regulatory oversight.
