The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a comprehensive crackdown on individuals selling smuggled goods through social media platforms, sources revealed. The initiative aims to curb the circulation of illegal products and enforce customs regulations.
Starting January 1, 2026, the FBR will begin monitoring sellers offering non-customs-paid items online. Authorities will collect data on individuals dealing in smuggled goods, including those selling entire lots, using various tracking tools to identify and trace these sellers. Contact details such as mobile numbers and email addresses will be collected to facilitate enforcement actions.
The crackdown will cover a wide range of products, including electronics, household appliances, shoes, clothing, makeup, blankets, bedsheets, carpets, tires, vehicle parts, laptops, Chromebooks, computers, stoves, ovens, cooking ranges, crockery, juicers, choppers, dried fruits, canned foods, jams, jellies, furniture, showpieces, tiles, sanitary fittings, and other items.
The FBR will utilize data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to verify the identities of online sellers.
Officials have indicated that once sellers of smuggled goods are identified, formal notices will be issued to them to stop illegal activities and comply with customs regulations. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement against the sale of smuggled goods, ensure fair trade, and protect consumers from unregulated products.
By targeting social media marketplaces, the FBR aims to address the growing trend of online smuggling and maintain the integrity of Pakistan’s import and tax system. This initiative also highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and inter-agency cooperation to combat illegal trade.
