No Temporary Vehicle Imports Allowed Anymore in Pakistan
No Temporary Vehicle Imports Allowed – On May 8, 2023, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued SRO 533(I)/2023 amending the definition of “Tourist” in Chapter VI of the Customs Rules, 2001 and adding new provisions to the rules. According to the new rules, Pakistanis living abroad can no longer temporarily import cars or other vehicles custom duty-free. This facility is currently restricted to travelers without Pakistani passports, including Pakistani tourists. But Pakistanis holding any other foreign passport can still benefit with this facility.
Brief History, Law & Latest Updates
Under Part VI (Temporary Import of Vehicles) Customs Rules, 2001, foreign officials, importers and tourists are allowed to temporarily import vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and others without paying customs duty for a period of three months (extendable under certain conditions). Also, imported vehicles are not allowed to be sold in Pakistan. However, according to FBR, this deadline is misused as it gives many reasons to extend the deadline. The main rules governing this matter are rules 76 and 77 which can be read here.
The previous rules did not distinguish between tourists holding Pakistani passports and tourists holding foreign passports, including Pakistani tourists. However, under the amended rules, only travelers with foreign passports can temporarily import vehicles without paying customs duties. Carnet de Passage details will be recorded in the computerized system of Pakistan Customs and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Overstayers will be fined and in some cases their vehicle may be confiscated. It should be noted that seizures of vehicles is not a new measure as Rule 85 authorizes customs authorities to seize vehicles under certain circumstances.
What is your opinion on this matter? Do you think the new rules could be seen as discriminatory against Pakistanis living in their own country? Is this a fair policy? Share your opinion in below comments section:
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