The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has released a draft amendment to the Customs Rules of 2001, specifically designed to simplify the process for tourists wishing to bring their vehicles into Pakistan temporarily. This proposed regulation addresses key aspects of vehicle entry and stay extensions, with the goal of balancing flexibility for tourists with regulatory control.
Here’s a breakdown of the main points covered in the proposed amendments:
Key Regulations for Temporary Vehicle Import
Under the new draft amendment, tourists entering Pakistan with their vehicles must declare that they will not sell these vehicles during their stay. This declaration is intended to ensure compliance with local laws and prevent unauthorized sales of foreign vehicles within the country.
Tourists are permitted to keep their vehicles in Pakistan without any duty for an initial period of up to three months. However, this is subject to meeting certain FBR-specified criteria.
Extension Options for Extended Stays
If a tourist needs to extend the stay of their vehicle beyond the initial three months, they must secure a bank guarantee as part of the process for extending their vehicle’s stay by an additional three months. This added flexibility provides tourists with a streamlined process to stay longer while also adhering to regulatory requirements.
Re-entry Rules for Temporary Imports
For vehicles re-entering Pakistan within the same year, there is a 14-day stay limit. However, an exception is made for vehicles used by foreign tour agencies, which may stay for another three-month period within the same calendar year.
Provisions for Exceptional Circumstances
The amendment also outlines accommodations for exceptional situations. If the vehicle owner faces illness, an accident, or another unforeseen circumstance, the vehicle may remain in Pakistan for a total of six months, provided that the owner furnishes a new bank guarantee. This clause allows for flexibility in cases where tourists cannot easily remove their vehicles from Pakistan due to extenuating circumstances.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the bank guarantee requirements will result in the forfeiture of the vehicle to Customs authorities. Alternatively, tourists wishing to keep their vehicle in Pakistan beyond the allowed period can opt to pay the applicable duties directly to the Ministry of Commerce.
Stakeholder Input
The FBR is actively seeking feedback from stakeholders to refine these regulations. Input from travelers, tourism operators, and other stakeholders is encouraged to ensure the final version of the rules provides a balanced approach between tourist convenience and regulatory control.
Conclusion
With these proposed amendments to the Customs Rules of 2001, Pakistan aims to create a more tourist-friendly environment, making it easier for international travelers to explore the country by car. If implemented, the new rules could streamline the process, providing tourists with greater flexibility while ensuring that Customs maintains regulatory oversight.
The FBR’s draft amendment reflects an effort to promote tourism in Pakistan by making the process of temporarily importing vehicles more accessible and straightforward for international visitors.
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