FBR Chairman Restores Policy Permitting Passengers to Bring Two Mobile Phones

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, has reinstated the old policy that permits passengers arriving from abroad to bring two mobile phones into Pakistan. This decision comes after the FBR had previously amended the Baggage Rules, limiting passengers to only one mobile phone.

The reinstatement of the two-phone allowance has been welcomed by travelers who were previously restricted to a single device. The change aligns with the older regulation, which allowed each passenger to carry two mobile phones without facing any penalties or restrictions.

However, while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has eased regulations about mobile phones, it has adopted a stringent position in another area. The tax authority is proceeding with a proposed amendment to the Baggage Rules of 2006, which will impose restrictions on passengers regarding the importation of products in “commercial quantity” into the country. The proposed modifications are intended to address contraband activities and to rigorously enforce trade regulations.

The circulated draft, which is currently soliciting feedback from stakeholders, establishes a limit of $1,200 for products imported into the country. Passengers possessing items that exceed this valuation threshold will be obligated to remit the requisite duties, taxes, and penalties in order to facilitate the clearance of their goods at customs.

FBR has allotted stakeholders a period of seven days to submit their feedback regarding the proposed draft. In the absence of any substantial amendments, the regulations will be enacted via a gazette notification, thereby formalizing the newly established rules.

This initiative is perceived as a component of the Federal Board of Revenue’s endeavors to enhance border controls and manage the movement of goods, while simultaneously assuring adherence to Pakistan’s trade regulations.