The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Customs Baggage Rules 2006, which included a ban on bringing more than one mobile phone to Pakistan.
As per media reports, the FBR Chairman has instructed that the proposal be reviewed further before any new amendments are re-introduced.
The initial proposal sought to restrict passengers arriving from abroad to bringing only one mobile phone, in addition to their personal phone.
This amendment was aimed at curbing the practice of importing mobile phones for resale in the local market.
Under the amended rule, mobile phones exceeding personal use would be confiscated at the airport, regardless of their value.
Additionally, the proposal included a ban on goods worth more than $1,200, with such items also subject to confiscation even after payment of duties.
However, the FBR has clarified that the existing rules, which allow passengers to bring over one mobile phone from abroad, will remain in effect.
The decision to withdraw the amendments has been made in response to concerns and after further deliberation.
FBR has reassured that people involved in the mobile phone business can continue to import phones under the existing rules, which remain unaffected by the proposed changes.
Source: Urdu News
