FBR seeks withdrawal of proposed ban on mobile phones, commercial goods

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn its earlier notification that proposed limiting travellers to bringing only one mobile phone from abroad.

Geo News reported that the decision followed instructions from FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, who directed an immediate suspension of the amendments to the Customs Baggage Rules 2006.

This means travellers will continue to be allowed to bring up to two mobile phones under the existing regulations.

The FBR chairman has also instructed the withdrawal of the proposed ban on commercial items exceeding $1,200 in value.

Instead, it has been decided that the rules will be revisited after consultations and resubmitted for approval.

What did the notification say?

On Monday, the FBR had issued a notification proposing stricter amendments to the baggage scheme.

The notification suggested allowing only one mobile phone for personal use, with additional devices subject to confiscation.

It also sought to classify goods worth more than $1,200 as commercial, barring their release even with payment of duties, taxes, or fines.

The notification had said that recommendations on amendments can be made within seven days, adding that they will not be accepted after the stipulated period.