ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified revised guidelines for the clearance of Iranian-origin goods, following a request from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The embassy cited difficulties in immediately implementing the requirement for Certificates of Origin (COO).
Effective until November 30, 2024, the FBR has instructed that:
1. LPG vehicles from Iran can be cleared without a COO.
2. All Iranian-origin goods that are currently stuck in vehicles can be cleared without a COO.
3. Iranian-origin goods can be cleared without a COO for one month to allow Iran time to develop a system for issuing the necessary certificates.
These instructions partially revise previous directions issued by the Ministry of Commerce on October 28, 2023. The policy adjustment was made following a judgment by the High Court of Balochistan on October 16, 2024.
The Ministry of Commerce has also provided guidelines to the FBR, allowing an exemption from the submission of the Electronic Import Form (EIF) for Iranian-origin goods for 45 days from October 16, 2024. This is similar to the exemption already granted for imports from Afghanistan. The origin of the goods can be determined based on a COO issued by the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) or any Chamber of Commerce of Iran.
Goods originating from other countries that pass through Iran or Afghanistan to Pakistan must still comply with EIF requirements, and the FBR will handle these according to the Import Policy Order 2022 and other applicable laws to prevent misuse of the exemption.
The High Court’s stay order, which expired on October 17, halted all imports from Iran. However, Collector Quetta Jamjeel Baloch and Additional Collector Kaleemullah have efficiently managed the backlog at the Taftan border and remained in communication with the FBR. Due to sanctions, an online E-form process like the one used for Afghanistan is not possible for Iran.
