KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Pakistan has issued a revised valuation ruling for imported dates, revising previously set customs values in light of new data and market assessments.
In this regard the directorate issued Valuation Ruling No. 1993 of 2025.
The move comes as part of a broader initiative to align customs practices with evolving market trends and ensure fair taxation on seasonal imports like dates.
The updated ruling, issued under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, supersedes the earlier Valuation Ruling No. 1949/2025 dated January 7, 2025. According to officials, meetings with stakeholders were held on March 20, 2025, to deliberate on concerns about high customs values for imported dates. Importers argued that existing customs values were above actual market prices, prompting authorities to review and reassess the valuation criteria.
In line with this, customs officials conducted a detailed analysis over 90 days, examining import clearance data, conducting market surveys, and applying multiple valuation methods under the Customs Act. The revised customs values were determined after adjusting for freight, profits, and other associated costs. These new values are now applicable to different varieties of dates including Irani Muzafati, Labbi, Piarom, Ajwa, and Amber, originating from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other countries.Pakistani cuisine
For example, the customs value for Iranian Muzafati dates has been set at $0.22 per kilogram, while Ajwa dates are valued at $2.90 per kilogram, depending on origin. A 7% freight reduction is applicable if dates are imported through land routes, with actual land freight charges to be added accordingly.
Customs authorities emphasized that the revised values will ensure fair assessment and prevent under- or over-invoicing. Where invoice values are higher than the determined customs values, the higher declared values will be applied as per Section 25 of the Customs Act.
In cases of air cargo, customs will also adjust for the difference between air freight and standard freight for accurate valuation. The new ruling reinforces the commitment of Pakistan Customs to transparency and consistency in trade procedures involving perishable and seasonal goods like dates.
The implementation of the ruling has been mandated across all major customs stations in Pakistan. Collectors and directors have been instructed to ensure enforcement and report anomalies to the Directorate immediately.
This marks the sixth revision in customs valuation for dates in recent years, highlighting the government’s active monitoring of import flows and market dynamics.
