LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated a significant enforcement action against a Peshawar-based cosmetic company, M/s Forvil Cosmetics, for alleged tax evasion. The FBR has not only ordered the cancellation of its manufacturing license but has also declared the production, stocking, and sales of its products illegal.
This decisive move is part of the FBR’s intensified nationwide crackdown on tax evasion, with Large Taxpayer Offices (LTOs), Regional Tax Offices (RTOs), and Corporate Tax Offices directed to maximize enforcement actions during June 2025 to meet assigned targets.
“Bio Amla” Products Declared Illegal
Acting on the FBR’s directive, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in Peshawar has been formally instructed to immediately revoke the manufacturing license issued to M/s Forvil Cosmetics. The company has been blacklisted for allegedly evading millions in taxes.
The FBR has gone a step further, explicitly declaring the production, storage, and sale of Forvil Cosmetics’ products illegal. It has also prohibited any other firm or third party from manufacturing, stocking, or selling goods under the trademark “Bio Amla” or any similar name. The banned products include popular items such as Bio Amla Shampoo, Bio Nikhhar Cream, Seven Day Cream, and Prima Hair Color, among others.
According to official documents, the FBR has explicitly directed PSQCA not to issue a new license or renew any existing one under the said brand, including any entity associated with Forvil Cosmetics. Following these instructions, PSQCA Peshawar has issued a seven-day deadline to the company, demanding the submission of a clearance certificate from FBR, valid sales tax registration, recent income tax returns, proof of tax payments, and certified compliance documents. Failure to comply will result in further legal action, as stated in the PSQCA letter.
Investigation Underway, Collusion Suspected
In a letter to PSQCA, the FBR revealed that Forvil Cosmetics is registered in Peshawar and its case is currently under investigation by the Directorate General Intelligence & Investigation – Inland Revenue.
Sources confirmed that the FBR has launched similar crackdowns on tax defaulters in other major cities, including Karachi and Lahore. In Lahore, under the supervision of the Chief Commissioner of the Corporate Tax Office, it was discovered that certain PSQCA officials may have allegedly colluded to issue a license to the blacklisted company without securing necessary tax recovery or informing higher authorities. In response, a special team led by Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Muhammad Qamar Munhas was formed, which promptly wrote to PSQCA, recommending the cancellation of the license issued for the seized trademark.
FBR documents indicate that Forvil Cosmetics owes a substantial amount of Rs. 570 million (including surcharge and penalties) as of October 2022. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the assessment order issued against the company, solidifying the FBR’s claim. The company reportedly ceased operations several years ago, and its sales tax registration has also been canceled and blacklisted.
