ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cotton fumigation operations have effectively come to a halt following a clearance dispute involving imported Methyl Bromide, leaving hundreds of cotton containers stranded at the port and causing significant losses for textile mills.
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has warned that around 400 to 500 containers of imported cotton have remained stuck at the port for more than a week. The resulting demurrage and other costs are causing losses of more than Rs. 10 million per day.
APTMA has urged the government to immediately intervene and resolve the issue, warning that prolonged delays could create raw-material shortages, disrupt textile production and affect the timely completion of export orders.
The issue emerged after customs authorities changed the classification of imported Methyl Bromide.
According to APTMA, the chemical was previously cleared under PCT code 3808.9170 and was exempt from sales tax. However, Public Notice No. 49/2026, issued on May 19, 2026, placed the product under PCT code 2903.6100, making it subject to an 18% sales tax.
APTMA said a consignment imported by National Chemicals under GD No. KPPI-HC 8681-66-08-2026 has remained uncleared because of the classification dispute.
The association said the matter has now affected more than the chemical shipment itself, as the inability to clear Methyl Bromide has effectively disrupted the fumigation and clearance of imported cotton.
APTMA said imported cotton is a critical raw material for Pakistan’s export-oriented textile industry. Continued delays could result in cotton shortages at textile mills and interrupt manufacturing operations.
The association also warned that production disruptions could delay export orders, reduce Pakistan’s textile export earnings and damage the country’s credibility among international buyers.
As an emergency measure, APTMA has requested the government to allow the disputed Methyl Bromide consignment to be released provisionally under Section 81 of the Customs Act, 1969.
Alternatively, it has proposed allowing the affected cotton consignments to be released without fumigation on a one-time basis. This could be done subject to undertakings from industrial users confirming that the imported cotton is free from pest infestation.
APTMA has called for urgent government action to restore cotton clearance operations and prevent further financial losses to textile mills and Pakistan’s export sector.
