ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), through the Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Karachi, has officially issued Valuation Ruling No. 2117/2026 to update the customs values for stationery items and raw materials. This regulatory update replaces the previous framework set nine years ago under Valuation Ruling No. 1181/2017.
Background and Stakeholder Engagement
The previous valuation ruling had remained unchanged since June 2017. Due to significant fluctuations in both local and international markets over the past nine years, the Directorate initiated a comprehensive re-determination process to ensure uniform valuation practices and protect government revenue.
Ahead of the final decision, a stakeholder meeting was conducted on September 1, 2026, following notices issued to importers and industry representatives. Local manufacturers highlighted key discrepancies in the older framework, noting that the Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) classification for fountain pen cartridge ink required correction. Furthermore, industry stakeholders successfully advocated for the inclusion of plastic components for ball pens and gel pens, which had not been covered under previous valuation rulings.
Valuation Methodology
To arrive at the updated figures, the Directorate examined ninety days of historical import data and evaluated price trends alongside supporting documents. Because verifiable data covering specific commercial adjustments and manufacturing conversion costs was unavailable, standard transaction, identical goods, and computed value methods could not be exclusively applied. Consequently, values were determined under sub-section (9) read with sub-section (6) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, utilizing the most reliable data on record.
Revised Minimum Customs Values
The newly established minimum Cost and Freight (C&F) customs values cover a wide array of raw materials, including:
• Ink for Fiber Tip and Fine Pens (Water Base): Fixed at $3.04/kg for China and $5.30/kg for other origins.
• Ink for Markers and Ball Pens: Categorised between $5.80/kg and $6.20/kg depending on the origin.
• Fountain Pen Nibs: Valued at $0.025 per piece for China and $0.030 per piece for other origins.
• Clips and Caps: Metal fountain pen caps are valued up to $10.00/kg, while plastic caps are benchmarked at $4.00/kg.
• Ball Pen Tips & Plastic Parts: Ball pen tips are set at $26.25/kg, and newly incorporated plastic parts for ball and gel pens are listed at $2.25/kg.
Collectorates across the country have been instructed to ensure strict implementation. If an importer’s declared invoice value exceeds the newly stipulated minimum customs ruling, duties and taxes will continue to be assessed on the higher transaction value in accordance with Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1969.
