ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing to introduce a comprehensive and technology-driven system from the next fiscal year aimed at curbing sales tax evasion and tackling smuggling across the country.
According to sources, the proposed framework would allow the transportation of goods nationwide only through trucks registered with the FBR. Under the plan, unregistered commercial vehicles may be barred from operating on motorways, the GT Road and other major highways.
As part of the initiative, all commercial vehicles would be fitted with special cargo tracking tags during the upcoming fiscal year. The tracking mechanism is intended to monitor the movement of vehicles and goods in real time to strengthen oversight of commercial transport activities.
Sources said factories and industrial units would be permitted to load goods only onto FBR-registered trucks.
Authorities are also considering penalties and enforcement measures against operators of unregistered commercial vehicles.
Under the proposed system, all commercial transport vehicles would be linked to the FBR’s central data network, enabling authorities to maintain records of vehicles and the goods being transported.
Officials believe the initiative could significantly reduce sales tax evasion while also helping to curb smuggling activities. According to estimates, the measures could contribute to a reduction of nearly Rs200 billion in losses associated with tax evasion and improve customs revenue collection.
Sources added that the project is expected to be implemented in phases during the next fiscal year, while strict legal action is being considered for violations of the proposed regulations.
