ISLAMABAD: In a major policy step aimed at boosting Pakistan’s export competitiveness, the federal government has abolished the export development surcharge duty that had been imposed on export goods for the past 35 years.
According to an official notification, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has formally issued directives waiving the special customs duty and granting full exemption from the collection of the export development surcharge. The decision has been taken under the authority of the Finance Act 1991, the same legislation through which the duty was originally imposed.
In line with the federal government’s instructions, the State Bank of Pakistan has written to all Foreign Authorized Dealers to ensure immediate implementation of the policy change across the banking and export processing systems.
Officials noted that the abolition of this surcharge is expected to provide significant relief to exporters, reduce their cost of doing business, and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
The move marks a key step in the government’s broader efforts to streamline export procedures, promote industrial growth, and encourage value-added trade.
