KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) clarified that there is no restriction on import of raw material for any industry.
In a statement the central bank said that lately, some media reports and representatives of trade organizations have claimed that banks are not opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for essential raw materials including pharmaceuticals.
“This is contrary to the facts. It is clarified that there is no restriction on the import of raw material for any industry including export-oriented industry,” the SBP added.
It is further clarified that SBP has advised banks, through EPD Circular Letters No. 9 and No. 11 of May 20, 2022 and July 5, 2022, to seek prior permission before initiating transactions for import of Motor Cars (CKD), Mobile Phones (CKD) and machinery (falling under HS codes Chapter 84, 85 and certain codes with prefix 87).
Keeping in view the concerns of the industry, SBP and the Federal Government, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders have devised a mechanism to accommodate import by different sectors/industries i.e. automobiles, mobile phones, home appliances, tractors, 2 and 3 wheelers, transformers and switchgear, auto parts manufacturers, telecom operators and exporters. The SBP has already approved more than 7,000 cases till date. “The delays in approval are caused sometimes because of submission of inaccurate or insufficient information to
