Well, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recently made some changes in the baggage scheme, which do not allow individuals promising to bring goods into Pakistan in any commercial amounts. From now on, all goods across customs worth above $1,200 are considered trade items, thus subjected to harsh regulations.
The FBR is seeking the opinion of stakeholders for the amendments to the Baggage Rules, 2006, by providing seven days for suggestions. Otherwise, these rules will come into force by way of notification in the gazette.
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The new rule states that any traveler entering Pakistan will be allowed only one mobile phone as personal possession; all other mobile set(s) will be seized. The objective is the prevention of the importation of goods internationally under the pretext of personal luggage.
The FBR also claimed that items valued at more than $1200 would not be cleared without the payment of the relevant duties, taxes, and penalties. These regulations are aimed at reducing the smuggling of commercial goods so that travelers will allow the relevant trade regulations to apply to them.
The travel ban will be applied to all those passengers who previously brought goods that were usually found to be above normal for resale, thus creating more openness and control over imports into the country.