Pakistan moves to bar travelers from bringing goods worth over $1,200

Pakistan's tax collection authority — the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) — has moved to amend baggage rules, under which passengers traveling to the country will no longer be allowed to carry goods worth over $1,200 or more than one mobile phone for personal use.

In a notification issued earlier this month, the FBR shared draft amendments to the Baggage Rules, 2006 and sought recommendations from stakeholders.

A seven-day has been provided for suggestions, after which the amendments would be notified in the official gazette.

According to the proposed changes, any goods exceeding $1,200 in value will be considered commercial trade items and subject to strict regulations.

Moreover, any phones other than the passenger's personal device will be confiscated.

The notification further added that any items brought by passengers in commercial quantity would not be released even on payment of duty, taxes, and redemption fine.

The measures have been taken to curb the practice of importing goods for commercial purposes under the umbrella of personal luggage.