Tourists allowed to temporarily import vehicles in Pakistan without customs duty

Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has approved the temporary import of vehicles into Pakistan by tourists without payment of customs duty for a period of three months.

As per the amended Customs Rules 2001, SRO 1965 stated that tourists importing vehicles based on bank guarantee can now bring their vehicles through a customs officer. Delivery will be free of any customs duty, provided that the tourist clarifies that he will not transfer the ownership of the vehicle to anyone else during his stay in Pakistan.

If the tourist is unable to export the vehicle within three months, he can apply for an extension. The extension will not exceed three months.

In case the same vehicle re-enters Pakistan within a year, temporary permission will be granted for only 14 days, unless the vehicle is being operated by a recognized foreign tour agency. In such cases, re-entry will be allowed for three months at a time.

In cases where the vehicle cannot be exported due to health issues, accidents, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the Chief Collector of Customs may grant an extension of up to six months.

The extension of the period is subject to the original guarantee. Failure to obtain an extension will result in the vehicle being forfeited and the relevant authorities will decide.

Furthermore, if a tourist imports a vehicle from Pakistan to go to a foreign destination, and does not have a bank guarantee, the Customs officers may allow the vehicle to pass through Pakistan without paying customs duty. This is subject to escort charges, which will be determined by the concerned Collector, and the vehicle details will be entered in the tourist’s passport.