ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue has introduced further amendments to the Customs Rules, 2001, making the scanning of selected cargo mandatory and tightening procedures for port-to-port movement of imported goods.
Under the amended rules, cargo selected through the customs risk management system, or identified by the relevant collector of customs, must undergo scanning before clearance or onward movement.
The changes are part of FBR’s latest amendments to Pakistan’s customs framework, which regulates cargo clearance, transit, monitoring and port operations. FBR’s official customs SRO record confirms that amendments to the Customs Rules, 2001, have been issued during July 2026.
New Time Limits for Cargo
The notification sets a period of 30 days for containerised cargo and 60 days for bulk or less-than-container-load cargo.
In exceptional circumstances, the chief collector of customs will be authorised to approve a further extension.
The requirement to provide container and seal numbers will apply only to containerised shipments.
Licensed Bonded Carriers Required for IT Cargo
The amendments also revise Rule 510-B governing the movement of IT cargo between ports.
Such cargo may now be transported from its port of arrival in Karachi, including the airport or another Karachi port, only through licensed bonded carriers.
The movement must comply with the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules, 2023, aimed at improving cargo traceability and reducing the risk of diversion or misuse.
Dry Bulk Cargo Packing Allowed Under Customs Supervision
The relevant assistant or deputy collector of customs may permit the packing of dry bulk cargo under customs supervision following a request from the shipping line or its authorised representative.
The amendment provides customs authorities with greater oversight of cargo handling while allowing regulated packing operations where required.
Risk-Based Cargo Scanning
The notification makes scanning compulsory for cargo selected by the risk management system or specifically designated by the collector of customs.
The measure is expected to strengthen customs enforcement, improve the detection of misdeclaration and prohibited goods, and support more secure cargo movement across Pakistan’s ports.
However, its impact on clearance times will depend on scanner availability, port capacity and the efficiency of customs procedures.
The latest rules form part of FBR’s continuing efforts to modernise customs controls and strengthen cargo monitoring without subjecting every consignment to physical examination.
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