FBR allows temporary import of vehicles by tourists

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed temporary import of vehicles by tourists without payment of Customs duty for a period of three months into Pakistan.

According to SRO 1965 issued by the FBR here on Monday to amend Customs Rules 2001, a tourist who imports a vehicle against carnet-de-passage or against a bank guarantee may be given delivery thereof by the officer-in-charge of the Customs station of entry without payment of Customs duties for its retention in Pakistan for a period of three months, if such tourist makes a declaration at the Customs station or a port of entry to the effect that he will not constructively or substantially transfer the ownership of the vehicle to any other person during his stay in Pakistan:

Provided that where it is not practicable for the tourist to export such vehicle

Three months: Foreign tourists allowed to import vehicles temporarily

within the said period and he makes an application to the respective collector having jurisdiction before the expiry of that period to this effect, the collector may extend that period not exceeding three months subject to having valid carnet-de-passage or bank guarantee and undertaking by such carnet holder that he will not leave the country for this extended period, the FBR said.

If the same vehicle re-enters Pakistan within one year after its exit, whether in the name of the same tourist (non-Pakistani) or in the name of somebody else (non-Pakistani) temporary release shall not be allowed against carnet-de passage or against a bank guarantee for more than fourteen days except for vehicles operated by recognized foreign tour agencies which shall be allowed re-entry within one year for a period not exceeding three months at one point of time.

Where the export of such vehicle is not possible on grounds of health of the tourist importer, or in circumstances beyond his control, or because of an accident In which the vehicle Is involved, the respective chief collector of Customs may extend the period not exceeding six months, in which case a fresh bank guarantee shall be furnished if the existing bank guarantee does not cover the period of extension or having valid carnet-de-passage:

Provided that in any case, if the carnet holder fails to get valid extension as herein. Provided, the vehicle shall be surrendered to the Collectorate concerned having jurisdiction for adjudication purposes.

If a tourist imports a vehicle for passage through Pakistan to a foreign Destination, the officer in-charge of the Customs-station of entry may, in absence of carnet-de-passage or a bank guarantee, allow the vehicle to pass through Pakistan without payment of customs duties under escort from the Customs-station of entry to the Customs station of exit on payment of escort charges to be determined by the respective collector. The particulars of the vehicle so allowed to pass through Pakistan shall be endorsed on the passport of the tourist importer, the FBR added.