The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced stricter baggage regulations aimed at preventing the misuse of this facility by commercial entities, commonly referred to as ‘khapias.’

Under the new rules, any goods, including mobile phones, valued over $1,200 brought into the country by a single passenger will be confiscated.

The proposed amendments to the Baggage Rules, 2006, were issued through S.R.O. 214(1)2024, with a seven-day period for stakeholder feedback before a final notification is released.

The new guidelines stipulate that only one used mobile phone can be brought in for personal use, subject to applicable duties and taxes. Any additional phones, or any quantity exceeding one that is not for personal use, will not be permitted and will be confiscated.

These measures aim to discourage the use of the baggage facility for smuggling purposes.

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The FBR has defined “commercial quantity” as goods imported for trading rather than personal use, with a specific value threshold of $1,200 now established for clarity. The changes reflect a push towards more stringent customs enforcement to protect local markets and revenues.