Islamabad, October 25, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised the transshipment rules for Iranian transport operators involved in the movement of goods across Pakistan’s borders. The new rules are part of the efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks governing international trade and transportation, especially under the Bilateral Road Transportation of Goods agreement between Pakistan and Iran. To implement these changes, the FBR issued SRO 1446(1)/2024, introducing further amendments to the Customs Rules, 2001. Under the new guidelines, Iranian transport operators and bonded carriers are now required to submit bank guarantees to cover duties and taxes applicable on goods being transshipped through Pakistan. These changes aim to ensure that imported goods destined for other countries, but transiting through Pakistan, comply with customs duties and regulations. The FBR has outlined specific conditions for Iranian operators to qualify as bonded carriers, detailing their operational responsibilities under this new framework. The notification issued on Thursday clarifies that a “carrier” refers to entities such as Pakistan Railways, National Logistic Cell (NLC), Sambrial Dry Port Trust, Faisalabad Dry Port Trust, Multan Dry Port Trust, and Iranian transport operators. These carriers must be licensed under Chapter VIII of the Customs Rules, 2001, and must adhere to the standards set forth by the FBR. One of the key updates in the…