Karachi, December 9, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced amendments to the Baggage Rules, 2006, through SRO 2028(I)/2024, aiming to tighten regulations and curb misuse of baggage exemptions for commercial purposes. Under the revised rules, the FBR clarified that items classified as “commercial quantity” are now explicitly excluded from baggage allowances. The term “commercial quantity” refers to goods seemingly intended for trade or profit, with a total value exceeding $1,200, or in the case of mobile phones, more than one device beyond the passenger’s personal use. The amendments also introduced stricter measures for handling goods brought in commercial quantities. These items will no longer be eligible for release upon payment of duty, taxes, and redemption fines. Instead, they will be subject to confiscation, pending adjudication. This latest notification builds on SRO 1649(I)/2024, which had earlier imposed penalties for bringing commercial quantities of goods under baggage rules. Previously, travelers faced a penalty of 30% of the goods’ declared value in addition to applicable duties and taxes. Now, under the updated policy, such goods will face outright confiscation, further deterring individuals from bypassing formal import procedures. Historically, the Baggage Rules allowed…