KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified that Photovoltaic Modules solar panels will be treated as not-manufactured locally till June 30, 2018 for the purpose of exemptions and concessions on imports.
According to Customs General Order No.04/2017, Photovoltaic Modules solar panels (PCT 8541.4000) with or without the related components appearing at S.No. 1016 in the list of locally manufactured goods notified vide Customs General Order 02/2017 on April 19, 2017 shall be treated as not locally manufactured for the purpose of all the exemptions/concessions till June 30, 2018.
In the year 2013-14, solar panel of 350 MW to 400 MW was imported. Currently, Pakistan imports solar panels having capacity of 900 MW a year.
The government in 2014 exempted customs duty and general sales tax on import of solar panels for promoting alternative and renewable energy in Pakistan.