ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed a major update to customs declaration forms, mandating importers to provide either their National Tax Number (NTN) or Foreign Tax Number (FTN)—and, in certain cases, their CNIC or passport number—at the time of filing cargo manifests.
In a draft notification issued today, the FBR announced amendments to the Customs Rules, 2001, specifically targeting the “Cargo Declaration (IGM)” section in Appendix-III. Under the proposed changes, two new data columns will be added to the existing import manifest index:
– NTN or FTN for importers legally required to obtain such tax numbers; and.
– CNIC or Passport Number for importers not mandated to hold an NTN or FTN.
The FBR has invoked its powers under multiple statutes, including the Customs Act, 1969, the Sales Tax Act, 1990, the Federal Excise Act, 2005, and the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, to issue the draft.
According to the notification, the amendments will take effect on August 15, 2026 and will apply to all sea ports and border customs stations. Notably, the new rules will not apply to Import General Manifests (IGMs) filed at airports.
Stakeholders and the general public have been invited to submit objections or suggestions within seven days of the notification’s publication in the official Gazette. The FBR has stated that all feedback received before the deadline will be considered before finalizing the amendments.
Customs agents and trade bodies have yet to issue an official response, but initial reactions suggest concerns over data privacy and the short seven-day comment period. The FBR maintains the move is aimed at improving tax compliance and tracking of imported goods.