The federal government has announced a significant development for the fiscal year 2023–2024, 0% customs duty on imports by dignitaries from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
The 0% tax, according to the official document, is applicable to a variety of imports, including furniture, clothing, vehicles, and items meant for charitable donations to Pakistani projects.
Famous UAE dignitaries, such as Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, are the target of this tax-free relief.
Similar to Bahrain, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa will also benefit from the 0% customs duty.
Additionally, the exemption will apply to Saudi dignitaries Prince Mutaib Bin Mohammad Al Saud, Prince Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin S. Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, and the Governor of Tabuk Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
Rulers and dignitaries from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia must satisfy requirements imposed by Pakistani authorities in order to take advantage of this benefit.
These requirements include giving a thorough list of imported vehicles, their owners, and import information. The list must be updated every six months, and no Pakistanis impersonating government officials or agents are allowed on it.
The embassies of these nations have pledged to make sure that no vehicles purchased with duty-free money are used by citizens of Pakistan. A certificate of exemption issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is necessary in order to take advantage of the 0% customs duty.
Additionally, dignitaries who are not included in the Pakistan Customs Tariff (Code) may be granted an exemption certificate by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read more: Budget 2023-24: Significant Relief for Bus and Truck Manufacturers
