Pakistan is reforming its customs rules to remove barriers hindering the use of the TIR system and facilitate international road freight transit with Central and West Asia and beyond.
TIR became operational in Pakistan in 2018. However, a review has identified provisions in Pakistan’s customs rules requiring further alignment with the TIR Convention and related best practices.
The customs code revision follows a joint initiative between IRU and the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP).
Under the CLDP-funded project, IRU carried out a legal analysis of the relevant customs rules and proposed amendments to Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue.
The work focused on two key barriers: the criteria and procedures for admitting and authorising TIR carnet holders, and the use of TIR for goods in transit
The project’s proposed amendments have been finalised by Pakistan’s Directorate of Transit and approved by a committee established by the Federal Board of Revenue.
The changes make it easier for more Pakistani transport companies to use TIR.
This means more efficiency and security for cargo crossing borders, boosting trade and development.
IRU and CLDP have also identified opportunities for broader and longer-term reform, including a more comprehensive revision of Pakistan’s customs transit provisions to clearly distinguish transit procedures from import and export rules.