FBR Considering Changes to Rules Regarding Importers of STZA

The importers of Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) will soon only be able to make imports into Pakistan after obtaining registration under the Pakistan Single Window (PSW).  The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued SRO.24(I)/2025 to propose amendments in the Customs Rules 2001 on Thursday.  The licensee of the Authority, after acquisition of a valid license from the Authority, shall apply for a subscription to the PSW as per applicable rules under the Pakistan Single Window Act, 2021.  The user ID of a licensee of the Authority may be blocked by the Collector of Customs or any Customs officer designated by the Collector upon any violation under the Act or these rules on the request of the Authority provided an opportunity of being heard was provided to the licensee by the Authority of competent jurisdiction, the new rules said.  Upon constitution of any offence investigated by the authority of competent jurisdiction under the Act or relevant rules, the Collector of Customs or any Customs officer designated by the Collector may temporarily restrict the licensee’s access in the PSW or its allied system following which the licensee shall be barred from availing the services of the PSW, its allied components or services, to the extent of the functions regulated by STZA provided that a notice, electronically or otherwise, as the case may be, shall be issued within three days of restricting access to the PSW platform after providing the licensee the opportunity of being heard.  The rules revealed that upon the import of every consignment, the authorized officer of STZA shall certify in the prescribed manner and format, as per Appendix-A, through STZA’s one window facility and thereafter the approved list shall be shared with PSW electronically by STZA’s one window facility, rules said.  Only those goods shall be considered for the benefits under these rules and PCT heading 9917 (4) of the First Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969 which are transmitted to the PSW by the STZA’s one window facility and the quantities shall be auto-debited by the system as per goods imported and cleared by Customs.  A goods declaration or single declaration filed in respect of the goods imported for a Zone along with other documents showing details of the goods as required under the Act and the rules made there under shall be assessed by concerned officer of the Customs Collectorate to ascertain the admissibility of claimed exemptions in respect of goods imported.