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GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
REVENUE DIVISION
FEDERAL BOARD OF REVENUE
*****
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
(IV OF 1969)
As amended up to 30th June, 2025
Published by:
Printing & Publication Customs Budget
FBR, Islamabad.
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
Section Page
No.
1 Short title, extent and commencement. 1
2 Definitions. 1
CHAPTER II
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS OF
CUSTOMS AND THEIR POWERS
3 Appointment of officers of customs. 10
3A The Directorate General Intelligence and Risk Management, 10
customs,
3AA Directorate General of Transit Trade. 10
3AAA. Directorate General of China Pakistan Economic Corridor 10
3B. Directorate General of Customs Auction 11
3BB Directorate General of Reform and Automation. 11
3BBB Directorate General of Communication and Public Relations, 11
Customs
3C Directorate General of Customs Academy of Pakistan 11
3CC Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights 11
3CCA Directorate General of Law and Prosecution 11
3CCB Directorate General of National Nuclear Detection 11
Architecture
3CCC Directorate General of Marine 11
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
3CCD Directorate General of National Targeting Centre 11
3CCE Directorate General of Combating Trade Based Money 12
Laundering
3D Directorate General, Valuation 12
3DD Directorate General of Post Clearance Audit(PCA) 12
3DDD Directorate General of Input Output Co-efficient 12
Organization
3E. Powers and functioning of the Directorates, etc 12
3F Hiring of technology specialists, auditors, accountants and
goods evaluators on short term contract
4 Powers and duties of officers of customs. 12
5 Delegation of powers. 13
6 Entrustment of functions of the customs officers to certain 13
other officers.
7 Assistance to the officers of customs. 14
8 Exemption from service on jury or inquest or as assessors. 14
8A. Uniform 14
CHAPTER III
DECLARATION OF PORTS, AIRPORTS,
LAND CUSTOMS-STATIONS, ETC.
9 Declaration of customs-ports, customs-airports, etc. 16
10 Power to approve landing places and specify limits of 16
customs-stations.
11 Power to declare warehousing stations. 16
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
12 Power to appoint or licence public ware-houses. 16
12A. Power to appoint or licence common warehouses 17
13 Power to license private ware-houses. 17
14 Stations for officers of customs to board and land. 18
14A Provision of accommodation at customs ports, etc. 18
PROHIBITION AND RESTRICTION OF
IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION
15 Prohibitions. 20
16 Power to prohibit or restrict importation and exportation of 21
goods.
17 Detention, seizure and confiscation of goods imported in 21
violation of section 15 or section 16.
CHAPTER V
LEVY OF, EXEMPTION FROM, AND
REPAYMENT OF, CUSTOMS-DUTIES
18 Goods dutiable. 23
18A Special customs duty on imported goods. 24
18B Omitted 24
18C Rates of duty and taxes and determination of origin under 24
trade agreements
18D Levy of fee and service charges. 25
18E Pakistan Customs Tariff 25
19 General power to exempt from customs-duties. 25
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
19A Presumption that incidence of duty has been passed on to the 26
buyer
19C Minimal duties not to be demanded.- 27
20 Board’s power to grant exemption from duty in exceptional 27
circumstances.
21 Power to deliver certain goods without payment of duty and 27
to repay duty on certain goods.
21A Power to defer collection of customs-duty. 27
22 Re-importation of goods produced or manufactured in 28
Pakistan.
22A. Temporary export of imported plant and machinery 28
23 Goods, derelict, wreck, etc. 29
24 Provisions and stores may be exported free of duty. 29
25 Value of imported and exported goods. 29
25A Powers to determine the customs value. 36
25AA Power to use data exchange information for determination of 37
customs value.
25B Omitted 37
25C Power to takeover the imported goods. 37
25D Review of the value determined 38
26 Obligation to produce documents and provide information. 38
26A. Conducting the audit 39
26B. Access for the purposes of audit 39
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
27 Abatement allowed on damaged or deteriorated goods. 40
28 Power to test and denature imported spirit. 41
29 Restriction on amendment of goods declaration. 41
30 Date of determination of rate of import duty. 41
30A Date of determination of rate of duty for clearance through 42
the Customs Computerized System.
31 Date for determination of rate of duty on goods exported 43
31A Effective rate of duty. 43
32 False statement, error, etc. 43
32A Fiscal fraud. 45
32B Compounding of offence 46
33 Refund to be claimed within one year. 46
34 Power to give credit for, and keep account-current of duties 47
and charges.
CHAPTER VI
DRAWBACK
35 Drawback of the export on imported goods. 58
36 Drawback on goods taken into use between importation and 58
exportation.
37 Drawback on goods used in the manufacture of goods which 58
are exported.
38 Power to declare what goods are identifiable and to prohibit 59
drawback in case of specified foreign territory.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
39 When no drawback allowed. 59
40 Time of payment of drawback. 59
41 Declaration by parties claiming drawback. 59
42 Arrival of conveyance. 60
CHAPTER VII
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF CONVEYANCE.
43 Delivery of import manifest in respect of a vessel. 61
44 Delivery of import manifest in respect of a conveyance other 62
than a vessel.
45 Signature and contents of import manifest and amendment 62
thereof.
46 Duty of person receiving import manifest. 63
47 Bulk not to be broken until manifest, etc., delivered and 63
vessel entered inwards.
48 Power to require production of documents and ask questions. 63
49 Special pass for breaking bulk. 63
50 Order for entry outwards or loading of goods to be obtained 63
before export goods are loaded.
51 No vessel to depart without port-clearance. 64
52 No conveyance other than vessel to leave without 64
permission.
53 Application for port-clearance of vessels. 64
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
54 Conveyances other than vessels to deliver documents and 65
answer questions before departure.
55 Power to refuse port-clearance to vessels or permission for 65
departure to other conveyance.
[
56 Grant of port-clearance or permission for departure. 66
CHAPTER VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING
CONVEYANCES AT CUSTOMS-STATIONS
57 Grant of port-clearance or permission for departure on 66
security of agent.
58 Power to cancel port-clearance or permission for departure. 67
59 Exemption of certain classes of conveyance from certain 67
provisions of this Chapter.
60 Power to depute officer of customs to board conveyances. 69
61 Officer to be received and accommodation to be 69
62 Officer’s powers of access, etc. 69
63 Sealing of conveyance. 69
64 Goods not to be loaded or unloaded or water-borne 70
65 Goods not to be loaded or unloaded or passed on certain 70
66 Goods not to be loaded or unloaded except at approved 70
67 Power to exempt from sections 64 and 66. 70
68 Boat-note. 70
69 Goods water-borne to be forthwith landed or shipped. 71
70 Goods not to be transshipped without permission. 71
71 Power to prohibit plying of unlicensed cargo-boats. 71
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
72 Plying of ships of less than one hundred tons. 72
72A Responsibilities of person in charge or master of a 72
conveyance, agent and owner of the conveyance
DISCHARGE OF CARGO AND ENTRY INWARDS OF
GOODS
73 Discharge of cargo by vessels may commence on 73
74 Discharge of goods by conveyances other than vessels. 73
75 Imported goods not to be unloaded unless entered in the 73
import manifest.
76 Procedure in respect of goods not unloaded by vessels 73
77 Power to land small parcels and hold unclaimed parcels. 74
78 Power to permit immediate discharge. 74
79 Declaration and assessment for home-consumption or 76
79A Omitted 76
80 Checking of goods declaration by the Customs 76
80A Omitted 77
80B. Application of risk management system 78
81 Provisional determination of liability 78
81A Omitted. 79
82 Procedure in case of goods not cleared or warehoused or 79
transshipped or exported or removed from the port after
unloading or filling of declaration.
82A. Omitted 81
CHAPTER X
CLEARANCE OF GOODS FOR HOME-
CONSUMPTION
83 Clearance for home-consumption 82
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
83A Omitted 83
WAREHOUSING
83B. Provisional release of imported goods 83
83C Cargo Tracking System and e-Bilty Mechanism 83
84 Application to warehouse. 85
85 Form of application. 85
86 Submission of post-dated cheque and indemnity bond 85
87 Forwarding of goods to warehouse. 86
88 Receipt of goods at warehouse. 86
89 Goods how warehoused. 86
90 Warrant to be given when goods are warehoused. 86
91 Access of customs officer to warehouse. 87
92 Power to cause packages lodged in warehouse to be opened 87
and examined
93 Access of owners to warehoused goods. 87
94 Owner’s power to deal with warehoused goods. 87
95 Manufacture and other operations in relation to goods in a 88
warehouse.
96 Payment of rent and warehouse-dues. 88
97 Goods not to be taken out of warehouse except as provided 89
by this Act.
98 Period for which goods may remain warehoused. 89
99 Power to remove goods from one warehouse to another in the 90
same customs-station.
100 Power to remove goods from one warehousing station to 90
another.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
101 Transmission of account of goods to officers at of 90
warehousing station of destination.
102 Remover may enter into a general bond. 91
103 Goods on arrival at customs-station of destination to be 91
subject to same laws as goods on first importation.
104 Clearance of bonded goods for home-consumption. 91
105 Clearance of warehoused goods for export. 92
106 Clearance of warehoused goods for export as provisions, 92
107 Application for clearance of goods. 92
108 Re-assessment of warehoused goods when damaged 92
109 Re-assessment on alteration of duty. 92
110 Allowance in case of volatile goods. 92
111 Duty on goods improperly removed from 93
112 Encashment of post-dated cheque 93
113 Noting removal of goods. 93
114 Register of bonds. 94
115 Power to remit duties on warehoused goods lost 94
116 Responsibility of warehouse-keeper. 94
117 Locking of warehouses. 94
118 Power to decide where goods may be deposited in public 95
warehouse, and on what terms.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
119 Expenses of carriage, packing, etc. to be borne by owners 95
CHAPTER XII
TRANSHIPMENT
120 Chapter not to apply to postal articles. 98
121 Transshipment of goods without payment of duty. 98
122 Superintendence of transshipment. 98
123 Entry, etc., of transshipped goods. 99
124 Transshipment of provisions and stores from one 99
conveyance to another of the same owner without payment of
duty.
125 Levy of transshipment fees. 99
CHAPTER XIII
TRANSIT TRADE
126 Chapter not to apply to baggage and postal articles. 101
127 Transit of goods in the same conveyance. 101
128 Transport of certain classes of goods subject to prescribed 101
conditions
129 Transit of goods across Pakistan to a foreign territory. 101
129A Levy of transit fee 101
CHAPTER XIV
EXPORTATION OR SHIPMENT AND RELANDING
130 No goods to be loaded on a conveyance, till entry outwards 102
or permission granted.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
131 Clearance for exportation. 102
131A Omitted 103
132 Bond required in certain cases before exportation. 103
133 Additional charge on goods cleared for export after port- 103
clearance granted.
134 Notice of non-loading or relanding and return of duty 103
thereon.
135 Goods relanded or transshipped from a conveyance returning 103
to a customs-station or putting into another customs-station.
136 Conveyance returning to customs-station may enter and land 104
goods.
137 Landing of goods during repairs. 104
138 Frustrated cargo how dealt with. 104
CHAPTER XV
SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING BAGGAGE
AND GOODS IMPORTED OR EXPORTED BY POST
139 Declaration by passenger or crew of baggage. 106
140 Determination of rate of duty in respect of baggage. 106
141 Bona-fide baggage exempt from duty. 106
142 Temporary detention of baggage. 106
143 Treatment of baggage of passengers or crew in transit. 107
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
144 Label or declaration in respect of goods imported or 107
145 Rate of duty in respect of goods imported or exported by 107
post.
CHAPTER XVI
PROVISIONS RELATING TO COASTAL
GOODS AND VESSELS
146 Chapter not to apply to baggage. 108
147 Entry of coastal goods. 108
148 Coastal goods not to be loaded until bill relating thereto is 108
passed.
149 Clearance of coastal goods at destination. 108
150 Declaration concerning coasting vessel which has touched 108
foreign port.
151 Cargo book. 108
152 Coastal goods not to be loaded or unloaded except at 109
customs-port or coastal port.
153 Coasting vessel to obtain written orders before departure. 109
154 Application of certain provisions of this Act to coastal goods. 109
155 Prohibition of the coastal trade of certain goods. 110
xiii
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
CHAPTER XVI-A
Section Page
No.
155A Application of the Customs Computerized System. 111
155B Access to the Customs Computerized System. 111
155C Registered users. 111
155D Registered users to be allocated unique user identifier. 111
155E Use of unique user identifier. 111
155F Cancellation of registration of registered user. 112
155G Customs to keep records of transmissions. 112
155H Confidentiality of information. 113
155I Unauthorized access to or improper use of the Customs 113
Computerized System.
155J Interference with the Customs Computerized System. 113
155K Offences in relation to the security of or unauthorized use of 114
unique user identifiers.
155L Audit or examination of records. 114
155M Requisition of documents. 114
155N Documents in foreign language. 115
155O Authorized officer may take possession of and retain 115
documents and records.
155P Obstructing access, altering, concealing, destruction of 115
record.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
155Q Electronic exchange of information and authentication 116
through the Customs Computerized System
155R Correction of clerical errors 116
CHAPTER XVII
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
156 Punishment for offences. 117
156A Proceeding against authority and persons 176
157 Extent of confiscation. 177
CHAPTER XVIII
PREVENTION OF SMUGGLING – POWERS OF
SEARCH, SEIZURE AND ARREST – ADJUDICATION
OF OFFENCES
158 Power to search on reasonable ground. 181
159 Person to be searched may desire to be taken before gazetted 181
officer of customs or Magistrate.
160 Power to screen or X-Ray bodies of suspected persons for 182
detecting secreted goods.
161 Power to arrest. 182
162 Power to issue search warrant. 185
163 Power to search and arrest without warrant. 185
164 Power to stop and search conveyances. 187
165 Power to examine persons. 187
166 Power to summon persons to give evidence and produce 188
documents or things.
xv
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
167 Person escaping may be afterwards arrested. 188
168 Seizure of things liable to confiscation. 188
169 Things seized how dealt with. 189
170 Procedure in respect of things seized on suspicion 190
170A. Procedure in case of seizure of essential commodities. 190
171 When seizure or arrest is made, reason in writing to be given. 191
172 Power to detain packages containing certain publications 191
imported into Pakistan.
173 Procedure for disposal by High Court of applications for 192
release of packages so detained.
174 Power to require production of order permitting clearance of 192
goods imported or exported by land.
175 Power to prevent making or transmission of certain signals or 192
messages.
176 Power to station officers in certain factories. 192
177 Restriction on the possession of goods in certain areas. 193
178 Punishment of persons accompanying a person possessing 193
goods liable to confiscation.
179 Power of adjudication. 193
179A Omitted. 195
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
180 Issue of show-cause notice before confiscation of goods or 195
imposition of penalty.
181 Option to pay fine in lieu of confiscated goods. 195
182 Vesting of confiscated property in the Federal Government. 195
183 Levy of penalty for departure without authority or ailure to 196
bring-to.
184 Power to try summarily. 196
185 Special Judges. 195
185A Cognizance of offences by Special Judges. 197
185B Special Judge, etc. to have exclusive jurisdiction. 198
185C Provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, 197
185D Transfer of cases. 199
185E Place of sittings. 199
185F Appeal to Special Appellate Court. 199
185G Persons who may conduct prosecution, etc. 200
186 Detention of goods pending payment of fine or penalty. 200
187 Burden of proof as to lawful authority, etc. 200
187A. Presumption of legal character of vehicle 200
188 Presumption as to documents in certain cases. 201
189 Notice of conviction to be displayed. 201
190 Power to publish conviction. 202
xvii
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
191 Imprisonment may be of either description. 202
192 Duty of certain persons to give information. 202
CHAPTER XIX
APPEALS AND REVISIONS
193 Appeals to Collector (Appeals). 209
193A Procedure in Appeal 209
194 Appellate Tribunal. 210
194A Appeals to the Appellate Tribunal. 211
194-B Orders of Appellate Tribunal. 213
194-C Procedure of Appellate Tribunal. 214
195 Powers of Board or Collector to pass certain orders. 215
195A Omitted. 215
195-B Deposit, pending appeal, of duty demanded or penalty 215
levied.
195-C Alternative Dispute Resolution. 216
196 Reference to High Court. 219
196-H Exclusion of time taken for copy. 220
196-I Transfer of certain pending proceedings. 221
196J Definitions. 222
xviii
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
CHAPTER XIX-A
SETTLEMENT OF CASES
196K to Omitted 234
196u
CHAPTER XX
MISCELLANEOUS
197 Customs control over conveyances and goods. 238
198 Power to open packages and examine, weigh or measure 238
goods.
199 Power to take samples of goods. 238
200 Owner to make all arrangements and bear all expenses. 238
201 Procedure for sale of goods and application of sales proceeds. 239
202 Recovery of Government dues. 239
202A. Levy of surcharge 241
202B Reward to Customs Officers and Officials 241
203 Wharfage or storage fees. 242
203A Power to authorize expenditure 242
204 Issue of certificate and duplicates of customs’ document. 242
205 Amendment of documents. 242
206 Correction of clerical errors, etc. 242
207 Custom-house agents to be licensed. 242
xix
THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
209 Liability of principal and agent. 243
210 Liability of agent appointed by the person-in-charge of a 244
conveyance.
211 Maintenance of record. 244
211A Access to the premises and records by the officers of 244
Customs
212 Regulation of business in gold, etc. 244
212A Authorized economic operator programme 245
212B Advance Ruling 245
213 Recovery of money upon certain documents. 246
214 Remission of duty and payment of compensation to the 246
owner in certain cases.
215 Service of order, decision, etc. 246
216 No compensation for loss or injury except on proof of 247
neglect or wilful act.
217 Protection of action taken under the Act. 247
218 Notice of proceedings. 247
219 Power to make rules. 247
219A. Power to enter into mutual legal assistance agreements on 248
customs matters
220 Omitted 248
221 Savings. 248
221A Validation 249
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THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1969
Section Page
No.
222 Removal of difficulties. 249
223 Officers of customs to follow Board’s orders, etc. 250
224 Extension of time limit. 250
225. Establishment of Customs Command Fund (CCF) 250
226. Digital Enforcement Station 250
THE FIRST SCHEDULE 254
THE SECOND SHCEUDLE 254
THE THIRD SCHEDULE 255
THE FOURTH SCHEDULE 255
THE FIFTH SCHEDULE 255
xxi
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
1[Act No. IV of 1969]
[3rd March, 1969]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to Customs
Whereas it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to the levy
and collection of customs-duties 1a[, fee and service charges] and to provide for other
allied matters:
It is hereby enacted as follows:-
CHAPTER 1
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement.-
(1) This Act may be called the Customs Act, 1969.
(2) It 2[extends] to the whole of Pakistan.
(3) It shall come into force on such date as the 3[Federal Government] may,
by notification in the official Gazette, appoint. 4[ ]
2. Definitions. - In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or
context:-
5
[(a) “adjudicating authority” means any authority competent to
pass any order or decision under this Act, but does not include
the Board, 6[the Collector (Appeals)] or the Appellate Tribunal;]
7,45[
(ai) “advance ruling” means a written decision by the Board or any
officer or a committee authorized by the Board, on the request of
an applicant for determination of classification, origin or
applicability of a particular relief or exemption on goods prior to
their importation or exportation, valid for a specified period of
time;]
8
[(aa) “agent” means a person licensed under section 207 or permitted
to transact any business under section 208;”
(aaa) “appellate tribunal” means the Customs 36[…..] Appellate
Tribunal constituted under section 194;]
(b) 8a[“appropriate officer”, means the officer of customs to whom
such functions have been assigned by or under this Act or the
rules made there under;]
1
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
9
[(bb) “assessment” includes provisional assessment, reassessment
and any order or assessment in which the duty assessed is nil;
10
[(bba) “audit” means examination of books, records, documents,
correspondence, stocks and inventory of goods relating to import,
export and other business activities of the persons referred to in
section 211, in order to ascertain their liability of duties and taxes
and compliance with relevant laws and rules;]
(bbb) “baggage” includes unaccompanied baggage but does not
include motor vehicles;]
47
[(bbc) “bordering and coastal areas” means areas along international
borders as notified by the Board;
11[
(c) omitted.
12
(d) omitted].
12a
(e) [“Board” means the Central Board of Revenue established
under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1924 (IV of 1924), and
on the commencement of Federal Board of Revenue Act, 2007,
the Federal Board of Revenue established under section 3
thereof;]
13
[(ea) "carrier" means the person actually transporting goods or
incharge of, or responsible for, the operations of the means of
transport or the owner thereof;]
50
[(eb) “Cargo Tracking System” means a digital system, as may be
notified by the Board, for the prevention of smuggling and for the
electronic monitoring of the import, export, transit, and
transshipment of goods transported within or into or out of
territory of Pakistan;]
(f) “coastal goods” means the goods transported in a vessel from
one port in Pakistan to another, but does not include imported
goods on which customs duty has not been paid;
14
[(fa) “Collector” means Collector of Customs appointed under
section 3 and includes any other officers equivalent in rank with
any other designation appointed under this Act to perform
specified functions in own jurisdiction;]
15
[(ff) “Collector (Appeals)” means a person appointed to be a
Collector of Customs (Appeals) under section 3;]
42
[fff "controlled delivery” means supervised and coordinated
operational activities that allow suspected consignments of
prohibited and restricted goods, including items mentioned in
section 2(s), to pass out of, through or into the territory of
Pakistan, with a view to identifying persons involved in the
commission of an offence cognizable under this Act;]
(g) “conveyance” means any means of transport used for carrying
goods or passengers such as a vessel, aircraft, vehicle or animal;
2
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(h) “customs-airport” means any airport declared under section 9
to be a customs- airport;
(i) “customs-area” means the limits of the customs-station
specified under section 10 and includes any area in which
imported goods or goods for export are ordinarily kept before
clearance by the customs authorities;
16
[(ia) "Customs Computerized System" means a comprehensive
Customs information technology system specified in Chapter
XVI-A;
17
[(ib) omitted].
44
[(ic) “Customs controls” means measures applied by the officers of
customs or through Customs Computerized System to manage
risks and ensure compliance.]
(j) “customs-port” means any place declared under section 9 to be
a 18[customs-port];
19
[(jj) omitted].
40(k) “customs-station” means any customs-station, customs-airport,
an inland river port, land customs-station or any place declared as
such under section 9];
20
[(kk) “detain”, in relation to goods, means to prohibit the disposal or
use of the goods, pending the finalization of any proceedings
under this Act in relation to the goods or the owner thereof;]
21
[(kka) “documents” means a goods declaration, application for claim
of refund, duty drawback or repayment of duty, import or export
general manifest, passenger manifest, 46[master bill of lading, bill
of lading, airway bill, certificate of origin] commercial invoice
and packing list or similar other forms or documents used for
customs clearance or making a declaration to Customs, whether
or not signed or initialed or otherwise authenticated 47[or
standardized information and documents lodged with a single
entry point through Pakistan Single Window], and also
includes,-
(i) any form of writing on material, data or information
recorded, transmitted, or stored by means of a tape
recorder, computer or any other device, and material
subsequently derived from information so recorded,
transmitted or stored;
(ii) a label, marking or other form of writing that identifies
anything of which it forms part or to which it is attached by
any means;
(iii) a book, map, plan, graph, or drawing; and
(iv) a photograph, film, negative, tape, or other device in which
one or more visual images are embodied so as to be capable
3
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(with or without the aid of some other equipment) of being
reproduced.
50
[kkaa) “e-bilty” means a digital document generated through the Cargo
Tracking System, electronically linked with the transport vehicle
engaged in the import, export, transit, or transshipment of goods
transported within or into or out of the territory of Pakistan in the
manner prescribed under the rules by the Board;]
(kkb) “electronic duty drawback filing and payment system” means
Electronic Duty Drawback Filing and Payment System as
specified by the rules;]
46[kkc) “electronic assessment” means assessment of a goods declaration
in Customs Computerized System by an officer of Customs or by
the computerized system according to the selectivity criteria;]
47[(kkd) “essential commodities” means those items availability of which
is considered vital for domestic use or consumption, as notified
by the Board, from time to time, in consultation with the
ministries concerned;]
22
[(kkk) “export manifest” means export manifest delivered under sub-
section (2) of section 53 and includes electronically filed export
manifest;]
(l) “goods” means all movable goods and includes-
(i) conveyance,
(ii) stores and materials,
(iii) baggage, and
(iv) currency and negotiable instruments;
23
[(la) “goods declaration” means a goods declaration filed under
sections 79, 10439[,121], 131, 139 42[,] 144 42[ or 147] and
includes a goods declaration electronically filed;]
(lb) “import manifest” means import manifest delivered under
section 43 or 44 as the case may be and includes electronically
filed import manifest;]
35[(Ic) “KIBOR” means Karachi Inter Bank Offered Rate prevalent
on the first day of each quarter of the financial year.]
46
[ld “Vessel Intimation Report” or VIR” means an intimation
regarding impending arrival of a vessel at a customs sea port,
where the customs computerized system is operational, to the
customs authorities in the form and manner by the carrier or his
agent, as may be prescribed by rules;]
41(m) Omitted;
(n) “master” when used in relation to any vessel, means any
person, except a pilot or harbour master, having command or
charge of such vessel;
4
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
49[(na) “nuclear material” means the nuclear material as defined in the
Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2001 (III of
2001);]
(o) “officer of customs” means an officer appointed under section 3;
47[(oa) “other government agencies" means other government agencies
as defined under clause (n) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the
Pakistan Single Window Act, 2021 (III of 2021);]
(p) “Pakistan customs-waters” means the waters extending into
the sea to a distance of 43[twenty-four] nautical miles measured
from the appropriate base line on the coast of Pakistan;
24
[(pa) ”person” includes 43[a local manufacturer,] a company, an
association, a body of individuals whether incorporated or not;
47[(pb) "Pakistan Single Window" means Pakistan Single Window as
defined under clause (m) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the
Pakistan Single Window Act, 2021 (III of 2021);]
(q) “person-in-charge” means –
(i) in relation to a vessel, the master of the vessel;
(ii) in relation to an aircraft, the commander or pilot in charge
of the aircraft;
(iii) in relation to a railway train, the conductor, guard or other
person having the chief direction of the train;
(iv) in relation to any other conveyance, the driver or any
other person having control of the conveyance;
25
[(qa) "principal" means the owner of the goods or the person
primarily responsible for making a declaration to Customs under
this Act and includes the person in-charge of the conveyance,
carrier, custodian of cargo, and the terminal operator;
49
(qaa) “radioactive material” means the radioactive material as defined
in The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2001
(III of 2001);
44[“(qb) “Risk Management System” means the systematic application
of Customs Controls 47[,Trade Controls] and Management
Procedures on pre-arrival, Customs clearance processes and post
clearance of goods and passengers, for identifying, analyzing,
evaluating, monitoring, reviewing and treating the risk associated
with them;
(qc) “Risk Management Committee” means a committee headed by
a BS-21 officer of Customs, constituted under the rules, to review
functioning and supervise implementation of the Risk
Management System and shall comprise as many BS-19 and BS-
20 officers of Customs as may be notified by the Board;]
(r) “rules” means the rules made under this Act;
5
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
26
[(rr) “seize” means to take into custody, physically or otherwise,
goods in respect of which some offence has been committed or is
believed to have been committed under this Act or the rules, and
all cognate words and expressions shall be construed
accordingly;]
44[(rrr) “Selectivity Criteria” means the risk parameters determined by
the Risk Management Committee constituted under the rules for
the application of Risk Management System;]
(s) “smuggle” means to bring into or take out of Pakistan, in breach
of any prohibition or restriction for the time being in force, 45[, or
in any way being concerned in carrying, transporting, removing,
depositing, harbouring, keeping, concealing 46[,retailing] 38[ or en
route pilferage of transit goods] 48[, anywhere within the
territorial jurisdiction of Pakistan] or evading payment of
customs-duties or taxes leviable thereon,-
27
[(i) gold bullion, silver bullion, platinum, palladium, radium,
precious stones, antiques, currency, narcotics and narcotic
and psychotropic substances; or
(ii) manufactures of gold or silver or platinum or palladium or
radium or precious stones, and any other goods notified
by the Federal Government in the official Gazette, which,
in each case, exceed 37,45[five hundred thousand] rupees
in value; or
(iii) any goods by any route other than a route declared under
section 9 or 10 or from any place other than a customs-
station.] and includes an attempt, abetment or connivance
of so bringing in or taking out of such goods; and all
cognate words and expressions shall be construed
accordingly; or]
47
(iv) essential commodities, as notified by the Board;]
29
[(ss) “Special Judge” means a Special Judge appointed under
Section 185;
(sss) “Special Appellate Court” means a Special Appellate Court
constituted under section 46 of the Prevention of Smuggling
Act,1977;]
30
[(ssss) “surcharge” means an amount or charge required to be paid
under sections 21A, 83,86,98 and 202A or any surcharge payable
as such under this Act;]
47[(sa) "trade controls" means trade controls as defined under clause (x)
of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Pakistan Single Window
Act, 2021 (III of 2021);”;
6
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(sb) "un-authorized access" means un-authorized access as defined
under clause (y) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Pakistan
Single Window Act, 2021 (III of 2021);]
(t) “warehouse” means any place appointed or licensed under
section 12 or section 13;
(u) “warehousing station” means a place declared as a
warehousing station under section 11;
(v) “wharf” means any place in customs-port approved under
clause (b) of section 10 for the loading and unloading of goods or
any class of goods 31[;]
32
[(w) “33[***]arrears” means the amount of any duty, surcharge, fine
or penalty 34[or any other amount] which is adjudged or
demanded through an adjudication order passed by the competent
authority or the amount referred to in the notice under sub-
section (2) of section 202 which is recoverable in full or in part
and is not paid within the time prescribed;
(x) “default” means the failure to pay the outstanding arrears as
defined in clause (w); and
(y) “defaulter” means the person and in the case of a company or
firm every director or partner of the company or, as the case may
be of the firm and of which he is a director or a partner of
proprietor, and includes the guarantor who fails to pay
outstanding arrears.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of Pakistan, 1969 Extraordinary
(Rawalpindi), Page626, and for the report of the Select Committee see ibid, 1969
Extraordinary(Dacca), Page 199.
1a The comma and words “,fee and service charges” inserted vide FA, 2007.
2. This Act has been extended to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, (subject to the
modification that section 185 thereof shall have effect as if in sub-section (2), after the word
“he” words “is a Political Agent or” were inserted by the Regulation No.1 of 1984.s.2.
3. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Ordinance,1972(XXI of 1972),
section 3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76 with effect from 17 th June,1972.
4 .i.e. the 1st day of January,1970, vide Notification published in Gazette of Pakistan,
Extraordinary, January,1970 Extraordinary, Page,1035.
5 Substituted by Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(1)(a), page 106.
6. Omitted vide Finance Ordinance, 2000(XXI of 2000), S.4(1)(a), page 198 and inserted by
Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(1)(a), page 222.
7. Inserted by Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(1)(b), page 222.
8. Inserted by Finance Act, 1989(V of 1989), S.5(1)(b), page 106.
8a. Substituted by the FA, 2007. Before substitution definition was as under:-
“appropriate officer” in relation to any functions to be performed under this Act, means the
officer of customs to whom such functions have been assigned by or under this Act;
9. Inserted by Finance Act, 1989(V of 1989), S.5(1)(c), pages 106-107.
10. Inserted by Finance Act, 2006.
11. Omitted by Finance Act, 2006. At the time of omitting the clause (c) was as under:-
7
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
“(c)“bill of entry” means bill of entry delivered under section 79 11a[and includes electronic
filing of bill of entry];
11a Added by Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001) S.4(1), page 304.”
12. Omitted by Finance Act, 2006. At the time of omitting the clause (d) was as under:-
“(d)“bill of export” means bill of export delivered under section 131 **[and includes electronic
filing of bill of export];.**Added by Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(1)(ii), page
305.
12a. Substituted by the FA, 2007. Before substitution definition was as under:-
“Board” means the Central Board of Revenue, constituted under the Central Board of Revenue
Act, 1924;”
13. Inserted by Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(1)(a), page 20.
14. Inserted by Finance Act, 2005
15. Inserted by Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(1)(a), page 107, Omitted by Finance Ordinance,
2000 (XI of 2000), S.4(1)(b), page 198 and inserted by Finance Ordinance 2002 (XXVII of
20020, S.4(1)(c). At the time of omission, clause (ff) was as under:-
“[(ff) ”Collector (Appeals)” means a person appointed to be a Collector of Customs
(Appeals) under section 3;]”
16. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1994 (XII of 1994), S.6(1), page 253 and substituted by Finance
Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(1)(iii), page 305, substituted by Finance Ordinance, 2002
(XXVII of 2002), S.4(1)(d), page 223 and substituted by Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(1)(b),
page 20. At the time of substitution clause (ia) was as under:-
“[(ia) “customs documents” includes bill of entry, bill of export, application for claim for
refund, duty drawback and repayment of duty, baggage declaration form or similar other forms
used for customs clearance and such documents electronically filed;]”.
“[(ia) “customs documents” include bill of entry, bill of export, application for claim for
refund, duty drawback and repayment of duty, baggage declaration form or similar other forms
used for customs clearance;]”.
17 Substituted for clause (ia) as clauses (ia) and (ib) by FA, 2003 and omitted by Finance Act,
2006. At the time of omitting the clause (ib) was as under:-
(ib) “customs documents” includes bill of entry, bill of export or goods declaration,
applications for claim for refund, duty drawback and repayment of duty, baggage declaration
form and documents such as bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list or similar other
forms or documents used for customs clearance and includes such documents electronically filed
and system generated documents that are not required to be manually signed by the departmental
officials;
18. Substituted for the words “port for the shipment and landing of goods” by Finance Act, 1973 (L
of 1973), S.9(1)(a), page 530.
19. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1977 (XXX of 1977), S.9(1), page 301 and omitted by Finance Act,
2006. At the time of omitting the clause (jj) was as under:-
“[(jj) “customs-practitioner” means a person registered as a customs practitioner in
accordance with the rules made by the Central Board of Revenue in this behalf];
17a.
20. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1987 (VI of 1987), S.8(1)(a), page 33.
21. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
22. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(1)(iv), page 305.
23. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(1)(v), page 305 and substituted by
the Finance Act, 2003 and Finance Act, 2006. At the time of substitution was as under:-
23a. “(la) import manifest means import manifest delivered under section 43 or 44 as the
case may be and includes electronically filed import manifest;]”.
23b Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006. At the time of substitution the clause (la) was as
under:-
“23b[(la)"goods declaration" means a goods declaration filed under sections 79, 23c[or] 131
23d[***] and includes goods declaration filed electronically;
23c. Substituted for the commas, figure and letter“79A”by the Finance Act, 2005
23d. Omitted the word, figure and letter “or 131A” by the Finance Act, 2005
24. Inserted by Finance Act, 2005 (VII of 2005),S.3(1)(c)page 130..
8
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
25. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(1)(d), page 21.
26 Inserted by the Finance Act, 1987 (XI of 1987), S.8(1)(b), page 34.
27. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(1), page 59. At the time of
substitution was as under:-
. “[(a) gold bullion, silver bullion, precious stones, currency, manufactures of gold or silver or
precious stones or any other goods notified by the 27a[Federal Government] in the official
Gazette, in each case exceeding one thousand rupees in value; or
(b) any 27b[****] goods by any route other than a route declared under section 9 or 10 or
from any place other than a customs station;]”.
27a. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance, 1972 (XXI of 1972),
S.3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
27b. The word “other” omitted by the Finance Act, 1973 (L of 1973).
28 Substituted for the words “five thousand rupees” by the Finance Act, 1998 (III of 1998), S.4(1),
page 39.
29. Inserted by the Prevention of Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(1)(a), page 223 (w.e.f. 16 th
May, 1977)
30. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006..
31. Replaced “full stop” by the Finance Act,1999(IV of 1999), S.10(1)(a), page 757.
32. Added by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(1)(a), page 757.
33. Omitted the word “outstanding” by the Finance Act, 2006.
34. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
35. Inserted by Finance Act,2009.
36. The words “Excise and Sales Tax” omitted by the Finance Act,2010.
37. Inserted by Finance Act,2010.
38. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012
39. Inserted by Finance Act, 2013
40. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2014 At the time of substitution was as under:-
(k) “customs-station” means any customs-port, customs-airport or any land customs-station;
41 Omitted by Finance Act, 2014, At the time of omission was as under:-
(m) “land customs-station” means any place including an inland river port declared under
section 9 to be a land customs-station;
42. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
43. Inserted by Finance Act, 2018
44. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019
45. Substituted by Finance Act, 2020(June)
46. Substituted/inserted by Finance Act, 2021(June)
47. Inserted/substituted by Finance Act, 2022(June)
48. Inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
49. Inserted by Finance Act, 2024(June)
50. Inserted by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
9
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER II
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS OF CUSTOMS AND THEIR POWERS
1
[3. Appointment of officers of customs.- For the purposes of this Act, the Board
may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint, in relation to any area specified in
the notification, any person to be —
(a) a Chief Collector of Customs;
(b) a Collector of Customs;
(c) a Collector of Customs (Appeals);
(d) an Additional Collector of Customs;
(e) a Deputy Collector of Customs;
(f) an Assistant Collector of Customs;
(g) an officer of Customs with any other designation.]
1a,25[3A. Directorate General of Intelligence and Risk Management, Customs,.- (1)
The Directorate General of Intelligence and Risk Management , Customs shall consist
of a Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors,
Assistant Directors and such other officers of customs as the Board may, by notification
in the official Gazette, appoint.
(2) The Directorate General of Intelligence and Risk Management-Customs
shall also have powers assigned under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 (VII of
2010) and rules or regulations made thereunder to the defunct Directorate General of
Intelligence and Investigation, Customs.]
11
[3AA. Directorate General of Transit Trade.- The Directorate General of Transit
Trade shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors,
Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, appoint.]
15[3AAA. Directorate General of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.- The
Directorate General of China Pakistan Economic Corridor shall consist of a Director
General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant
Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette, appoint.]
25[3B. Directorate General of Customs Auction.- The Directorate General of
Customs Auction shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors, Additional
Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers of customs as
the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.]
10
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
11
[3BB. Directorate General of Reform and Automation.- The Directorate General
of Reform and Automation shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors,
Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such officers as the
Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.]
25[3BBB. Directorate General of Communication and Public Relations, Customs.-
The Directorate General of Communication and Public Relations shall consist of a
Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors,
Assistant Directors and such other officers of customs as the Board may, by notification
in the official Gazette, appoint.]
3C. 22,23[Directorate General of Customs Academy of Pakistan (CAP).- The
23[Customs Academy of Pakistan] shall consist of a Director General and as many
Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors and such
other officers as the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.
11[3CC. Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement.- The
Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement shall consist of a
Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors,
Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by notification in the
official Gazette, appoint]
19[3CCA. Directorate General of Law and Prosecution.- The Directorate General of
Law and Prosecution shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors,
Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Special Public Prosecutors,
22
[Special Prosecutors] and such other officers as the Board may, by notification in the
official Gazette, appoint.
21
[3CCB. Directorate General of National Nuclear Detection Architecture.- The
Directorate General of Nuclear Detection Architecture shall consist of a Director
General and as many Deputy Director Generals, Directors, Additional Directors,
Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, appoint.
3CCC. Directorate Generals of Marine.- The Directorate Generals of Marine shall
consist of a Director General as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy
Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by notification
in the official Gazette, appoint.]
24[3CCD. Directorate General of National Targeting Centre.- The Directorate
General of National Targeting Centre (NTC) shall consist of a Director General and as
many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such
other officers as the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.]
11
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
24[3CCE. Directorate General of Combating Trade Based Money
Laundering.- The Directorate General of Combating Trade Based Money Laundering
(TBML) shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors, Additional
Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board
may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.]
2[3D. Directorate General of Valuation.- The Directorate General of Valuation
shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy
Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by notification
in the official Gazette, appoint.]
10[3DD . Directorate General of Post Clearance audit 25[and Internal Audit
(PCA&IA)].- The Directorate-General of Post Clearance Audit 25[and Internal Audit
(PCA&IA)] shall consist of a Directors-General and as many Directors, Additional
Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board
may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.]
12
[3DDD. Directorate General of Input Output Co-efficient Organization. – The
Directorate General of Input Output Co-efficient Organization (IOCO) shall consist of a
Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors,
Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by notification in the
official Gazette, appoint.]
3E. Powers and functioning of the 18[Directorates General and Directorates],
etc.- The Board may specify the functions, jurisdiction and powers of the
18[Directorates General and Directorates] specified in the preceding sections and
their officers by notification in the official Gazette.]
25
[3F. Hiring of technology specialists, auditors, accountants and goods evaluators
on short term contract.- (1) The Board may hire services of technology specialists,
auditors, accountants and goods evaluators on short term contracts not exceeding two
years on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Board.
(2) The re-hiring of persons hired under sub-section (1), shall be subject to
the performance review by the Board.]
4. Powers and duties of officers of customs.- An officer of customs appointed
under section 3 shall exercise such powers and discharge such duties as are conferred or
imposed on him by or under this Act 3[or the rules made thereunder]; and he shall also
be competent to exercise all powers and discharge all duties conferred or imposed upon
any officer subordinate to him:
12
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the rules, the
Board may, by general or special order, impose such limitations or conditions on the
exercise of such powers and discharge of such duties as it thinks fit.
4
[5 “Delegation of powers.- 5,24(1) The Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette and subject to such limitations or conditions as may be specified therein,
delegate any of its functions and powers to the Chairman, or empower by name or
designation-
(a) any Member or Director General to exercise the powers of the Board or
Chairman;
(b) any Collector of Customs to exercise any of the powers of a Chief
Collector of Customs under this Act;
(c) any Additional Collector of Customs or Deputy Collector of Customs to
exercise any of the powers of a Collector of Customs under this Act;
(d) any Deputy Collector of Customs or Assistant Collector of Customs to
exercise any of the powers of an Additional Collector of Customs under
this Act;
(e) any Assistant Collector of Customs to exercise any of the powers of a
Deputy Collector of Customs under this Act; and
(f) any other officer of customs with any other designation.]
6
[(2) Unless the Board in any case otherwise directs, the Director General,
Director, and Collector may authorize any officer to exercise within any specified area
any of the powers of the Director General, Director, Collector or any other officer of
Customs under this Act.]
7
[6.Entrustment of functions of customs officers to certain other officers.- 8(1)
The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, entrust, either
conditionally or unconditionally, any functions of any officer of customs under this Act
to any officer of the Federal Government, Provincial Government24[,National
Command Authority, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority], State Bank of Pakistan
and Scheduled Banks 24[for implementation and enforcement of this Act] 19[in
accordance with the legal framework notified by the Board]:
Provided that where any officer in performance of his functions under this
section commits any offence under this Act, such officer shall, in addition to any other
penalty which may be imposed under any other law for the time being in force, be liable
to such punishment as is specified in sub-section (1) of section 156 for the offence
committed by him.]
13
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
9
[(2) No officer entrusted with any functions of any officer of customs under
sub-section (1) shall interfere in any manner in the performance or discharge of any
duty by an officer of customs in places notified under section 9.]
16
[7. Assistance to the officers of customs.- All officers of Federal and Provincial
Governments, including Inland Revenue, Police 24[,Intelligence Bureau], National
Highways and Pakistan Motorway Police, Civil Armed Forces,20[Border Military Police
(BMP)] 23[,Provincial Levies, Khasadar Force] and officers engaged in the collection
of land-revenue are hereby empowered and required to assist the officers of customs in
the discharge of their functions under this Act. 19[The provision of assistance so
requested shall be binding.]
8. Exemption from service on jury or inquest or as assessors.- Notwithstanding
anything contained in any other law, no officer of the Board or Collector of Customs
and no other officer of customs whom the Board or Collector of Customs deems it
necessary to exempt on grounds of public duty, shall be compelled to serve on any jury
or inquest or as an assessor.
17
[8A. Uniform.- The Board may, with approval of the Federal Minister-in-
charge and by notification in the official Gazette, prescribe rules for wearing of uniform
by officers and staff of Customs Service of Pakistan.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.4(1), page 469. Section 3 at the time of
substitution was as under:-
“3. Appointment of officers of Customs.- For the purposes of this Act, the Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, appoint, in relation to any area specified in the
notification, any person to be-
(a) a Collector of Customs;
**[(aa) a Collector of Customs (Appeals);]
(b) a Deputy Collector of Customs;
(c) an Assistant Collector of Customs; or
(d) an officer of customs with any other designation.”
**. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(2)(a), page 107.
1a. Substituted by the FA, 2007, Before substitution sections 3A and 3B was as under:-
“1b[3A. The Directorate General (Intelligence and Investigation), Customs and Federal.-
The Directorate General (Intelligence and Investigation), Customs and Federal Excise, shall
consist of a Director General and as many Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors and
Assistant Directors and such other officers as the Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette, appoint.
3B. Directorate General of Inspection and Internal Audit.- The Directorate General of
Inspection and Internal Audit shall consist of a Director General and as many Directors,
Additional Directors, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors and such other officers as the
Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.”
1b. Inserted by Finance Act, 2005
2. Substituted by the FA, 2007, Before substitution sections 3D was as under:-
14
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
“3D. Directorate General, Valuation and Post-Clearance Audit.- The Directorate
General Valuation and Post-Clearance Audit shall consist of a Director General and as many
Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and such other officers as
the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.”
3. Inserted by Finance Act, 2006
4. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(2), page 198. At the time of
substitution section 5 was as under:-
“5. Delegation of powers.- The Board, may by notification in the official Gazette, and
subject to such limitation or conditions, if any, as may be specified therein, empower by name or
designation –
(a) any 4a[Additional Collector] of Customs to exercise any of the powers of a Collector of
Collector of Customs under this Act;
(b) any 4b[Assistant Collector or Deputy Collector] of Customs to exercise any of the
powers of a 4c[Additional Collector] of Customs under this Act;
(c) any other officer of Customs to exercise any of the powers of an 4a[Assistant Collector
or Deputy Collector] of Customs under this Act.”.
4a. Substituted for the words “Deputy Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996).
4b. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996).
4c. The brackets and figure “(1)” omitted by Customs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000
(XLVI of 2000), S.2, page 651.
5. Renumbered by Finance Act, 2005 (VII of 2005),S.3(3), page 131.
6. Added by Finance Act, 2005 (VII of 2005), S.3(3),page 131.
7. Substituted by Customs (Amendment) Ordinance,1996 and Finance Act,1996(IX of
1996)S.4(2),Page 469. Earlier same amendment was made to the Customs (Amendment)
Ordinance, 1995 (CXIV of 1995) and Customs (Amendment) Ordinance, 1996 (XVI of 1996), At
the time of substitution section 6 was as under:-
“6. Entrustment of functions of the customs officers to certain other officers.- The
Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, entrust, either conditionally or unconditionally,
any functions of any officer of customs under this Act to any officer of the 7a[Federal] or
Provincial 7a[Government].”.
7a. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXI of
1972), S.3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
8. Renumbered by Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(1), page 13.
9. Added by Finance Act, 2004 (V of 2004), S.3(1), page.
10. Inserted by Finance Act,2008 (I of 2008) Page 45)
11. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012.
12. Inserted by Finance Act, 2013
13. Substituted for the word ‘Central” by F.A,2014
14. Substituted for the words "Federal Board of Revenue by Finance Act, 2017
15. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
16. Substituted by Finance Act, 2017, At the time of substitution section76 was as under:-
7. Assistance to the officers of customs.- All officers of 13[Federal] Excise, Police, and the Civil
Armed Forces, and all officers engaged in the collection of land-revenue are hereby empowered and required
to assist officers of customs in the discharge of their functions under this Act .
17. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
18. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019 (At the time of substitution , the word was “Directorates”)
19. As amended by Tax Laws( Amendment) Act, 2020 (March)
20. Inserted by Finance Act, 2020 (June)
21. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
22. Substituted/inserted by Finance Act, 2022(June)
23. Substituted/inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
24. Inserted by Finance Act, 2024(June)
25. Substituted by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
15
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER III
DECLARATION OF PORTS, AIRPORTS,
LAND CUSTOMS STATIONS, ETC.
9. Declaration of customs–ports, customs airports, etc.- The Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, declare:
1
[(a) the places which alone shall be customs-ports or customs-airports for the
clearance of goods or any class of goods imported or to be exported;]
(b) the places which alone shall be land customs-stations for the clearance of
goods or any class of goods imported or to be exported by land or inland
waterways;
(c) the routes by which alone goods or any class of goods specified in the
notification may pass by land or inland waterways into or out of
Pakistan, or to or from any land customs-station or to or from any land
frontier;
(d) the places which alone shall be ports for the carrying on of coastal
trade with any specified customs-ports in Pakistan; and
(e) what shall for the purposes of this Act be deemed to be a custom
house and the limits thereof.
10. Power to approve landing places and specify limits of customs-stations.-
The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette:-
(a) specify the limits of any customs-station; and
(b) approve proper places in any customs-station for the loading and
unloading of goods or any class of goods.
11. Power to declare warehousing stations.- The Board may, by notification in
the official Gazette, declare places to be warehousing stations at which alone public
warehouses may be appointed and private warehouses may be licensed.
2,7
[12.power to appoint or license public warehouses.-(1) At any warehousing station,
the respective Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction may, from time to time,
appoint or license public warehouses wherein dutiable goods may be deposited without
payment of customs-duty.
(2) Every application for a license for a public warehouse shall be made in
such form as may be prescribed by the respective Collector of Customs in his own
jurisdiction:
Provided that where the Customs Computerized System is operational, the
application shall be filed to the respective Collector of Customs through the system in
the manner as may be prescribed by rules.
16
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) A license granted under this section may be cancelled by the respective
Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction for infringement of any condition laid
down in the license or for any violation of any of the provisions of this Act or any rules
made thereunder, after the licensee has been given proper opportunity of showing cause
against the proposed cancellation.
(4) Pending consideration whether a license be cancelled under sub-section
(3), the respective Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction may suspend the
licence.
12A. Power to appoint or license common warehouses.- (1) At any warehousing
station, the respective Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction may, from time to
time, appoint or license common warehouses wherein dutiable goods may be deposited
without payment of customs-duty on owner or licensee own account.
(2) Every application for a license for a common warehouse shall be made in
such form as may be prescribed by the respective Collector of Customs in his own
jurisdiction:
Provided that where the Customs Computerized System is operational, the
application shall be filed to the respective Collector of Customs through the system in
the manner as may be prescribed by rules.
(3) A license granted under this section may be cancelled by the respective
Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction for infringement of any condition laid
down in the license or for any violation of any of the provisions of this Act or any rules
made thereunder, after the licensee has been given proper opportunity of showing cause
against the proposed cancellation.
(4) Pending consideration whether a license be cancelled under sub-section
(3), the respective Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction may suspend the
license.
13. Power to licence private warehouses.-(1) At any warehousing station, the
respective Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction may, from time to time, licence
private warehouses wherein dutiable goods may be deposited without payment of
customs-duty.
(2) Every application for a licence for a private warehouse shall be made in
such form as may be prescribed by the respective Collector of Customs in his own
jurisdiction:
Provided that where the Customs Computerized System is operational, the
application shall be filed to the respective Collector of Customs through the system in
the manner as may be prescribed by rules.
17
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) A licence granted under this section may be cancelled by the Collector of
Customs in his own jurisdiction for infringement of any condition laid down in the
license or for any violation of any of the provisions of this Act or any rules made
thereunder, after the licensee has been given proper opportunity of showing cause
against the proposed cancellation.
(4) Pending consideration whether a licence may be cancelled under sub-
section (3), the respective Collector of Customs in his own jurisdiction may suspend
that licence.]
14. Stations for officers of customs to board and land.- The Collector of
Customs may, from time to time, appoint, in or near any customs-port, stations or limits
at or within which vessels arriving at or departing from such port shall bring to for the
boarding or landing of officers of customs, and may, unless separate provisions
therefore have been made under the Ports Act,1908 (XV of 1908) direct at what
particular place in any such port vessels, not brought into port by pilots, shall anchor or
moor.
5&7
[(14A. Provision of security and accommodation at Customs-ports, etc.- (1) Any
agency or person including port authorities managing or owning a customs-port, a
customs-airport or a land customs station or a container freight station shall provide at
its or his own cost adequate security and accommodation to customs staff for
residential purposes, offices, examination of goods, detention and storage of goods and
for other departmental requirements to be determined by the Collector of Customs and
shall pay utility bills, rent and taxes in respect of such accommodation.
(2) Any agency or person including, but not limited to port authorities managing or
owning a customs port, a customs airport or a land customs station or a container freight
station, shall entertain delay and detention certificate issued by an officer not below the
rank of Assistant Collector of Customs and also refund demurrage charges which the
agency or person has received on account of delay because of no fault of importers or
exporters.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1973 (L of 1973), S.9(2), page 531, At the time of substitution
clause (a) was as under:-
“(a) the ports and airports which alone shall be customs ports or customs airports for the
unloading of imported goods and loading of goods for export or any class of such goods.”.
2. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1990 (VII of 1990), S.6(1), page 34. At the time of substitution
section 12 was as under:-
“12. Power to appoint public warehouse.- At any warehousing station, the Collector of
Customs may, from time to time, appoint, public warehouses wherein dutiable goods may be
deposited without payment of customs duty.”.
3. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(2), page 223.
4. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1986 (I of 1986), page 10. At the time of substitution sub-section
(3) was as under:-
18
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
“(3) Every license granted under this section may be cancelled on conviction of the licensee
of any offence under this Act relating to warehouse, or for infringement of any condition
provided in the license, or on the expiration of one month’s notice in writing given to the license
by the Collector of Customs.”.
5. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 1984 (XXVIII of 1984).
6. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(2), page 305.
7. Substituted by Finance Act, 2013. At the time of substitution section 14A was as under:
(14A. Provision of accommodation at Customs-ports, etc.- Any agency or person managing
or owning a customs-port, a customs-airport or a land customs station shall provide at its or his
own cost adequate accommodation to customs staff for offices, examination of goods, detention
and storage of goods and for other departmental requirements to be determined by the Collector
of Customs 6[and shall pay utility bills, rent and taxes in respect of such accommodation.]
8. Inserted by Finance Act, 20201 (June)
19
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER IV
PROHIBITION AND RESTRICTION OF
IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION
1[15. Prohibitions.- No goods specified in the following clauses shall be brought into
or taken out of Pakistan, namely:-
(a) counterfeit coins, forged or counterfeit currency notes, and any other
counterfeit product;
(b) any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation,
figure, photograph, film, or, article, video or audio recording, CDs or
recording on any other media;
(c) goods having applied thereto a counterfeit trade mark within the
meaning of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860), or a false
trade description within the meaning of the Copyright Ordinance, 1962
(XXXIV of 1962), the Registered Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits
Ordinance, 2000 (XLIX of 2000), the Registered Designs Ordinance,
2000 (XLV of 2000), the Patents Ordinance, 2000 (LXI of 2000), and
the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 (XIX of 2001) 5[Omitted];
(d) goods made or produced outside Pakistan and having applied thereto any
name or trade mark, being or purporting to be the name or trade mark of
any manufacturer, dealer or trader in Pakistan, unless,-
(i) the name or trade mark is, as to every application thereof,
accompanied by a definite indication of the goods having been
made or produced in a place outside Pakistan; and
(ii) the country in which that place is situated is in that indication
shown in letters as large and conspicuous as any letter in the
name or trade mark, and in the same language and character as
the name or trade mark;
(e) goods involving infringement of copyright, layout-design of integrated
circuits, industrial designs, patents within the meaning of the Copyright
Ordinance, 1962 (XXXIV of 1962), the Registered Designs Ordinance,
2000 (XLV of 2000), and the Patents Ordinance, 2000 (LXI of 2000),
respectively; and
(f) goods made or produced outside Pakistan and intended for sale, and
having applied thereto, a design in which copyright exists under the
Copyright Ordinance, 1962 (XXXIV of 1962), the Registered Layout –
Designs of Integrated Circuits Ordinance, 2000 (XLV of 2000), the
Patents Ordinance, 2000 (LXI of 2000), and the Trade Marks Ordinance,
2001 (XIX of 2001), in respect of the class to which the goods belong or
20
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
any fraudulent or obvious imitation of such design, patent, copyright
except when the application of such design has been made with the
license or written consent of the registered proprietor, right holder of the
design, patent or copyright, as the case may be:
4
[Provided that offences relating to goods imported or exported in
violation of Intellectual Property Rights shall, notwithstanding any thing contained in
any other law for the time being in force, be adjudicated under section 179 by the
appropriate officer of customs.]
16. Power to prohibit or restrict importation and exportation of goods.- The
2
[Federal Government] may, from time to time, by notification in the official Gazette,
prohibit or restrict the bringing into or taking out of Pakistan of any goods of specified
description by air, sea or land.
3[17. Detention, seizure and confiscation of goods imported in violation of section
15 or section 16.- Where any goods are imported into, or attempted to be exported out
of, Pakistan in violation of the provisions of section 15 or of a notification under section
16, such goods shall, without prejudice to any other penalty to which the offender may
be liable under this Act or the rules made there under or any other law, be liable to
detention, for seizure or confiscation subject to approval of an officer not below the
rank of an Assistant Collector of Customs, and seizure for confiscation through
adjudication, if required :
6
[Provided that the period of detention shall not exceed fifteen days which may
be extended by the 7[Additional Collector of Customs or Additional Director] for a
period not exceeding fifteen days.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004)S.3(2), page 13. At the time of substitution
section 15 was as under:-
“15. Prohibition.- No goods specified in the following clauses shall be brought,
whether by air or land or sea, into Pakistan:-
(a) counterfeit coin;
(b) forged or counterfeit currency notes;
(c) any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation , figure,
photograph, film or article;
(d) goods having applied thereto a counterfeit trade mark within the meaning of the
Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), or a false trade description within
the meaning of the Merchandise Marks Act,1889(IV of 1889);
(e) goods made or produced outside Pakistan and having applied thereto any name or trade
mark, being or purporting to be the name or trade mark of any manufacturer, dealer or
trader in Pakistan unless-
(i) the name or trade mark is, as to every application thereof, accompanied by a
definite indication of the goods having been made or produced in a place
outside Pakistan; and
21
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(ii) the country in which that place is situated is in that indication shown in
letters as large and conspicuous as any letter in the name or trade mark, and
in the same language and character as the name or trade mark;
(f) piece-goods manufactured outside Pakistan (such as are ordinarily sold by length or by
the piece), unless the real length thereof in standard yards or other measurement for the
time being applying in Pakistan has been conspicuously stamped on each piece in
Arabic numerals; and
(g) goods made or produced outside Pakistan and intended for sale, and having applied
thereto, a design in which copyright exists under the Patents and Designs Act of
1911(II of 1911), in respect of the class to which the goods belong or any fraudulent or
obvious imitation of such design except when the application of such design has been
made with the license or written consent of the registered proprietor of the design;
Provided that the 1a[Federal Government] may, by an order in writing, exempt from the
provisions of this section any goods or any class or description of goods in transit to a
foreign territory.”
1a. The words “Central Government” substituted by the Finance Ordinance,
1972 (XXI of 1972), Section 3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76 w.e.f. 17 th
June, 1972.
2. The words “Central Government” substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXI of 1972),
Section 3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76 w.e.f. 17 th June, 1972.
3. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2005. At the time of substitution section 17 was as under:-
3a[Seizure] and confiscation of goods imported in breach of Section 15 or Section
“17.
16.- Where any goods ae imported into or attempted to be exported out of Pakistan in
violation of the provisions of section 15 or of a notification under section 16, such
goods shall, without prejudice to any other penalty to which the offender may be liable
under this Act, or any other law, but subject to rules, be liable to 3a[seizure] and
confiscation.”.
3a. Substituted for the word “Detention” by the Finance Act, 1987 (VI of 1987), S.8(2), page 34.
4. Inserted by Finance Act, 2009
5. The words and figure” , or goods imported or exported in contravention of the provisions of
section 32” omitted by the Finance Act, 2011
6. Inserted by Finance Act,2020 (June)
7. Substituted/ by Finance Act,2024 (June)
22
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER V
LEVY OF, EXEMPTION FROM, AND REPAYMENT OF, CUSTOMS-DUTIES
1
[18. Goods dutiable.- (1) Except as hereinafter provided, customs duties shall be
levied at such rates as are prescribed in the First Schedule or under any other law for the
time being in force on,-
(a) goods imported into Pakistan;
(b) goods brought from any foreign country to any customs station,
and without payment of duty there, transshipped or transported
for, or thence carried to, and imported at any other customs-
station; and
(c) goods brought in bond from one customs station to another.
105
(1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), customs duties
shall be levied at such rates on import of goods or class of goods as are prescribed in the
Fifth Schedule, subject to such conditions, limitations and restrictions as prescribed
therein.
(2) No export duty shall be levied on the goods exported from Pakistan.
(3) The 115&120[Federal Government] may, by notification in the official
Gazette, levy, subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions as it may deem fit to
impose, a regulatory duty on all or any of the goods imported or exported, as specified
in the First Schedule at a rate not exceeding one hundred per cent of the value of such
goods as determined under section 25 1b[ or, as the case may be, section 25A].
(4) The regulatory duty levied under sub-section (3) shall –
(a) be in addition to any duty imposed under sub-section (1) or under
any other law for the time being in force; and
(b) be leviable on and from the day specified in the notification
issued under that sub-section, notwithstanding the fact that the
issue of the official Gazette in which such notification appears is
published at any time after that day.]
(5) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,
2[
levy an additional customs-duty on such imported goods as are specified in the First
Schedule, at a rate not exceeding thirty-five per cent of value of such goods as
determined under section 25 2a[ or, as the case may be, section 25A:]
2b
[Provided that the cumulative incidence of customs-duties leviable
under sub-sections (1) 120[Omitted] and (5) shall not exceed the rates agreed to by the
Government of Pakistan under multilateral trade agreements.]
23
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(6) The additional customs-duty levied under sub-section (5) shall be,-
(a) in addition to any duty imposed under sub-sections (1) and (3) or
under any other law for the time being in force; and
(b) leviable on and from the day specified in the notification issued
under that sub-section, notwithstanding the fact that the official
Gazette in which such notification appears is published at any
time after that day.]
3
[18A. Special customs duty on imported goods.- The Federal Government may, by
notification in the official Gazette, levy a special customs duty on the importation of
such of the goods specified in the First Schedule as are of the same kind as goods
produced or manufactured in Pakistan, at a rate not exceeding the rate of duty of excise
leviable under 106[the Federal Excise Act, 2005], on the goods produced or
manufactured in Pakistan:
Provided that the exemption of any goods from the whole or any part of the duty
of excise for the time being in force shall not prevent the Federal Government from
levying a special customs duty on the importation of goods of the same kind:
Provided further that, for the purposes of the Sales Tax 4[***] Act 1990 (VII of
1990), the special customs duty shall not constitute a part of the value of supply.]
5[18B OMITTED.]
.
6
[18C. Rates of duty and taxes and determination of origin under trade
agreements.- (1) Where under a trade agreement between the Government of Pakistan
and the Government of a foreign country or territory, duty at a rate lower than that
specified in the First Schedule is to be charged on articles which are the produce or
manufacture of such foreign country or territory, the Federal Government may, by
notification in the official Gazette, make rules for determining if any article is the
produce or manufacture of such foreign country or territory and for requiring the owner
to make a claim at the time of importation, supported by such evidence as may be
prescribed in the said rules, for assessment at the appropriate lower rate under such
agreement.
(2) Where in respect of any article, a preferential rate of duty is specified in
the First Schedule, or is admissible by virtue of a notification under sub-section (1), the
duty to be levied and collected shall be at the standard rate unless the owner of the
article claims at the time of importation that it is chargeable with a preferential rate of
duty, being the produce or manufacture of such preferential or free trade area, as is
notified under sub-section (3) and the article is determined, in accordance with the rules
made under sub-section (1) to be such produce or manufacture.
24
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) For the purposes of this section and the First Schedule “preferential area
or free trade area” means any country or territory which the Federal Government may,
by notification in the official Gazette, declare to be such area.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), where
the Federal Government is satisfied that, in the interests of trade including promotion
of exports, it is necessary to take immediate action for discontinuing the preferential
rate or increasing the preferential rate to a rate not exceeding the standard rate, or
decreasing the preferential rate, in respect of an article specified in the First Schedule,
the Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, direct
discontinuation of, or increase or decrease, as the case may be, the preferential rate.]
6a
[18D. Levy of fee and service charges.- The 121[Board, with approval of the Federal
Minister-in-charge] may, by notification in the official Gazette, subject to such
conditions, limitations or restrictions as it may deem fit to impose, levy fee and service
charges for examination, scanning, inspections, sealing and desealing, valuation check
or in respect of any other service or control mechanism provided by any formation
under the control of the Board, including ventures of public-private partnership, at such
rates as may be specified in the notification.]
103
[18E. Pakistan Customs Tariff.- The Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette, subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions as it may deem fit to
impose, make such changes in the Pakistan Customs Tariff, specified in the First
Schedule to this Act, required only for the purposes of statistical suffix of the Pakistan
Customs Tariff (PCT) Code 130[:
“Provided further that the Board may constitute a committee or a centre for the
purpose of settlement of disputes regarding classification of goods and may prescribe
rules or procedure for carrying out the purpose of this section.]
19. General power to exempt from customs-duties.- 7&110[(1) The 115&120[Federal
Government], whenever circumstances exist to take immediate action for the purposes
of national security, natural disaster, national food security in emergency situations,
protection of national economic interests in situations arising out of abnormal
fluctuation in international commodity prices, 122[omitted] 114[,] implementation of
bilateral and multilateral agreements, 114 [ and to any international financial institution
or foreign government-owned financial institution operating under a memorandum of
understanding an agreement or any other arrangement with the Government of
Pakistan] 135[or to implement an agreement of the Government of Pakistan with any
entity], subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions, if any, as it deems fit to
impose, may, by notification in the official Gazette, exempt any goods imported into, or
exported from, Pakistan or into or from any specified port or station or area therein,
25
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
from the whole or any part of the customs-duties chargeable thereon and may remit
fine, penalty, charge or any other amount recoverable under this Act.]
11[ OMITTED ]
12
[(2) A notification issued under sub-section (1) shall be effective from the
day specified therein, notwithstanding the fact that the issue of the official Gazette in
which such notification appears is published at any time after that day.]
13
[(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being
in force, including but not limited to the Protection of Economic Reforms 1992 (XII of
1992), and notwithstanding any decision or judgment of any forum, authority or court,
no person shall, in the absence of a notification by the Federal Government published in
the official Gazette expressly granting and affirming exemption from customs duty, be
entitled to or have any right to any such exemption from or refund of customs duty on
the basis of the doctrine of promissory estoppel or on account of any correspondence or
admission or promise or commitment or concessionary order made or understanding
given whether in writing or otherwise, by any government department or authority.]
11
[(4) The Federal Government shall place before the National Assembly all
notifications issued under this section in a financial year.
(5) Any notification issued under sub-section (1) after the commencement of the
Finance Act, 2015 shall, if not earlier rescinded, stand rescinded on the expiry of the
financial year in which it was issued 115[:]
115
[Provided that all such notifications, except those earlier rescinded, shall be
deemed to have been in force with effect from first day of July, 2016 and shall
continue to be in force till thirtieth day of June, 2018, if not earlier rescinded:
Provided further that all notifications issued on or after the first day of July,
2016, and placed before the National Assembly as required under sub-section
(4) shall continue to be in force till thirtieth day of June, 120,122,129,130,133,
135,136,137
[2026], if not earlier rescinded by the Federal Government or the
National Assembly.]
14
[19A. Presumption that incidence of duty has been passed on to the buyer.- Every
person who has paid the customs duty and other levies on any goods under this Act
shall, unless the contrary is proved by him, be deemed to have passed on the full
incidence of such customs duty and other levies to the buyer as a part of the price of
such goods.
26
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
19B. Rounding off of duty, etc.- The amount of duty, interest, penalty, fine or any
other sum payable, and the amount of refund, drawback or any other sum due, under the
provisions of this Act shall be rounded off to the nearest one hundred rupees and, for
this purpose, where such amount is fifty rupees or more, it shall be increased to one
hundred rupees and if such part is less than fifty rupees, it shall be ignored.]
14a,129
[19C. Minimal duties not to be demanded.- Where the value of imported goods
137
[ through post or courier does not exceed one thousand] rupees, no duties and taxes
shall be demanded, subject to conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed by the
Board under the rules.]
15 112 [Omitted]
[20.
21. Power to deliver certain goods with-out payment of duty and to repay duty
on certain goods.- Subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions as it thinks fit
to impose, the Board may, in such general cases as may be prescribed by rules or in
particular cases by special order, authorize-
(a) the delivery without payment of the customs-duties chargeable thereon
of goods which are imported only temporarily with a view to subsequent
exportation;
17
[(ab) 86[Omitted]
18
[(b) Omitted.
19
[(c) the repayment in whole or in part of the 129[duties as levied under section
18 or 18A and] paid on the importation of any goods which have been
used in the production, manufacture, processing, repair or refitting in
Pakistan of goods meant for exportation, 98,134[omitted]or for supply to
industrial units, projects, institutions, agencies and organizations,
entitled to import the same at concessionary rates 20[:]
21
[Provided that no repayment may be granted in a case in which
the amount involved is less than one hundred rupees 22[; and]
23
[(d) without prejudice to the provisions of clause (c), the Federal
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that
drawback or repayment shall not be allowed in respect of any goods of
specified description or may be allowed subject to such restrictions and
conditions as may be specified in the notification.]
24
[(21A. Power to defer collection of customs-duty.- 25[(1)] Subject to such
conditions, limitations or restrictions as it thinks fit to impose, the Board may, in such
general cases as may be prescribed by rules or in particular cases by special order, defer
the collection of customs-duties either in whole or in part.
27
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
26
[ (2) Where deferment of customs-duties is allowed by the Board under sub-
section (1), a surcharge not exceeding 26a,87[KIBOR plus three] per cent per annum shall
also be payable on the deferred amount from such date and in the manner as the Board
may by rules prescribe.]
22. Re-importation of goods produced or manufactured in Pakistan.- If goods
produced or manufactured in and exported from Pakistan are subsequently imported
into Pakistan, such goods shall be liable to customs-duties and be subject to all the
conditions and restrictions, if any, to which goods of the like kind and value not so
produced or manufactured are liable on the importation thereof:
27
[Provided if such goods have been imported within one year of their
exportation and have been consigned to the person in whose account they were
exported and have not undergone any processing since their exportation], the
appropriate officer not below the rank of 28[Assistant Collector 99[Omitted] of Customs
may admit the goods-
29
[(a) Where at the time of exportation of such goods, rebate, refund or
drawback of any customs or Federal Excise duty or any other tax levied
by the Federal Government or any tax, cess or duty levied by the
Provincial Government was allowed on payment of customs duty equal
to the amount of such rebate, refund or drawback as the case may be;]
(b) where such goods were exported in bond, without payment of –
(i) the customs-duty chargeable on the imported materials, if any,
used in the manufacture of the goods; or
(ii ) the Federal Excise duty chargeable on the indigenous materials,
if any, used in the manufacture of such goods; or
(iii) the Federal Excise duty, if any, chargeable on such goods; or
(iv) any other tax chargeable on the material used in the manufacture
of such goods; or
(v) any other tax chargeable on such goods,
on payment of customs-duty equal to the aggregate amount of all such
duties and taxes calculated at the rates prevailing at the time and place of
importation of goods; or
(c) in any other case, without payment of duty.
29a[22A. Temporary export of imported plant and machinery.- Imported plant
and machinery, temporarily exported that have not undergone any alteration,
renovation, addition or refurbishment, may be re-imported duty free subject to the
specific or general terms and conditions the Board may by the rules prescribe.]
28
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
23. Goods, derelict, wreck, etc.- All goods, derelict, jetsam, flotsam and
wreck, brought or coming into Pakistan, shall be dealt with as if they were imported
into Pakistan.
24. Provisions and stores may be exported free of duty.- Goods produced or
manufactured in Pakistan and required as provisions and stores on any conveyance
proceeding to any foreign port, airport or station may be exported free of customs-
duty,30[***] in such quantities as the appropriate officer may determine having regard
to the size of the conveyance, the number of passengers and crew and the length of the
voyage or journey on which the conveyance is about to depart.
31
[25. 31b[Value of imported and exported goods].- (1) Transaction Value.- The
customs value of imported goods, subject to the provisions of this section and the rules,
shall be the transaction value, that is the price actually paid or payable for the goods
when sold for export to Pakistan:
Provided that-
(a) there are no restrictions as to the disposition or use of the goods
by the buyer other than the restrictions which –
(i) are imposed or required by law;
(ii) limit the geographical area in which the goods may be
resold; or
(iii) do not affect the value of the goods;
(b) the sale or price is not subject to some condition or consideration
for which a value cannot be determined with respect to the goods
being valued;
(c) no part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale, disposal or use
of the goods by the buyer will accrue directly or indirectly to the
seller, unless an appropriate adjustment is made in accordance
with the provisions of sub-section (2) (e); and
(d) the buyer and seller are not related, or where the buyer and seller
are related, that the transaction value is acceptable for customs
purposes under the provisions of sub-section (3).
(2) Subject to clause (b), in determining the customs value under sub-section(1),-
(a) there shall be added to the price actually paid or payable for the
imported goods, if not already included in the price;
(i) the cost of transport, excluding inland freight after
importation, of the imported goods to the Port, Airport or
place of importation;
29
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(ii) loading, unloading, and handling charges associated with
the transport of the imported goods to the Port, airport or
place of importation; and
(iii) the cost of insurance;
(b) there shall also be added to such price, to the extent that they are
incurred by the importer but are not included in the price actually
paid or payable of the imported goods-
(i) commissions including indenting commissions and
brokerage, except buying commissions;
(ii) the cost of containers which are treated as being one
for customs purposes with the goods in question; and
(iii) the cost of packing whether for labour or materials;
(c) there shall also be added to such price the value, apportioned as
appropriate, of the following goods and services where supplied
directly or indirectly by the importer or his related person free of
charge or at reduced cost, for use in connection with the
production and sale for export of the imported goods, to the
extent that such value has not been included in the price actually
paid or payable:
(i) materials, components, parts and similar items
incorporated in the imported goods;
(ii) tools, dies, moulds and similar items used in the
production of the imported goods;
(iii) materials consumed in the production of the imported
goods; and
(iv) engineering, development, artwork, design work and
plans and sketches undertaken elsewhere than in Pakistan
and necessary for the production of the imported goods;
(d) there shall also be added to such price, royalties and license fees
related to the goods being valued that the buyer must
pay, either directly or indirectly, as a condition of sale of the
goods being valued, to the extent that such royalties and fees are
not included in the price actually paid or payable; and
(e) there shall also be added to such price, the value of any part of
the proceeds of any subsequent resale, disposal or use of the
imported goods that accrues directly or indirectly to the seller;
(f) if sufficient information is not available for any reason, with
respect to any adjustments referred to above, the transaction
30
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
value, of the imported goods shall be treated , for the purpose of
sub-section (1), as the one that cannot be determined;
(3) If the buyer and seller are related in terms of the rules the transaction
value shall be accepted for the purposes of sub-section (1); whenever:
(a) the examination of the circumstances surrounding the sale of the
imported goods as demonstrated by the importer, indicate that the
relationship did not influence the price; or
(b) the importer demonstrates that such value closely approximates
to one of the following Test Values occurring at or about the
same time:
(i) the transaction value in sales to unrelated buyers of
identical or similar goods for export to Pakistan.
(ii) the customs value of identical or similar goods as
determined under the provisions of sub-section (7)
(deductive value);
(iii) the customs value of identical or similar goods as
determined under the provisions of sub-section (8)
(computed value).
Provided that in applying the foregoing tests due account shall be taken of
demonstrated differences in commercial levels, quantity levels, the elements
enumerated in sub-section (2) and costs incurred by the seller in sales in which the
seller and the buyer are not related that are not incurred by the seller in sales in which
the seller and the buyer are related;
32
[(4) Where, in relation to the goods being valued, the appropriate officer is of
the opinion that the importer has not, for the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (3),
demonstrated that the relationship did not influence the price or, for the purposes of
clause (b) of sub-section (3), that the declared price at which the goods are imported
does not closely approximate to one of the test values mentioned therein, the
appropriate officer shall inform the importer of his reservations in writing and give the
importer an opportunity to justify the price difference. If the importer fails to justify the
price difference, the customs value cannot be determined under the provisions of sub-
section (1).]
(5) TRANSACTION VALUE OF IDENTICAL GOODS.- If the customs
value of the imported goods cannot be determined under the provisions of sub-section
(1), it shall, subject to rules, be the transaction value of identical goods sold for export
to Pakistan and exported at or about the same time as the goods being valued.
(a) In applying the 33[provisions] of this sub-section, the transaction value of
34
[the] identical goods in a sale at the same commercial level and
31
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
substantially the same quantity as the goods being valued shall be used
to determine the customs value of imported goods.
(b) Where no sale referred to in clause (a) is found, the transaction value of
identical goods sold at a different commercial level and/or in different
quantities, adjusted to take account of differences attributable to
commercial level and/or to quantity shall be used, provided that such
adjustments can be made on the basis of demonstrated evidence which
clearly establishes the reasonableness and accuracy of the adjustment,
whether the adjustment leads to an increase or decrease in the value.
(c) Where the costs and charges referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (2)
are included in the transaction value of identical goods, an adjustment
shall be made to take account of significant differences in such costs and
charges between the goods being valued and the identical goods in
question arising from differences in distances and modes of transport.
35,106
[(d) Omitted]
36
[(6) TRANSACTION VALUE OF SIMILAR GOODS.- If the customs
value of the imported goods cannot be determined under the provisions of sub-section
(5), it shall, subject to clauses (c), (d), (e) and (f) of sub-section (13) and rules, be the
transaction value of similar goods sold for export to Pakistan and exported at or about
the same time as the goods being valued, and the provisions of clauses (a), (b) 107[and]
(c)108[omitted] of sub-section (5) shall, mutatis mutandis, also apply in respect of
similar goods.]
(7) DEDUCTIVE VALUE.- If the customs value of the imported goods
cannot be determined under sub-section (6), it shall, subject to rules, be determined as
follows:
(a) if the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are
sold in Pakistan in the condition as imported, the customs value
of the imported goods shall be based on the unit price at which
the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are so
sold in the greatest aggregate quantity, at or about the time of the
importation of the goods being valued, to persons who are not
related to the persons from whom they buy such goods, subject to
the deductions for the following:-
(i) either the commission usually paid or agreed to be paid or
the additions usually made for profit and general expenses
in connection with sales in Pakistan of imported goods of
the same class or kind;
(ii) the usual costs of transport and insurance and associated
costs incurred within Pakistan; 37[and ]
38
[(iii) Omitted.
32
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(iv) the customs duties and other taxes payable in Pakistan by
reason of the importation or sale of the goods.
(b) If neither the imported goods nor identical nor similar imported
goods are sold at or about the time of importation of the goods
being valued, the customs value shall, subject otherwise to the
provisions of clause (a) of this sub-section, be based on the unit
price at which the imported goods or identical or similar
imported goods are sold in Pakistan in the conditions as imported
at the earliest date after the importation of the goods being valued
but before the expiry of ninety days after such importation.
(c) If neither the imported goods nor identical nor similar imported
goods are sold in the country of importation in the condition as
imported, then, if the importer so requests, the customs value
shall be based on the unit price at which the imported goods,
after further processing, are sold in the greatest aggregate
quantity to persons in the country of importation who are not
related to the persons from whom they buy such goods, due
allowance being made for the value added by such processing
and the deductions provided for in clause (a).
(8) COMPUTED VALUE.- If the customs value of the imported goods
cannot be determined under sub-section (7), it shall, subject to rules, be based on
computed value which shall consist of the sum of :-
(a) the cost of value of materials and fabrication or other
processing employed in producing the imported goods;
(b) an amount for profit and general expenses equal to that
usually reflected in sales of goods of the same class or kind as
the goods being valued which are made by producers in the
country of exportation for export to Pakistan; and
(c) the cost or value of all other expenses as specified in clause
(a) of sub-section (2).
(9) FALL BACK METHOD.- If the customs value of the imported goods
cannot be determined under sub-sections (1),(5),(6),(7) and (8), it shall, subject to the
rules, be determined 130[using reasonable means] on the basis of a value derived from
among the methods of valuation set out in sub-sections (1),(5),(6),(7) and (8), that,
when applied in a flexible manner to the extent necessary to arrive at a customs value.
(10) Sub-sections (1), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) define how the customs
value of imported goods is to be determined 38a[***]. The methods of customs
33
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
valuation 38b[may or may not] be applied in a sequential order except reversal of the
order of sub-section (7) and (8), at the importer’s request, if so agreed by Collector of
the Customs.
(11) Nothing contained in this section or the rules, shall be construed as
restricting or calling into question the rights of the appropriate officer of customs to
satisfy himself as to the truth or accuracy of any statement, information, document or
declaration presented for customs valuation purposes.
(12) An appropriate officer of Customs appointed by an order in writing by
the Board, or Collector of Customs, on case to case basis, shall have free access to
business premises, registered office, warehouses or any other place, where any stocks,
business records or documents required under this Act are kept or maintained belonging
to any person after serving notice to such person whose business activities are covered
under this Act or who may be required for audit, inquiry or investigation in any offence
committed under this Act by such person, his agent or any other person: and such
officer may, at any time during the working hours, inspect the goods, stocks, records,
data, documents, correspondence, accounts and statements and any other record or
documents and may take into custody such records in whole or in part, in original or
copies thereof against a signed receipt. The Board or Collector of Customs may also
order for audit for ascertaining the correctness of declarations, documents records and
value of imported goods. All searches and seizure of documents made under this sub-
section shall be carried out mutatis mutandis in accordance with the provisions of the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898(Act V of 1898).
(13) For the purposes of this section,-
(a) “customs value of imported goods” means the value of goods for
the purposes of levying duties of customs and other taxes on
imported goods;
(b) “identical goods” means goods which are the same in all respects
including physical characteristics, quality and reputation. Minor
differences in appearance would not preclude goods otherwise
conforming to the definition from being regarded as identical;
(c) “similar goods” means goods which although not alike in all
respects, have like characteristics and like component materials
which enable them to perform the same functions and to be
commercially interchangeable. The quality of the goods, their
reputation and the existence of a trademark are among the factors
to be considered in determining whether goods are similar;
(d) the terms “identical goods” and “similar goods” do not include as
the case may be, goods which incorporate or reflect engineering
34
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
development, art work, design work, and plans and sketches for
which no adjustment has been made under sub-section 2(c) (iv)
because such elements were undertaken in Pakistan;
(e) goods shall not be regarded as “identical goods” or “similar
goods” unless they were produced in the same country as the
goods being valued;
(f) goods produced by a different person shall be taken into account
only when there are no identical goods or similar goods, as the
case may be, produced by the same person as the goods being
valued; and
(g) “goods of the same class or kind” means goods which fall within
a group or range of goods produced by a particular industry or
industry sector, and includes identical or similar goods.
39[(14) OMITTED.]
(15) Customs value of exported goods.- The customs value of any
exported goods shall be the value at the prescribed time, on a sale in open market for
exportation to the country to which the goods are consigned having regard to the
following provisions, namely:-
(a) that the goods are treated as having been delivered to the buyer
on board the conveyance in which they are to be exported ; and
(b) that the seller will bear all packing, commission, transport,
loading and all other costs, charges and expenses (including any
92
[regulatory duty which may be chargeable under sub-section (3)
of section 18] incidental to the sale and to the delivery of the
goods on board the conveyance in which they are to be exported
and which will be included in the customs value;
(c) that where goods are manufactured in accordance with any
patented invention or are goods to which any protected design
has been applied, the customs value shall be determined taking
into consideration the value of the right to use design in respect
of the goods;
(d) that where goods are exported for sale, other disposal or use,
whether or not after further manufacture, under a Pakistan trade
mark, the customs value shall be determined taking into
consideration the value of the right to use the patent, design or
trade mark in respect of the goods.
Explanation I.-A sale in open market between a buyer and a seller independent of each
other presupposes-
35
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(a) that the customs value is the sole consideration and sale is
between a buyer and seller independent of each other.
(b) that the customs value is not influenced by any commercial,
financial or other relationship, whether by contract or otherwise
between the seller or any person associated in business with him
and the buyer or an person associated in business with him other
than the relationship created by the sale itself.
(c) that no part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale, other
disposal or use of the goods will accrue, either directly or
indirectly, to the seller or any person associated in business with
him.
(d) that two persons shall be deemed to be associated in business
with one another if, whether directly or indirectly, either of them
has any interest in the business or property of the other or both
have a common interest in any business or property or some third
person has an interest in the business or property of both of them.
40
[Explanation II.- For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “prescribed
time” shall mean the time when the goods declaration is delivered under section 131 or
when export of the goods is allowed without a goods declaration or in anticipation of
the delivery of a goods declaration, the time when export of the goods commences.]
40a[25A. Power to determine the customs value.- (1) Notwithstanding the provisions
contained in section 25, 130,132[omitted] 123[omitted] the Director of Customs Valuation
88
[on his own motion or]on a reference made to him by any person 88[or an officer of
Customs], may determine the customs value of any goods or category of goods
imported into or exported out of Pakistan, after following the methods laid down in
section 25, whichever is applicable 130[:
Provided that notwithstanding anything contained in any provision of this Act
and any decision or judgment of any forum, authority or court, while determining the
customs value under this section, the Director may 135[consult prices of goods available]
internationally acclaimed publications, periodicals, bulletins or official websites of
manufacturers of indenters of such goods.]
(2) The Customs value determined under sub-section (1) shall be the
applicable customs value for assessment of the relevant imported or exported goods
116
[:
Provided that where the value declared in a goods declaration, filed under
section 79 or section 131 or mentioned in the invoice retrieved from the consignment,
as the case may be, is higher than the value determined under sub-section (1), such
higher value shall be the customs value.]
36
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
130
[(2A) In case of any conflict in the customs value determined under
sub-section (1), the Director General of Valuation shall determine the applicable
customs value. ]
124
(3) [Omitted]
93
[(4) The customs value determined under sub-section (1) [, or the case may
be under sub-section (2A)] 125[omitted], shall be applicable until and unless revised or
rescinded by the competent authority.]
120
[25AA. Power to use data exchange information for determination of customs
value.- Any information or data, available under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section
219A, may be utilized for the purpose of assessment including valuation.
42
[25B. [Omitted.]
43
[25C. Power to takeover the imported goods.- (1) If any person makes an offer in
writing to buy the imported goods sought to be cleared at value declared by an importer
in the goods declaration, 44[and the Collector of Customs is satisfied that the declared
value is not the actual transactional value, he may after approval of the 130[respective
Chief Collector] order the following without prejudice to any other action against the
importer or his authorised agent, namely:-
(i) entertain offer by any other person to buy these goods at
substantially higher value than the declared customs value in the
goods declaration and payment of customs duties and other
leviable taxes thereon, provided such offer is accompanied by a
pay order equal to twenty-five per cent of the amount of each
[such offer and duties and other taxes calculated in accordance
with the offer];
(ii) give an option in writing to the importer of such goods for
clearance of imported goods at the customs value equal to such
highest offer for purchase of goods and payment of customs
duties and other taxes chargeable thereon; and
(iii) in case the importer fails to clear the imported goods within
seven days of the receipt of notice under clause (ii) above, the
appropriate officer may takeover the goods on payment of
customs value declared in the goods declaration and an amount
equal to five per cent of such declared value;
(2) The imported goods taken over under sub-section (1) shall be delivered
to the offeror on submission of two pay orders, one equal to the customs value declared
in the goods declaration plus five per cent in the name of importer and the other pay
37
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
order equal to the remaining amount of value of imported goods and the amount of
customs duties and other taxes leviable on the imported goods in the name of Collector
of Customs;
(3) In case the local buyer fails to take the delivery of the goods on payment
of value and taxes as prescribed in sub-section (2) above, the pay order equal to twenty-
five per cent of the amount shall be fore-feited in favour of the Federal Government and
imported goods shall be released to the importer as per customs value determined under
44
[sections 25 or 25A as the case may be.]
44a,94,130
[25D. Review of the value determined.- Notwithstanding the provision
contained in section 25A, the Director General Valuation may on his own motion or in
pursuance to a review petition made to him within thirty days from the date of
determination by any person or an officer of
Customs may rescind or determine the value afresh:
Provided that the proceedings so initiated shall be completed within sixty
days of the filing of the review petition or initiation of proceedings as the case may be.]
131,132
[Omitted]
45
[26. Obligation to produce documents and provide information.- (1) Any person, as
and when required, in writing, by an officer of customs not below the rank of an Assistant
Collector, shall,-
(a) furnish information relating to importation, exportation, purchase, sales,
transportation, storage or handling of any goods imported or exported;
(b) produce for examination, documents or records that the appropriate
officer considers necessary or relevant to the audit, inquiry or
investigation under the Act;
(c) allow the appropriate officer of Customs to take extracts from or make
copies of documents or records; and
(d) appear before an officer of Customs and answer any question put to him
concerning goods, documents, records and transactions relating to the
audit or inquiry or investigation.
117
[(1A) Subject to rules, the Board or any officer authorized in this behalf may
require any person to provide such information as is held by that person which is
required for the purposes of End Use Verification of goods specified under Program
Global Shield.]
(2) The appropriate officer of Customs conducting an audit, inquiry or
investigation as the case may be, under this Act, may require in writing any person,
38
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
department, company or organization to furnish such information as is held by that
person, department, company or organization which in the opinion of the appropriate
officer is required for the completion of such audit, inquiry or investigation.
(3) The Board may require in writing any person, department, company or
organization, as the case may be, to provide information held by that person,
department, company or organization, which in the opinion of the Board is required for
purposes of formulation of policy or administering the laws of Customs, Sales Tax,
Federal Excise or Income Tax.
(4) Every person, department, company or organization shall furnish the
information requisitioned by the Board or the appropriate officer within the time
specified in the notice.]
46
[26A. Conducting the audit.- (1) The appropriate officer of customs conducting any
audit under this Act shall proceed in the manner as the Board may by rules prescribe.
(2) Where any audit or inquiry or investigation is to be conducted for the
purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any declaration or document or statement, for
determining the liability of any person for duty, taxes, fees, surcharge, fines and
penalties, or for ensuring compliance with all other laws administered by the customs,
an appropriate officer of Customs may,-
(a) examine, or cause to be examined, upon reasonable notice, any record,
or any statement or declaration or document described in the notice with
reasonable specificity, which may be relevant to such audit, inquiry or
investigation ;
(b) summon , by giving a notice and reasonable time,-
(i) the person who imported, or exported or transported or stored or
held under customs bond, or filed a goods declaration, drawback
or refund claim;
(ii) any officer, employee or agent of any person described in clause
(a); and
(iii) any person having possession, custody or care of records and
documents required to be kept under the Act, and any other
person, as deemed proper, to appear before him at a reasonable
time and to produce such records and documents as specified in
the notice and to give such testimony under oath as may be
relevant.
26B. Access for the purposes of audit.- (1) The appropriate officer of Customs, after
giving a notice in writing specifying the date of visit, shall have access to business or
manufacturing premises, registered office or any other place where any goods, stocks,
39
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
documents or records relating to the ongoing audit are kept or maintained. Such officer
may inspect the goods, stocks, documents, records, data, correspondence, accounts,
statements, utility bills, bank statements, information regarding nature and sources of
funds or assets with which his business is financed, and any other records or documents
required under any Federal or Provincial laws, maintained in any form or mode. Such
an officer may take into his custody such documents, records or any part thereof, in
such form as he may deem fit, against a signed receipt.
(2) In all cases, except where it would defeat the purpose of the audit, a
reasonable advance notice regarding a visit shall be given to the person concerned.
(3) Whosoever causes any obstruction or fails to provide any documents, record,
statement etc, as required under subsection (1), with an intention to defeat the purpose
of the Act by way of destroying, altering or concealing any books, documents or
records required to be maintained under this Act, shall be guilty of an offence under this
section.]
47
[27. Abatement allowed on damaged or deteriorated goods.- (1) If before the
examination of any imported goods the owner thereof informs 48[an officer of Customs
not below the rank of] 49[Assistant Collector] in writing that the value of the goods as
declared in the 50[goods declaration] has diminished as a result of some damage or
deterioration sustained by them before or during unloading at the port of destination, an
officer of Customs not below the rank of 49[Assistant Collector] may appraise the value
of the damaged or deteriorated goods in the manner given in sub-section (2) and the
owner shall be allowed abatement of duty in proportion to the diminution of value so
appraised, whether duty is leviable ad valorem or otherwise.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the value of damaged or deteriorated
goods may be ascertained by either of the following methods at the option of the
owner:-
(a) value may be appraised by an Officer of Customs not below the
rank of 49[Assistant Collector] on the basis of physical
examination of the goods; or
(b) such goods may be sold by public auction or by tender or, with
the consent of the owner, in any other manner and the gross
sale proceeds shall be deemed to be the value of such goods
inclusive of duties.]
51
[(3) In the case of short-landing or short-shipment of goods, the appropriate
officer may, if satisfied with regard to the bonafide of short-landing or short-shipment
of goods, allow reduction in duty proportionate to the goods short-landed or short-
shipped on first examination.]
40
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
52,95
[27A. Allowing mutilation or scrapping of goods.- At the request of the owner
130
[to be made before the filing of goods declaration] the mutilation or scrapping of
goods as are notified by the Board, may be allowed, in the manner as prescribed by the
rules and where such goods are so mutilated or scrapped they shall be chargeable to
duty at such rates as may be applicable to the goods as if they had been imported in the
mutilated form or as scrapped]:
129
[Provided that the goods imported in new condition shall not be allowed
scrapping and mutilation and shall be classified and chargeable to leviable duty and
taxes as new goods:]
137
[Provided further that scrapping and mutilation shall not be allowed for
quantity exceeding ten per cent of the imported goods.]
28. Power to test and denature imported spirit.- When by any law for the time
being in force a duty lower than that prescribed by 54[this Act] is imposed on denatured
spirit, any such spirit imported into Pakistan may, subject to rules, be tested and if
necessary adequately denatured by officers of customs, at the expense of the person
importing the same, before the customs-duty is charged thereon.
29. Restriction on amendment of 55&55a[goods declaration].- Except as provided
in section 88, no amendment of 56&56a[goods declaration] relating to goods assessed for
duty on the declared value, quantity or description thereof shall be allowed after such
goods have been removed from the customs-area 57[or assigned a Customs Reference
Number electronically, as the case may be].
58
[30. Date of determination of rate of import duty.- The rate of duty applicable to
any imported goods shall be the rate of duty in force;
(a) in the case of goods cleared for home consumption under section 79, on
the date on which a 59&59A[goods declaration] is manifested under that
section; and
(b) in the case of goods cleared from a warehouse under section 104, on the
date on which a 59&59A[goods declaration] for clearance of such goods is
manifested under that section:
130
[Provided that, where a goods declaration has been manifested in advance of
the arrival of the conveyance by which the goods have been imported, the relevant date
for the purposes of this section shall be the date on which the goods declaration is
manifested under the 79 or section 104, as the case may be, except for those goods
declaration in respect of which the rate of duty change after the submission of the goods
declaration and before the berthing or cross-over event of the vessel or the vehicle
41
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
respectively, as the case may be, the relevant date in which case, for the purposes of
this section, shall be the date on which the vessel has berthed or the vehicle has crossed-
over the border, as the case may be.]
60
[Provided further that, in respect of goods for the clearance of which a
59/59A
[goods declaration] for clearance has been manifested under section 104, and the
duty is not paid within seven days of the 59/59A[goods declaration] being manifested, the
rate of duty applicable shall be the rate of duty on the date on which the duty is actually
paid 61[:]
62
[Provided further that in case of the goods illegally removed from the
warehouse, the rate of duty shall be the rate prevalent either on the date of in-bonding
or detection of case or date of payment of the duty and taxes, whichever is higher:
Provided further that in case of exercising option for redemption of fine in lieu
of confiscation of the goods seized during anti-smuggling operations, the rate of duty
shall be the rate prevalent either on the date of seizure or date of payment of duty and
taxes, whichever is higher:]
Provided further that the 127[Board, with approval of the Federal Minister-in-
charge] may, by notification in the official Gazette, for any goods or class of goods,
specify any other date for the determination of rate of duty.
Explanation:- For the purpose of this section “manifested” means that when a machine
number is allocated to 59&59A[goods declaration] and is registered in Customs record.]
63
[30A. Date of determination of rate of duty for clearance through the Customs
Computerized System.- Subject to the provisions of section 155A, the rate of duty
applicable to any imported or exported goods if cleared through the Customs
Computerized System, shall be the rate of duty in force on;-
(a) the date of payment of duty;
(b) in case the goods are not chargeable to duty, the date on which the goods
declaration is filed with Customs 64[.]
65[
(c) Omitted.
Provided that where a goods declaration has been filed in advance of the arrival
of the conveyance by which the goods have been imported, the relevant date for the
purposes of this section shall be the date on which the manifest of the conveyance is
filed at the customs-station of first entry:
42
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided further that the 127[Board, with approval of the Federal Minister-in-
charge] may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify any other date for the
determination of rate of duty in respect of any goods or class of goods.]
31. Date for determination of rate of 66A[duty on goods exported].- The rate and
amount of duty applicable to any goods exported shall be the rate and amount
chargeable at the time of the delivery of the 59&59A[goods declaration] under section
131:
Provided that where the export of any goods is permitted without a 59&59A[ goods
declaration] or in anticipation of the delivery of such a 59&59A[declaration], the rate and
amount of duty applicable shall be the rate and amount chargeable on the date on which
loading of the goods on the outgoing conveyance commences 66B[:]
67
[Provided further that the 127[Board, with approval of the Federal Minister-in-
charge] may, by notification in the official Gazette, for any goods or class of goods,
specify any other date for determination of the rate of duty.]
68
[31A. Effective rate of duty.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other
law for the time being in force or any decision of any Court, for the purposes of section
30 69[,30A] and 31, the rate of duty applicable to any goods shall include any amount of
duty imposed under section 18 89[,18A and 18C]. 70[Omitted] and the amount of duty
that may have become payable in consequence of the withdrawal of the whole or any
part of the exemption or concession from duty whether before or after the conclusion of
a contract or agreement for the sale of such goods or opening of a letter of credit in
respect thereof.
71
[(2) For the purpose of determining the value of any imported or exported
goods, the rate of exchange at which any foreign currency is to be converted into
Pakistan currency shall be the rate of exchange in force on the date immediately
preceding the relevant date referred to in sections 30, 30A or 31.]
72
32. [False] statement, error, etc.- (1) If any person, in connection with any
matter of customs,-
(a) makes or signs or causes to be made or signed, or delivers or causes to
be delivered to an officer of customs any declaration, notice, certificate
or other document whatsoever, or
(b) makes any statement in answer to any question put to him by an officer
of customs which he is required by or under this Act to answer, 90[or]
90
[(c ) submits any false statement or document electronically through
automated clearance system regarding any matter of Customs.]
43
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
72
[knowing or having reason to believe that such document or statement is false] in any
material particular, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section.
(2) Where, by reason of any such document or statement as aforesaid or by
reason of some collusion, any duty 109[,taxes] or charge has not been levied or has been
short-levied or has been erroneously refunded, the person liable to pay any amount on
that account shall be served with a notice within 73[five] years of the relevant date,
requiring him to show cause why he should not pay the amount specified in the notice.
(3) Where, by reason of any inadvertence, error or misconstruction, any duty
109
[,taxes] or charge has not been levied or has been short-levied or has been
erroneously refunded, the person liable to pay any amount on that account shall be
served with a notice within 74[three years] of the relevant date requiring him to show
cause why he should not pay the amount specified in the notice 75[:].
76
[Provided that if the recoverable amount in a case is less than 113[twenty
thousand] rupees, the Customs authorities shall not initiate the aforesaid action 120[:]
120
[Provided further that the aforesaid action shall also not be initiated in case
full amount of short paid duty, taxes or other charges are paid voluntarily prior to
initiation of audit, inquiry or investigation.]
77
[(3A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), where any duty
109
[,taxes] or charge has not been levied or has been short-levied or has been
erroneously refunded and this is discovered as a result of an audit or examination of an
importer’s 128[or exporter’s] accounts or by any means other than an examination of the
documents provided by the importer 128[or exporter] at the time the goods were
imported 128[or exported], the person liable to pay any amount on that account shall be
served with a notice within 100[five] years of the relevant date requiring him to show
cause why he should not pay the amount specified in the notice 78[:]
79
[Provided that if the recoverable amount in a case is less than 8,137[one
hundred thousand] rupees, the Customs authorities shall not initiate the aforesaid action
137
[if he deposits the recoverable amount.]
(4) The appropriate officer, after considering the representation, if any, of
such person as is referred to in sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) 104[or sub-section
(3A)] shall determine 80[any amount payable by him under this Act,] which shall in no
case exceed the amount specified in the notice, and such person shall pay the amount so
determined.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the expression “relevant date” means –
44
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(a) in any case where duty is not levied, the date on which an order
for the clearance of goods is made;
(b) in a case where duty is provisionally assessed under section 81,
the date of adjustment of duty after its final assessment;
(c) in a case where duty has been erroneously refunded, the date of
its refund;
(d) in any other case, the date of payment of duty or charge 96[;]
96
[(e) in case of clearance of goods through the Customs Computerized
System, on self assessment or electronic assessment, the date of
detection.]
81[32A. Fiscal fraud.- (1) If any person, in connection with any matter related to
customs-
(a) causes to submit documents including those filed electronically, which
are concocted, altered, mutilated, false, forged, tempered or counterfeit
to a functionary of customs;
(b) declares in the 82[goods declaration] electronically filed customs
declaration, the name and address of any exporter or importer which is
physically non-existent at the given address;
(c) declares in the 82[goods declaration] electronically filed customs
declaration, an untrue information regarding 97[payment of duties and
taxes through self-assessment,] description, quantity, quality, origin and
value of goods;
129
[(ca) declares value which is significantly higher or lower than the actual
value, that is, the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold
for export to Pakistan, proceedings may be initiated under this section
subject to conditions or limitations as may be prescribed by the Board
under the rules.]
(d) alters, mutilates or suppresses any finding of the customs functionary
on any document or in the computerized record; or
(e) attempts, abets or connives in any action mentioned in clauses (a), (b),
129
[(c),(ca)] and (d) above, he shall be guilty of an offence under this
section.
(2) Where, by any reason as referred to in sub-section (1) as aforesaid, any
duty or tax charged or fee or fine and penalty levied under any provision of law has not
been levied or has been short levied or has been refunded, the person liable to pay any
amount on that account shall be served with a notice within a period of 180 days of the
date of detection of such custom duty and tax fraud, requiring him to show cause as to
why he should not pay the amount specified in the notice along with any other amount
imposed as fine or penalty under the provisions of this Act :
45
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
129
[Provided that an offence, having no revenue implication but covered under
sub-section (1), shall also be served with show cause notice within a period of one
hundred and eighty days of detection of such fraud for penal action under the relevant
provisions of law.]
(3) The appropriate Adjudicating Officer, after considering the written or
verbal representation of such person, may determine the amount of duty or tax
chargeable or fee payable by such person which shall in no case exceed the amount
specified in the notice and such person shall pay the amount so determined besides the
fine or penalty or both.]
83
[32B. Compounding of offence.- Notwithstanding anything contained in section 32
and 32A or any other provision of this Act, where any person has committed a duty or
tax fraud, the Collector 128[or Director] may, with the prior approval of the Board, either
before or after the institution of any proceedings for recovery of duty or tax, compound
the offence if such person pays the amount of duty or tax due along with penalty as is
determined under the provisions of this Act.]
128[32C. Mis-declaration of Value for illegal transfer of funds into or out of
Pakistan.- (1) Without prejudice to any action that may be taken under this Act or any
other law for the time being in force, if any person overstates the value of imported
goods or understates the value of exported goods or vice versa, or using other means
including short-shipment, over-shipment, with a view to illegally transferring funds into
or out of Pakistan, such person shall be served with a notice to show cause within a
period of two years from the date of detection of such mis-declaration as to why penal
action shall not be initiated:
Provided that if goods have not been cleared from customs, such goods shall
also be liable to be seized:
130
[Provided further that Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, make
rules for carrying out the purposes of this section.]
(2) Any proceedings under this section, shall not be initiated, without the
explicit approval of Board.]
33. Refund to be claimed within 84[one year].- (1) No refund of any customs-
duties or charges claimed to have been paid or over-paid through inadvertence, error or
misconstruction shall be allowed, unless such claim is made within 84[one year] of the
date of payment 91[.]
91,118
[Omitted]
46
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) In the case of provisional payments made under section 81, the said
period of 84[one year] shall be reckoned from the date of the adjustment of duty after its
final assessment.
101
(3) In the case where refund has become due in consequence of any decision
or judgment by any appropriate officer of Customs or the Board or the Appellate
Tribunal or the Court, the said period of one year shall be reckoned from the date of
such decision or judgment, as the case may be.]
120
[(3A) The claim filed under this section shall be disposed of 128[subject to
pre-audit] within a period not exceeding one hundred and twenty days from the date of
filing of such claim:
Provided that the said period may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, be
extended by the Collector of Customs for a period not exceeding ninety days.]
119
[(4) No refund shall be allowed under this section, if the sanctioning
authority is satisfied that the incidence of customs duty and other levies has been passed
on to the buyer or consumer.]
128
[(5) For the purpose of this section, the Board may, by notification in the
official Gazette, specify the jurisdiction and powers of the officers of Customs to
sanction refund in terms of amount of Customs duty and other taxes involved.]
34. Power to give credit for, and keep account-current of duties and charges.-
An officer of customs, not below the rank of 85[Assistant Collector 102[omitted] of
customs may, in the case of any mercantile firm or public body, if he so thinks fit,
instead of requiring payment of customs duties or charges as and when they become
due, keep with such firm or body an account-current of such duties and charges, which
account shall be settled at intervals of not exceeding one month, and such firm or body
shall make a deposit or furnish a security sufficient in the opinion of that officer to
cover the amount which may at any time be payable by it in respect of such duties or
charges.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1975 (L of 1975), S.7(1), page 8. At the time of substitution
section 18 was as under:-
“1a.18. Goods dutiable.- Except as hereinafter provided, customs duties shall be levied at such
rates as may be prescribed under the Tariff Act, 1934 (XXXII of 1934) or under any other law
for the time being in force on
(a) goods imported into or exported from Pakistan;
(b) goods brought from any foreign country to any customs-station, and without payment
of duty, there transshipped or transported for, or thence carried to, and imported at, any
other customs stations; and
47
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(c) goods brought in bond from one customs-station to another.”.
1a. Substituted by Finance Act, 2005 (At the time of substitution section 18 was as under:-
1b Added by the Finance Act, 2007.
“18. Goods dutiable.- (1) Except as hereinafter provided, customs-duties shall be levied at
such rates as are prescribed in the First Schedule and the Second Schedule or under any other law
for the time being in force on-
(a) goods imported into or exported from Pakistan;
(b) goods brought from any foreign country to any customs-station, and without
payment of duty, there transshipped or transported for, or thence carried to, and
imported at any other customs-station; and
(c) goods brought in bond from one customs-station to another.
(2) The Federal Government may, on the recommendation, of the National Tariff
Commission constituted under the National Tariff Commission Act,1990 (VI of 1990) (the
Commission), provided the National Tariff Commission follows the same procedure as
prescribed in the said Act by notification in the official Gazette, levy, subject to such conditions,
limitations or restrictions as it may deem fit to impose, a regulatory duty on all or any of the
goods specified in the First Schedule at a rate not exceeding one hundred per cent of the value of
such goods, as determined under section 25 or section 25B and may, by a like notification, levy a
regulatory duty on all or any of the goods, exported from Pakistan:-
(i) at a rate not exceeding one hundred per cent of the value of the goods as determined
under section 25 or section 25B, if such goods are specified in the Second Schedule;
and
(ii) at a rate not exceeding fifty per cent of the amount which represents the value of the
goods as determined under section 25 or section 25B, if such goods are not specified in
the Second Schedule.
(3) The regulatory duty levied under sub-section (2) shall –
(a) be in addition to any duty imposed under sub-section (1) or under any other
law for the time being in force; and
(b) be leviable on and from the day specified in the notification issued under that
sub-section, notwithstanding the fact that the issue of the official Gazette in
which such notification appears is published at any time after that day.]
(4) Any notification issued under sub-section (2) shall, if not earlier rescinded, stand
rescinded on the expiry of the financial year in which it was issued.”
2. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
2a&2b. Added by the Finance Act, 2007.
3. Inserted by Finance Act,1991 (XII of 1991), S.4(1), page 197.
4. The brackets and words “(Amendment)” Omitted by Finance Act,1993 (X of 1993), S.4(1),page
121.
5. Omitted by Finance Act,1999(IV of 1999),S.10(2), Page 758. At the time of omission section 18B
was as under:-
“18B. Levy of service charges.- The Federal Government may, by notification in the official
Gazette, levy a service charge equivalent to two per cent ad valorem on all such goods specified
in the First Schedule to this Act as are subject to pre-shipment inspection.”.
Provided that for the purposes of Sales Tax Act, 1990, such service charge shall not constitute a
part of the value of supply.”.
6. Inserted by Finance Act, 2005
6a Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
7. Renumbered by Finance Ordinance,1979(XXX of 1979),S.6(2), Page 787 w.e.f. 28 th June, 1979.
8. The words “Central Government” substituted by Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXXI of 1972 ), S.3,
and Second Schedule S.1, page 76 w.e.f. 17th June, 1972
48
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
9. Added by the Finance Act, 2005.
10. Substituted for the words “full stop” by Customs (Amendment) Act, 1999 (II of 1999).
11. Proviso added by the Customs (Amendment )Act,1999 and Proviso omitted vide Customs
(Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 (XI of 2000), S.2, page 114. At the time of omission this was as
under:
“Provided that the Federal Government shall not exempt any goods imported into
Pakistan from the whole or any part of the customs duties chargeable thereon, except in the
following cases, namely:-
(a) For rectification of tariff anomalies on the recommendation of National Tariff
Commission; or
(b) for the fulfillment of an international obligation of the Government of Pakistan; or
(c) for the purpose of national security.”
12. Added by Finance Ordinance, 1979 (XXX of 1979), S.6(2), page 187.
13 Added by Customs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2002 (XXIV of 2002).
14. Inserted by Finance Act, 2005.
14a. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
15. Omitted by Customs (Amendment) Act, 1999 (II of 1999) and added by Customs (Amendment)
Act, 2000 (XI of 2000), S.3, page 114, at the time of omission section 20 was as under:-
“20. Board’s power to grant exemption from duty in exceptional circumstances.- Under
circumstance of exceptional nature, the Board may, subject to such conditions,
limitations or restrictions, if any, as it thinks fit to impose, by a special order in each
case recording such circumstances, exempt any goods from payment of the whole or
any part of the customs duties chargeable there."”
16. Added by Finance Act, 2005.
17. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2005.
18. Omitted by Customs (Amendment) Act, 1999 (II of 1999) . At the time of omission sub-clause (b)
was as under:-
“(b) the delivery without payment of the whole or any part of the customs duties chargeable
thereon of imported goods of such classes or description as it may prescribe, intended
to be used in the production, manufacture, processing, repair or refining in Pakistan of
goods of such classes or descriptions as it may prescribe;”.
19 Substituted by Customs (Amendment) Act, 1999 (II of 1999). At the time of substitution clause (c)
was as under:-
“(c) the repayment in whole or in part of the customs-duties paid on the importation of any
goods of such classes or description as it may prescribed, which have been used in the
production, manufacture, processing, repair or refitting in Pakistan of goods of such
classes or descriptions as it may prescribe, provided such repayment shall not be made
in respect of the class or description of goods for which drawback can be claimed
under Section 37.”.
20. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2005.
21. Added by the Finance Act, 2005.
22. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2005.
23. Added by the Finance Act, 2005.
24 Inserted by Finance Act, 1990 (VII of 1990), S.6(2), page 35. Omitted by Customs (Amendment)
Act, 1999 (II of 1999) and inserted by Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(3), page 305.
At the time of omission this section was as under:-
“21-A. Deferment of collection of customs-duties.- Subject to such conditions, limitations or
restrictions as it thinks fit to impose, the Board may, in such general cases as may be prescribed
by rules or in particular case by special order, defer the collection of customs-duties either in
whole or in part.”.
25. Renumbered by the Finance Act, 2006.
26. Added by the Finance Act, 2006.
26a. For the word “fifteen” the word “fourteen” was substituted vide FA, 2007.
49
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
27. Substituted by Finance Act,1975(L of 1975),S.7(2), Page 9 w.e.f.7 th June,1975.At the time of
substitution the proviso was as under:-
“Provided if such goods have been imported within two years of their exportation
27a[(or within such further period not exceeding three years, as the Collector may allow in any
case,)] and have continued to be the property of the person by whom or on whose account they
were exported and have not undergone any processing since their exportation.”.
27a. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1973(L of 1973)
28. Substituted “Assistant Collector” by F.A,1996(IX of 1996) S.4(6).Page 476.
29. Substituted by Finance Act,1973 (L of 1973, S.9(3), Page 531. At the time of substitution it was
as under:-
“(a) where at the time of exportation of such goods, drawback of any customs or Federal
Excise duty or any other tax levied by the 29a[Federal Government] or any Federal Excise duty
levied by the Provincial Government was allowed, on payment of customs-duty equal to the
amount of such drawback.”.
29a. The words “Central Government” substituted by Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXXI of
1972 ), S.3, and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
29a. Inserted section 22A by the Finance Act, 2007.
30 Omitted the comma and words “, Federal Excise duty and sales tax” by Finance Ordinance,
2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(3), page 223.
31. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1998 (III of 1998), S.4(II), page 39 at the time of substitution was
as under:-
“25. Value of imported and exported goods.- (1) The value of any imported goods shall be
taken to be the normal price, that is to say, the price which they would fetch, on the date referred
to in section 30 on a sale in open market between a buyer and a seller independent of each other.
(2) The normal price of any imported goods shall be determined on the following
assumptions, namely:-
that the goods brought by sea or land are treated as having been delivered to
the buyer at the port or place of importation, as the case may be, and that
goods brought by air are treated as having been delivered to the buyer at the
airport or place where they are unloaded in Pakistan or, if the aircraft first
lands in Pakistan at some other airport or place without unloading the goods,
at such other airport or place;
(b) that the seller will bear freight, insurance, commission shall and all other
costs, charges and expenses incidental to the sale and the delivery of the
goods at that port, airport or place which will be included in the normal price;
(c) that the buyer will bear any duties or taxes applicable in Pakistan which will
not be included in the normal price.
(3) Where the imported goods to be valued –
(a) are manufactured in accordance with any patented invention or are goods to
which any protected design has been applied; or
(b) are imported under a foreign trade mark or are imported for sale, other
disposal or use (whether or not after further manufacture) under a foreign
trade mark;
the normal price shall be determined on the assumption that it includes the value of the
right to use the patent, design or trade mark in respect of the goods.
(4) The value of any exported goods shall be taken to be the normal price, that is to say,
the price which they would fetch, at the prescribed time, on a sale in open market for
exportation to the country to which the goods are consigned between a seller and a
buyer independent of each other.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression
“prescribed time” shall mean the time when the bill of export is delivered under section
131 or, when export of the goods is allowed without a bill of export or in anticipation
of the delivery of a bill of export, the time when export of the goods commences.
(5) The normal price of any exported goods shall be determined on the following
assumptions, namely:-
50
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(a) that the goods are treated as having been delivered to the buyer on board the
conveyance in which they are to be exported; and
(b) that the seller will bear all packing commission, transport, loading and all
other costs, charges and expenses (including any export duty which may be
chargeable) incidental to the sale and to the delivery of the goods on board
the conveyance in which they are to be exported and which will be included
in the normal price.
(6) where the exported goods to be valued -
(a) are manufactured in accordance with any patented invention or are goods to
which any protected design has been applied; or
(b) are exported for sale, other disposal or use under a Pakistan trade mark or are
exported for sale, other disposal or use (whether or not after further
manufacture) under a Pakistan trade mark, the normal price shall be
determined on the assumption that it includes the value of the right to use the
patent, design on trade mark in respect of the goods.
Explanation I.- A sale in open market between a buyer and a seller
independent of each other presupposes –
(a) that the price is the sole consideration; and
(b) that the price is not influenced by any commercial, financial or other
relationship, whether by contract or otherwise between the seller or any
person associated in business with him and buyer or any person associated in
business with him other than the relationship created by the sale itself;
(c) that no part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale, other disposal or use of
the goods will accrue, either directly or indirectly, to the seller or any person
associated to business with him.
Explanation II.- Two persons shall be deemed to be associated in business
with one another if, whether directly or indirectly, either of them has any interest in the
business or property of the other or both have a common interest in any business or
property or some third person has an interest in the business or property of both of
them.”.
31a. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(3), page 758. At the time of substitution
section 25 was as under:-
“25. Value of imported and exported goods.- (1) Subject to the provisions of this section
and the rules, the value of any imported goods shall be the transaction value, that is, the
price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold or export to Pakistan.
(2) In determining the value under sub-section (1) –
(a) there shall be added to the price actually paid or payable for the
imported goods:-
(i) the cost of transport of the imported goods to the port,
airport or place of importation;
(ii) loading, unloading and handling charges or any other
charges associated with or incidental to the transport of
the imported goods to that port, airport or place of
importation; and
(iii) the cost of insurance.
(b) to the extent that they are incurred by the buyer but are not
included in the price actually paid or payable for the imported
goods, there shall also be added to such price –
(i) commission and brokerage, except buying commissions;
(ii) the cost of containers which are treated as being one for
customs purposes with the goods in question; and
(iii) the cost of packing whether for labour or materials;
(c) the value, apportioned as appropriate, of the following goods and
services where supplied directly or indirectly by the buyer free of
charge or at reduced cost for use in connection with the production
and sale for export of the imported goods, to the extent that such
51
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
value has not been included in the price actually paid or payable,
shall also be added to such price –
(i) materials, components, parts and similar items
incorporated in the imported goods;
(ii) tools, dies, moulds, and similar items used in the
production of the imported goods; and
(iii) materials consumed in the production of the imported
goods;
(d) royalties and license fees related to the imported goods being
valued that the buyer must pay, either directly or indirectly, as a
condition of sale of the imported goods being valued, to the extent
that such royalties and fees are not included in the price actually
paid or payable shall also be added to such price; and
(e) the value of any part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale,
disposal or use of the imported goods that accrues directly or
indirectly to the seller shall also be added to the price actually paid
or payable for such goods.
(3) The value of exported any goods shall be taken to be the normal price, that is
to say, the price which they would fetch, at the prescribed time, on a sale in
open market for exportation to the country to which the goods are consigned
between a seller and a buyer independent of each other.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression
“prescribed time” shall mean the time when the bill of export is delivered
under section 131 or; when export of the goods is allowed without a bill of
export or in anticipation of the delivery a bill of export, the same when
export of the goods commences;
(4) The normal price of any exported goods shall be determined on the following
assumptions; namely:-
(a) that the goods are treated as having been delivered to the buyer on
board the conveyance in which they are to be exported; and
(b) that the seller will bear all packing, commission, transport, loading
and all other costs, charges and expenses (including any export
duty when may be chargeable) incidental to the sale and to the
delivery of the goods on board the conveyance in which they are to
be exported and which will be included in the normal price.
(5) Where the exported goods to be valued –
(a) are manufactured in accordance with any patented invention or are
goods to which any protected design has been supplied; or
(b) are exported for sale, other disposal or use, whether or not after
further manufacture, under a Pakistan trade mark; the normal price
shall be determined on the assumption that it includes the value of
the right to use the patent, design or trade mark in respect of the
goods.
Explanation I.- A sale in open market between a buyer and a seller
independent of each other presupposes–
(a) that the price is the sole consideration;
(b) that the price is not influenced by any commercial,
financial or other relationship; whether by contract or
otherwise between the seller or any person associated in
business with him other than the relationship created by
the sale itself; and
(c) that no part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale,
other disposal or use of the goods will accrue, either
directly or indirectly, to the seller or any person
associated in business with him.
52
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Explanation II.- Two person shall be deemed to be associated in
business with one another if whether directly or indirectly, either of them has
any interest in the business or property of the other or both have a common
interest in any business or property or some third person has an interest in the
business or property of both of them.”.
31b. For the words “Determination of Customs value of goods” the words Value of imported and
exported goods” were substituted by the Finance Act, 2007.
32. .Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(3)(I), page 198. At the time of
substitution sub-section (4) was as under:-
“(4) Where, in relation to the goods being valued, the appropriate officer is of the opinion
that the declared price at which the goods are imported is different from test values as mentioned
above, the appropriate officer shall inform the importer his reservations in writing and require the
importer to justify the price difference. If the importer fails to justify the price difference, the
transaction value shall be taken to be the one that cannot be determined under sub-section (1).”.
33. Substituted by Finance Ordinance, 2000..
34 Inserted for the word “the” by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(3)(I), page 198.
35. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000),S.4(3)(ii), page 199.
36. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(3)(I), page 198. At the time of
substitution this sub-section (6) was as under:-
“(6) Transaction value of similar goods.- If the customs value of the imported goods
cannot be determined under the provisions of sub-section (5), it shall, subject to rules, be the
transaction value of similar goods sold for export to Pakistan and exported at or about the same
time as the goods being valued, and the provisions of clauses (b), (c) and (d) of sub-section (5)
shall mutatis mutandis also apply in respect of similar goods.”.
37 Added the word “and” by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(3)(I), p.198.
38. Sub-clause (iii) omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(3)(I)p.198.
38a. The words “under this Act” were omitted by the Finance Act, 2007.
38b. For the words “are required to” the words “may or may not” were substituted by the FA, 2007.
39. Omitted by Finance Act, 2005.
40.. Amended by the Finance Act, 2006. At the time of amendments the Explanation II was as under:-
Explanation II.- For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “prescribed time” shall
mean the time when the bill of export or goods declaration is delivered under section 131 or
131A or, when export of the goods is allowed without a bill of export or goods declaration] or in
anticipation of the delivery of a bill of export or goods declaration, the time when export of the
goods commences.
40a. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007. Before substitution the section 25A was as under:-
41[25A. Powers to determine the customs value.- (1) Notwithstanding the provisions contained
in section 25, the Collector of Customs on his own motion, or the Director of Customs Valuation
on a reference made to him by any person, may determine the customs value of any goods or
category of goods imported into or exported out of Pakistan after following the scheme and
sequential order as laid down under section 25.
(2) The customs value determined under sub-section (1) shall be the applicable customs value for
assessment of the relevant imported or exported goods.
(3) In case of any conflict in the customs value determined under sub-section (1), the Director-
General of Customs Valuation shall determine the applicable customs value.]
41. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
42. Inserted by Finance Act, 1988 and Omitted by Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(4),
page 14. At the time of omission was as under:-
“25B. Determination of Value not covered by section 25.- (1) If the value of the
imported goods cannot be determined under section 25, the value, subject to the rules, shall be
the transaction value of identical goods sold for export to Pakistan and exported at or about the
same time as the goods being valued.
53
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) If the value of the imported goods cannot be determined under sub-section (1), the
value, subject to the rules, shall be the transaction value of similar goods sold for export to
Pakistan and exported at or about the same time as the goods being valued.
(3) If the value of the imported goods cannot be determined under sub-section (2), the
value shall be determined as follows-
(a) if the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are sold in Pakistan in the
condition as imported, then the value of the imported goods shall be based on the unit
price at which the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods, are so sold in
the greatest aggregate quantity, at or about the time of the importation of the goods
being valued, to persons who are not related to the persons from whom they buy such
goods, subject to such deductions as may be provided in the rules; and
(b) If neither the imported goods nor identical nor similar goods are sold for export to
Pakistan then, if the appropriate officer so decides, the value shall be based on the unit
price at which the imported goods, after processing, are sold in the greatest aggregate
quantity to persons in the country of importation who are not related to the persons
from whom they buy such goods, due allowance being made for the value added for all
such processing and the deductions as may be provided in the rules.
(4) If the value of the imported goods cannot be determined under sub-section (3), the
value of imported goods shall be based on computed value as may be prescribed by the rules:
Provided that, at the request of the importer, the order of application of sub-
sections (3) and (4) may be reversed, if so agreed by the appropriate officer.
(5) If the computed value of the imported goods cannot be determined under sub-section
(4), the value shall be determined using reasonable means consistent with the principles and
general provisions contained in section 25 and on the basis of data available with the Controller
of Customs Valuation, due regard being given to the circumstances surrounding the sale.]
43. Inserted by Finance Act, 1979 and amended by the Finance Act, 2006. At the time of amendments
the existing Section 25C was as under:-
“25A. Power to takeover the imported goods.- (1) If any person makes an offer in writing to
buy the imported goods sought to be cleared at value declared by an importer in the bill of entry
or goods declaration, the Assistant Collector or any other higher officer of customs may order the
following without prejudice to any other action against the importer or his authorised agent,
namely:-]
(i) entertain offer by any other person to buy these goods at substantially higher value than
the declared customs value in the bill of entry 37[or goods declaration] and payment of
customs duties and other leviable taxes thereon, provided such offer is accompanied by
a pay order equal to twenty-five per cent of the amount of each value and duties and
other taxes leviable on imported goods;
(ii) give an option in writing to the importer of such goods for clearance of imported goods
at the customs value equal to such highest offer for purchase of goods and payment of
customs duties and other taxes chargeable thereon; and
(iii) in case the importer fails to clear the imported goods within seven days of the receipt of
notice under clause (ii) above, the appropriate officer may takeover the goods on
payment of customs value declared in the bill of entry 37[or goods declaration] and an
amount equal to five per cent of such declared value;
(2) The imported goods taken over under sub-section (1) shall be delivered to the offerer
on submission of two pay orders, one equal to the customs value declared in the bill of entry or
goods declaration plus five per cent in the name of importer and the other pay order equal to the
remaining amount of value of imported goods and the amount of customs duties and other taxes
leviable on the imported goods in the name of Collector of Customs;
(3) In case the local buyer fails to take the delivery of the goods on payment of value
and taxes as prescribed in sub-section (2) above, the pay order equal to twenty-five per cent of
the amount shall be fore-feted in favour of the Federal Government and imported goods shall be
released to the importer as per customs value determined under section 25.”
44. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006.
44a. Section 25D inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
45. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006. At the time of substitution the section 26 was as under:-
54
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
“26. Power to require information to be furnished.- An appropriate officer may, by
a requisition in writing, require any person concerned with the importation, exportation,
purchase, sale, transport, storage or handling of any goods which are being or have been
imported or exported to furnish such information relating to the goods as may be necessary for
determining the legality or illegality of the importation or exportation of such goods, the value of
such goods, the nature, amount and source of the funds or assets with which the goods were
acquired and the customs duty chargeable thereon, or for deciding anything incidental thereto and
to produce, and allow the officer to inspect and take extracts from or make copies of any invoice,
bill of lading, book of account or other book or document of whatever nature relating to the
goods.”
46. Inserted by Finance Act, 2006.
47. Substituted by Finance Act, 1986
48. inserted by Finance Act, 2006.
49. By Finance Act, 2006, the words “ or Deputy Collector” were omitted..
50. Substituted the words ”bill of entry” with the” words goods declaration” through Finance Act,
2006.
51. Inserted by Finance Act, 2006.
52. Added by Finance Act, 2005.
53. Inserted by Finance Act, 2006.
54. Substituted for the words, coma and figure by the Federal Laws (Remission & Declaration)
Ordinance, 1981.
55. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(7)(a), page 22.
55A. By the Finance Act, 2006 the words ”bill of entry or bill of export or” were omitted..
56. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(7)(b)(I) and (ii),, page 22.
56A. By the Finance Act, 2006 the words “bill of entry or bill of export or” was omitted.
57. Inserted by Finance Act, 2006.
58. Substituted by Finance Act, 1972, Finance Act, 1998, and Finance Act, 1999.
59. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2003.
59A.. Omitted the words “bill of entry or” by the Finance Act, 2006.
59B. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2002.
60. Second proviso added by the Finance Act, 1979.
61. Substituted for full stop by the Finance Act, 1992 (VII of 1992), S.6(3), page 114.
62. Added by the Finance Act, 1992 (VII of 1992), S.6(3), page 114.
63. Inserted by Finance Act, 2003.
64. Semi colon and the word “and” omitted by the Finance Act, 2005.
65. Clause (c ) omitted by the Finance Act2005.
66A. By Finance Act, 2006, the words ”export duty” were substituted..
66B. Substituted for full stop by Finance Act 1992.
67. Added by Finance Act, 1992.
68. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1988.
69. Inserted by Finance Act, 2003.
70. Omitted by Finance Act, 1991[section 2of the Finance Ordinance,1982(XII of 1982), and section
5 of the Finance Act,1985(I of 1985), and the anti-dumping or countervailing duty imposed under
the Import of Goods (Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duties)Ordinance, 1983 (III of 1983)].
71. Substituted by Finance Act, 2003.
72. Substituted by the Federal Laws(Remission and Declaration) Ordinance,1981.
73. Substituted for the word ”three” by the Finance Ordinance, 2000.
74. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000.
75. Substituted full stop by the Finance Act, 2005.
76. Added by the Finance Act,2005.
77. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000.
78. Substituted full stop by the Finance Act, 2005.
79. Added by the Finance Act, 2005.
80. Substituted the words “ the amount of duty payable by him” by the FA, 2006.
81. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2004.
82. Substituted for the word “bill of entry or bill of export or” by the FA, 2006.
83. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2005.
55
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
84. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2005.
85. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the FA, 1996.
86. Omitted by Finance Act,2008(I of 2008) (Page-45)
87. The word “Fourteen” substituted with word “KIBOR plus three” by Finance Act,2009.
88. Inserted by Finance Act,2009.
89. Inserted by Finance Act,2009..
90. The word “or” and sub-clause (c) added by Finance Act,2009.
91. The full stop substituted with colon and thereafter a new proviso added by Finance Act,2009.
92. The words” export duty which may be chargeable” substituted by Finance Act,2010.
93. Added by Finance Act,2010.
94. Substituted by Finance Act,2010. At the time of substitution the section 25D was as under:-
“25D. Review of the value determined.- Where the customs value has been determined
by the Collector of Customs or Director of valuation or any other authority competent to do so,
a review application shall lie before Director-General of Valuation and any proceeding pending
before any court, authority or tribunal shall forthwith abate”.
95. Substituted by Finance Act,2010. At the time of substitution the section 27A was as under:-
“27A. Allowing denaturing or mutilation of goods.- At the request of the owner, 53 [ to
be made before the filing of goods declaration,] the denaturing or mutilation or scrapping of
imported goods, which are ordinarily used for more than one purpose, may be allowed, as
prescribed by rules so as to render them unfit for one or more such purposes and where any
goods are so denatured or mutilated or scrapped they shall be chargeable to duty at such rate as
may be applicable if the goods had been imported in the denatured or mutilated form or as
scrap”.
96. Inserted by Finance Act,2010.
97. Inserted by Finance Act,2010.
98. Inserted by Finance Act, 2011
99. The words “or Deputy Collector” omitted by Finance Act,2011.
100. The word “three” substituted by Finance Act,2011
101. Inserted by Finance Act, 2011
102. The words “or Deputy Collector” omitted by Finance Act,2011.
103. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2012.
104. Inserted by Finance Act, 2013
105. Substituted by F.A, 2014
106. Substituted for the words and figures “the Central Excises and Salt Act,1944 (I of 1944)” by
Finance Act, 2014
107. Ommited by F.A, 2014 “At the time of omission was as under:-
5(d) If, in applying the provisions of this sub-section, there are two or more transaction
values of identical goods that meet all the requirements of this sub-section and clauses
(b),(d),(e) and (f) of sub-section (13), the customs value of the imported goods shall be
the lowest such transaction value, adjusted as necessary in accordance with clauses (b)
and (c).]
107. Substituted for the words “and” by F.A.,2014
108. Omitted for the words “and(d)” by F.A, 2014
109. Substituted by Finance Act, 2014
110. Substituted by Finance Act, 2015 “at the time of substitution section 19 (1) was as under:
[(1) The 8[Federal Government], subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions, if any, as
it thinks fit to impose, may, by notification in the official Gazette, exempt any goods imported
into, or exported from, Pakistan or into or from any specified port or station or area therein, from
the whole or any part of the customs-duties chargeable thereon 9[and may remit fine, penalty,
charge or any other amount recoverable under this Act] 10[:]
111. Added by Finance Act, 2015
112. Omitted by Finance Act, 2015, “At the time of omission Section 20 was as under:
56
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
15[20. Board’s power to grant exemption from duty in exceptional circumstances.- Under
circumstances of exceptional nature, the Board may, subject to such conditions, limitations or
restrictions, if any, as it thinks fit to impose, by a special order in each case recording such
circumstances, exempt any goods from payment of the whole or any part of the customs-duties
chargeable thereon 16[and may remit fine, penalty, charge or any other amount recoverable under
this Act.]
113. Substituted by Finance Act, 2015. “At the time of substitution was as “one hundred”
114. Added vide Finance Act, 2016
115. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017, at the time of substitution the words was " Federal
Government",
116. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
117. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
118. Omitted by Finance Ac, 2017 , “At the time of substitution was as :
“Provided that no refund shall be allowed under this section if the sanctioning authority is
satisfied that incidence of customs duty and other levies has been passed on to the buyer or
consumer]
119. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
120. Substituted / inserted by Finance Act, 2018
121. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019 (At the time of substitution the words was “Federal
Government”
122. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019(At the time of omission, the word was “removal of anomalies in
duties , development of backward areas”
123. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019 (At time of omission, the words was “the Collector of Customs on
his motion, or”)
124. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019 (At time of omission, the sub-section (3) was “(3) In case of any
conflict in the customs value determined under sub-section (1), the Director General of Customs
Valuation shall determine the applicable customs value”.
125. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019 (At time of omission, the words was “or, as the case may be,
under sub-section (3)
126. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019, t the time of omission the words was “Collector of Customs or”
127. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time of substitution the words was “Federal
Government”
128. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019.
129. Inserted by Finance Act, 2020 (June)
130. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
131. Inserted by Ordinance No.XXII of 2021(15.09.2021)
132. Omitted by Supplementary Finance Act, 2022 (January)
133. Substituted by Finance Act, 2022 (June)
134. Omitted by Finance Act, 2022 [or for supplies against international tenders]
135. Inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
136. Substituted by Finance Act, 2024(June)
137. Substituted by Finance Act, 2025(June)
57
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER – VI
DRAWBACK
35. Drawback of the export on imported goods.- Subject to the subsequent
provisions of this Chapter and the rules, when any goods, capable of being easily
identified, which have been imported into Pakistan and upon which customs-duties
have been paid on importation, are exported to any place outside Pakistan or as
provisions or stores for use on board a conveyance proceeding to a foreign territory,
seven-eight of such duties shall be repaid as drawback, subject to the following
conditions, namely:-
(1) the goods are identified to the satisfaction of an officer of customs not
below the rank of 1/2[Assistant Collector] of Customs at the customs-
station, to be the same as had been imported, and
(2) the goods are entered for export within two years of the date of their
importation, as shown by the records of the custom-house or if such time
is extended by the Board or the Collector of Customs for sufficient cause
within such extended time:
Provided that the Collector of Customs shall not extend the time beyond three
years of the importation of such goods.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section, the goods shall be deemed to have been
entered for export on the date on which the 3 [goods declaration] is delivered to the
appropriate officer under section 131 4[*****].
36. Drawback on goods taken into use between importation and exportation.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in section 35, the repayment of duty as drawback
in respect of goods which have been taken into use between their importation and
subsequent exportation shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the rules
made in that behalf.
37. Drawback on goods used in the manufacture of goods which are exported.-
Where it appears to the Board that in respect of goods of any class or description
manufactured in Pakistan and exported to any place outside Pakistan, a drawback of
customs-duties should be allowed on any imported goods of a class or description used
in the manufacture of such exported goods, the Board may, by notification in the
official Gazette, direct that drawback shall be allowed in respect of such imported
goods to such extent and subject to such condition as may be provided in the rules.
58
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
38. Power to declare what goods are identifiable and to prohibit draw-back in
case of specified foreign territory.- (1) The Board may, from time to time, by
notification in the official Gazette, declare what goods shall, for the purposes of this
Chapter, be deemed to be not capable of being easily identified.
(2) The 5[Federal Government ] may, from time to time, by notification in
the official Gazette, prohibit the payment of drawback upon the exportation of goods or
any specified goods or class of goods to any specified foreign port or territory.
39. When no drawback allowed.- Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore
contained, no drawback shall be allowed-
(a) upon goods which are required to be included in the export manifest
and are not so included, or
(b) when the claim is for drawback amounting, in respect of any single
shipment, to less than 6[or equal to] hundred rupees, or
(c) unless the claim for drawback has been made and established at the time
of export.
40. Time of payment of drawback.- No such payment of drawback shall be made
until the vessel carrying the goods has put out to sea or other conveyance has left
Pakistan.
41. Declaration by parties claiming drawback.- Every person, or his duly
authorized agent, claiming drawback on any goods duly exported, shall make and
subscribe a declaration that such goods have been actually exported and have not been
relanded and are not intended to be relanded at any place in Pakistan and that such
person was at the time of entry outwards and export and continues to be entitled to
drawback thereon.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.4(6),
page 476
2. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words “or Deputy Collector” were omitted.
3. Substituted for the words “bill of export” by the Finance Act, 2006.
4. Added by Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(7), page 16 and omitted the word, figure and letter
“or 131A” by the Finance Act, 2005 .
5. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Ordinance, 1972, S.3, page 56
and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
6. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
59
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER – VII
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF CONVEYANCE
42. Arrival of conveyance.- (1) The person-in-charge of a conveyance entering
Pakistan from any place outside Pakistan shall not cause or permit the conveyance to
call or to land in the first instance at any place other than a customs-station.
(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply in relation to any
conveyance which is compelled by accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable
cause to call, or land at a place other than a customs-station but the person-in-charge of
any such conveyance-
(a) shall immediately report its arrival to the nearest officer of
customs or the officer-in-charge of the police-station and shall on
demand produce before him either the cargo book or the manifest
or the log-book belonging to such conveyance;
(b) shall not, without the consent of any such officer, permit any
goods carried in the conveyance to be unloaded from, or any of
the crew or passengers to depart from its vicinity;
(c) shall comply with any direction given by such officer with
respect ot any such goods; and no passenger or member of the
crew shall, without the consent of any such officer, leave the
vicinity of the conveyance:
Provided that nothing in this section shall prohibit the departure of any
passenger or member of the crew from the vicinity of, or the removal of goods from, the
conveyance where such departure or removal is necessary for reasons of health, safety
or the preservation of life or property 1[ : ]
2
[Provided further that the person in charge of a conveyance, that is en route to
Pakistan from a point outside Pakistan shall, unless otherwise approved by the
Collector,-
17
(a) [deliver] to the Customs, in such form and manner (for example, in an
electronic form and manner) as may be approved in writing by the
Collector (either generally or for a particular case or class of cases), such
advance 17[information] as may be prescribed for any or all of the
following matters, namely:-
(i) the impending arrival of the conveyance;
(ii) its voyage;
60
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(iii) its 17[passengers and crew manifest];
(iv) its passengers 17[and crew name record information];
(v) its cargo for discharge within Pakistan whether commercial or
non-commercial;
(vi) its commercial cargo not intended for discharge within Pakistan,
if any;
(vii) the Customs station at which the conveyance will arrive; and
(b) or arriving within Pakistan, proceed directly to that Customs station
unless directed elsewhere by an appropriate Customs officer.]
3
[(3) The owner or operator of the conveyance, referred to in sub-section (1),
or an agent of the owner, may provide the information referred to in paragraph (a) of
that sub-section to the Customs on behalf of the person in charge of the conveyance:
Provided that the provisions of sub-section (1) and (2) shall apply to,-
(a) a conveyance that has arrived in Pakistan from a point outside Pakistan;
(b) a conveyance departing from Pakistan for a point outside Pakistan;
(c) a conveyance that is within Pakistan and that is carrying international
cargo or international crew or any international passenger, whether or
not the conveyance is also carrying domestic cargo;
(d) any other conveyance that is within Pakistan and that a Customs officer
has reasonable cause to suspect has been, or is about to be, involved in
the commission of an offence under this Act or the importation or
exportation of any dutiable, prohibited, restricted, notified or confiscated
goods.
(4) The person in charge of, the owner of goods, any member of the crew of,
any passenger on, a conveyance to which this sub-section applies, shall,-
(a) answer any question asked by a customs officer under this Act relating to
the conveyance and its voyage and any persons or goods that are or have
been carried by the conveyance; and
(b) produce forthwith, at the request of any Customs officer, any documents
within that person’s possession or control relating to any of those
matter.]
4[43. Delivery of import manifest in respect of a vessel.- (1) The Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, fix a place beyond which no vessel arriving shall
pass until an import manifest has been delivered to Customs or other person duly
authorized to receive in such form, manner and time as the Board may prescribe.
61
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) On receipt of such import manifest the vessel may proceed to come
beyond the fixed place. No pilot shall bring a vessel into customs-port without having
been so authorized by Customs.
(3) If any vessel arrives at any customs-port in which a place has not been so
fixed, master of such vessel shall, within twenty-four hours after arrival of such vessel,
deliver an import manifest to Customs in such form and manner as the Board may
prescribe.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), an import
manifest may be delivered in anticipation of the arrival of a vessel.]
18[44. Delivery of import manifest in respect of a conveyance other than a vessel.-
The person-in-charge of a conveyance other than a vessel shall before arrival or as per
following timelines, after arrival thereof at a land customs-station or customs-airport, as
the case may be, deliver or file electronically an import manifest to appropriate officer
of Customs:
(a) for customs airport: within three of landing; and
(b) for land Customs-station: at the time of entry into the country as
prescribed under the rules.]
45. Signature and contents of import manifest and amendment thereof.- (1)
Every manifest delivered under section 43 or section 44 shall be signed by the person-
in-charge of the conveyance or his duly authorized agent and shall specify all goods
imported in such conveyance showing separately all goods, if any, intended to be
landed, transshipped, transited or taken into another customs-station or to a destination
outside Pakistan and stores intended for consumption at the customs-station or on the
outward voyage or journey, and shall be made out in such form and contain such further
particulars as the Board may from time to time direct5[:]
6
[Provided that the Collector of Customs, through a special order, on such terms
and conditions as he may deem fit to impose, may allow acceptance of digital
signatures instead of manual ones, on electronically transmitted import manifest.]
(2) The appropriate officer shall permit the person-in-charge of a
conveyance or his duly authorized agent to correct any obvious error in the import
manifest or to supply any omission which in the opinion of such officer results from
accident or inadvertence, by furnishing an amended or supplementary import manifest
7
[or by making an amendment electronically] and shall levy thereon such fees as the
Board from time to time directs:
62
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
18
[Provided that before the berthing of the vessel or the cross-over of the vehicle, as the
case may be, the person incharge of a conveyance or his duly authorized agent may
amend the import manifest subject to the rules notified by the Board.]
18
(3) [Omitted]
46. Duty of person receiving import manifest.- The person receiving an import
manifest under section 43 or section 44 shall countersign the same and enter thereon
such particulars as the Collector of Customs from time to time directs 8[:]
9
[Provided that no countersignatures shall be required in respect of an import
manifest filed electronically.]
47. Bulk not to be broken until manifest, etc., delivered and vessel entered
inwards.- No vessel arriving in any customs-port shall be allowed to break bulk, until
an import manifest has been delivered as hereinbefore provided or until copy of such
manifest together with an application for entry of such vessel inwards, has been
presented by the master to the appropriate officer and an order has been given thereon
for such entry.
48. Power to require production of documents and ask questions.- (1) When an
import manifest is presented, the person-in-charge of a conveyance or his duly
authorized agent, if required so to do by the appropriate officer, shall deliver to the
officer the bill of lading or the bill of freight or a copy thereof for every part of cargo or
goods laden on board, journey log-book and any port clearance, docket or other paper
granted in respect of such conveyance at the place from which it is stated to have come,
and shall answer all such questions relating to the conveyance, goods, crew and voyage
or journey as are put to him by such officer.
(2) The appropriate officer may, if any requisition or question made or put
by him under this section is not complied with or answered, refuse to grant permission
to a vessel to break bulk and to other conveyance to land the imported goods, as the
case may be.
49. Special pass for breaking bulk.- Notwithstanding anything contained in
section 47 and subject to rules, the appropriate officer may grant, prior to receipt of the
import manifest and the entry inwards of a vessel, a special pass permitting bulk to be
broken.
50. Order for entry out-wards or loading of goods to be obtained before export
goods are loaded.- (1) No goods other than passengers’ baggage and mail bags shall
be loaded on a conveyance until-
63
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(a) in the case of a vessel, a written application for entry of such vessel
outwards, subscribed by the master of such vessel, has been made to the
appropriate officer and an order has been given thereon for such entry;
and
(b) in the case of any other conveyance, a written application for authority to
load the goods subscribed by the person-in-charge of the conveyance has
been made to the appropriate officer and an order has been given thereon
authorizing the loading.
(2) Every application made under this section shall specify the particulars as
prescribed by the Board.
51. No vessel to depart without port clearance.- (1) No vessel, whether laden or
in ballast, shall depart from any customs-port until a port-clearance has been granted by
the appropriate officer.
(2) No pilot shall take charge of any vessel proceeding to sea, unless the
master of such vessel produces a port-clearance.
52. No conveyance other than vessel to leave without permission.- No
conveyance other than a vessel shall depart from a land customs-station or customs-
airport until a written permission to that effect has been granted by the appropriate
officer.
53. Application for port clearance of vessels.- (1) Every application for port-
clearance shall be made by the master of a vessel at least twenty-four hours before the
intended departure of the vessel:
Provided that the Collector of Customs or an officer authorized by him in this
behalf may for special reasons to be recorded allow a shorter period for the delivery of
the said application.
(2) The master shall, at the time of applying for port clearance,-
(a) deliver to the appropriate officer an export manifest in duplicate
in such form as may from time to time be prescribed by the
Board signed by such master specifying all goods to be exported
in the vessel and showing separately all goods and stores entered
in the import manifest, and not landed or consumed on board or
transshipped 10[:]
11
[Provided that the Collector of Customs, through a special or
general order, on such terms and conditions as he may deem fit to
64
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
impose, may allow acceptance of digital signatures, in lieu of the manual
ones, on electronically transmitted export manifest.]
(b) deliver to the appropriate officer such 12/13[ goods declaration] or
other documents as such officer acting under the general
instructions of the Collector of Customs requires; and
(c) answer such questions respecting the departure and destination of
the vessel as are put to him by the appropriate officer.
(3) The provisions of section 45 relating to the amendment of import
manifests shall, mutatis mutandis, apply also to export manifests delivered under this
section or under section 54.
54. Conveyances other than vessels to deliver documents and answer questions
before departure.- The person-in-charge of a conveyance other than a vessel or his
duly authorized agent shall -
(a) deliver to the appropriate officer an export manifest in duplicate in such
form as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board signed by the
person-in-charge or the agent specifying all goods or stores entered in
the import manifest, and not landed or transshipped or consumed on
board the conveyance;
(b) deliver to the appropriate officer such bills of export 14[or goods
declaration] or other documents as such officer acting under the general
instructions of the Collector of Customs requires; and
(c) answer such questions respecting the departure and destination of the
conveyance as are put to him by the appropriate officer.
55. Power to refuse port clearance to vessels or permission for departure to
other conveyance.- (1) The appropriate officer may refuse to give port-clearance to a
vessel or permission for departure to any other conveyance until-
(a) the provisions of section 53 or section 54, as the case may be, have been
complied with;
(b) all station or port dues and other charges and penalties payable in respect
of such vessel, or by the owner or master thereof, or in respect of such
other conveyance by the owner or person-in-charge thereof, and all
taxes, duties and other dues payable in respect of any goods loaded
therein, have been duly paid, or their payment secured by such
guarantee, or by such deposit at such rate, as such officer directs;
65
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(c) where any export goods have been loaded without payment or securing
payment as aforesaid of all taxes, duties and other dues payable in
respect thereof or in contravention of any provision of this Act or the
rules or of any other law for the time being in force relating to export of
goods.
(i) such goods have been unloaded, or
(ii) where the appropriate officer is satisfied that it is not practicable
to unload such goods, the person-in-charge or his duly
authorized agent has given an undertaking secured by such
guarantee or deposit of such amount as the appropriate officer
may direct, for bringing back the goods to Pakistan;
(d) the agent, if any, delivers to the appropriate officer a declaration in
writing to the effect that he will be liable for any penalty imposed under
clause 24 of the Table under sub-section (1) of section 156 and furnishes
security for the discharge of the same;
(e) the agent, if any, delivers to the appropriate officer a declaration in
writing to the effect that such agent is answerable for the discharge of all
claims for damage or short delivery 17[or other dues in connection with
discharge and delivery of goods] which may be established by the owner
of any goods comprised in the import cargo in respect of such goods.
(2) An agent delivering a declaration under clause (d) of sub-section (1)
shall be liable to all penalties which might be imposed on the person-in-charge of such
conveyance under clause 24 of the Table under sub-section (1) of section 156 and an
agent delivering a declaration under clause (e) of sub-section (1) shall be bound to
discharge all claims referred to in such declaration.
56. Grant of port clearance or permission for departure.- When the appropriate
officer is satisfied that the provisions of this Chapter relating to the departure of
conveyance have been duly complied with, he shall grant a port-clearance to the master
of the vessel or a written permission for departure to the person-in-charge of any other
conveyance and shall return at the same time to such master or person-in-charge one
copy of the manifest duly countersigned by the appropriate officer.
57. Grant of port clearance or permission for departure on security of agent.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in section 55 or section 56 and subject to rules,
the appropriate officer may grant a port-clearance in respect of a vessel or permission
for departure in respect of any other conveyance, if the agent furnishes such security as
such officer deems sufficient for duly delivering within ten days from the date of such
66
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
grant, the export manifest and other documents specified in section 53, or section 54, as
the case may be.
58. Power to cancel port-clearance or permission for departure. (1) For the
purpose of securing compliance with any provision of this Act or the rules or any other
law, the appropriate officer may at any time, while the vessel is within the limits of any
port or any other conveyance is within the limits of any station or airport or within
Pakistan territory, demand the return of port-clearance or the written permission for
departure, as the case may be.
(2) Any such demand may be made in writing or may be communicated to
the person-in charge of the conveyance by wireless, and, if made in writing it may be
served, by delivery to the person in-charge or his agent personally; or
(a) by leaving it at the last known place of abode of such person
or agent; or
(b) by leaving it on board the conveyance with the person
appearing to be in-charge or command thereof.
(3) Where a demand for the return of a port-clearance or of a permission for
departure is made as aforesaid, the port-clearance or permission shall forthwith become
void.
59. Exemption of certain classes of conveyance from certain provisions of this
Chapter.- (1) The provisions of section 44, 52, and 54 shall not apply to a
conveyance, other than a vessel which carries no goods other than the baggage of its
occupants.
(2) The 15[Federal Government] may, by notification in the official
Gazette, exempt conveyances belonging to Government or any foreign Government
from all or any of the provisions of this Chapter.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2005
2. Added by the Finance Act, 2005
3. Added by the Finance Act, 2005
4 .Substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(8), page 23. At the time of substitution section
43 was as under:-
43. Delivery of import manifest in respect of a vessel.- (1) The Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette, fix a place in any river or port beyond which no vessel arriving shall pass until an import
manifest has been delivered to the pilot, officer of customs or other person duly authorised to receive
the same.
(2) If in any river or port wherein a place has been fixed by the Board under this section, the master of
any vessel arriving remains outside or below the place so fixed, such master shall, nevertheless, within
twenty-four hours after the vessel anchors, deliver an import manifest to the pilot, officer of customs
or other person duly authorised to receive the same.
(3) If any vessel arrives at any customs-port in which a place has not been so fixed, the master of such
vessel shall, within twenty-four hours after such vessel has anchored within the limits of the port,
deliver an import manifest to the pilot, officer of customs or other person authoirsed to receive the
same.
67
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(4) Notwithstanding anything herein before contained, the appropriate officer may allow an import
manifest to be delivered in anticipation of the arrival of a vessel.”.
5. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4($), page 305.
6. Added by the Finance Ordinance,2001(XXV of 2001),S.4(4),p-305&306.
7 Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(10), page 23.
8. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(11), page 23.
9. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(11), page 23.
10. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(5), page 306.
11. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(5), page 306.
12 Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(12), page 23.
13. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words “ bills of export or” were omitted.
14. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(13), page 23.
15. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Ordinance, 1972, S.3, page 56 and
Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
16. Inserted by Finance Act,2009..
17. Substituted/inserted by Finance Act, 2018
18. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021(June)
68
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFFECTING CONVEYANCES AT CUSTOMS-
STATIONS
60. Power to depute officers of customs to board conveyances.- At any time
while a conveyance is in a customs-station or is proceeding towards such station, the
appropriate officer may depute one or more officers of customs to board the
conveyance, and every officer so deputed shall remain on board such conveyance for
such time as the appropriate officer may consider necessary.
61. Officer to be received and accommodation to be provided.- Whenever an
officer of customs is so deputed to be on board any conveyance, the person-in-charge
shall be bound to receive him on board and provide him with suitable accommodation
and adequate quantity of fresh water.
62. Officer’s power of access, etc. - (1) Every officer deputed as aforesaid shall
have free access to every part of the conveyance and may-
(a) cause any goods to be marked before they are unloaded from the
conveyance;
(b) lock up, seal, mark or otherwise secure any goods carried in the
conveyance or any place or container in which they are carried;
or
(c) fasten down any hatchway or entrance to the hold.
(2) If any box, place or closed receptacle in any such conveyance be locked,
and the key be withheld, such officer shall report the same to the
appropriate officer, who may thereupon issue to the officer on board the
conveyance, or to any other officer under his authority, a written order
for search.
(3) On production of such order, the officer empowered thereunder may
require that any such box, place or closed receptacle be opened in his
presence; and if it be not opened upon his requisition, he may break open
the same.
63. Sealing of conveyance.- Conveyances carrying transit goods for destinations
outside Pakistan or goods from some foreign territory to a customs-station or from a
customs-station to some foreign territory may be sealed in such cases and in such
manner as may be provided in the rules.
69
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
64. Goods not to be loaded or unloaded or water-borne except in presence of
officer.- Save where general permission is given under section 67 or with permission
in writing of the appropriate officer, no goods other than passengers’ baggage or ballast
urgently required to be loaded for the vessel’s safety, shall be shipped or water-borne to
be shipped or discharged from any vessel, in any customs-port, nor any goods except
passengers’ baggage shall be loaded in or unloaded from any conveyance other than a
vessel at any land customs-station or customs-airport except in the presence of an
officer of customs.
65. Goods not to be loaded or unloaded or passed on certain days or at certain
times.- Except with the permission in writing of the appropriate officer and on
payment of such fees as may be prescribed by the Board no goods, other than
passengers’ baggage or mail bags, shall in any customs-port be discharged, or be
shipped or water-borne to be shipped or shall be loaded or unloaded or passed at any
land customs-station or customs-airport-
(a) on any public holiday within the meaning of section 25 of the Negotiable
Instruments Act,1881(XXVI of 1881), or on any day on which the
discharge or shipping of cargo at customs-port or loading, unloading
passage or delivery of cargo at any land customs-station or customs-
airport, as the case may be, is prohibited by the Board by notification in
the official Gazette; or
(b) on any day except between such hours as the Board may, from time to
time, by a like notification, appoint 1[:]
2
[Provided that where the Customs Computerized System is in
operation, all loading and discharge may be allowed by the Collector of
Customs round the clock and on all days.]
66. Goods not to be loaded or unloaded except at approved places.- Save where
general permission is given under section 67 or with permission in writing of the
appropriate officer, no imported goods shall be unloaded or goods for export loaded at
any place other than a place duly approved under clause (b) of section 10 for the
unloading or loading of such goods.
67. Power to exempt from sections 64 and 66.- Notwithstanding anything
contained in section 64 or section 66, the Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette, give general permission for goods to be loaded at any customs-station from
any place not duly appointed for loading and without the presence or authority of an
officer of customs.
68. Boat-note.- (1) When any goods are water-borne for the purposes of being
landed from any vessel and warehoused or cleared for home-consumption, or of being
70
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
shipped for exportation on board any vessel, there shall be sent, with each boat-load or
other separate dispatch, a boat-note specifying the number of packages so sent and the
marks or number or other description thereof.
(2) Each boat-note for goods to be landed shall be signed by an officer of the
vessel, and likewise by the officer of customs on board, if any such officer be on board,
and shall be delivered on arrival to any officer of customs authorized to receive the
same.
(3) Each boat-note for goods to be shipped shall be signed by the
appropriate officer and, if an officer of customs is on board the vessel on which such
goods are to be shipped, shall be delivered to such officer, and if no such officer be on
board, shall be delivered to the master of the vessel or to an officer of the vessel
appointed by him to receive it.
(4) The officer of customs who receives any boat-note of goods landed, and
the officer of customs, master or other officer as the case may be, who receives any
boat-note of goods shipped, shall sign the same and note thereon such particulars as the
Collector of Customs may from time to time direct.
(5) The Board may from time to time, by notification in the official Gazette,
suspend the operation of this section in any customs-port or part thereof.
69. Goods water-borne to be forthwith landed or shipped.- All goods water-
borne for the purpose of being landed or shipped shall be landed or shipped without any
unnecessary delay.
70. Goods not to be transshipped without permission.- Except in cases of
imminent danger, no goods discharged into or loaded in any boat for the purpose of
being landed or shipped shall be transshipped into any other boat without the
permission of an officer of customs.
71. Power to prohibit plying of unlicensed cargo-boats.- (1) The Board may
declare with regard to any customs-port, by notification in the official Gazette that, after
a date therein specified, no boat not duly licensed and registered shall be allowed to ply
as a cargo-boat for the landing and shipping of merchandise within the limits of such
port.
(2) In any port with regard to which such notification has been issued, the
Collector of Customs or other officer whom the Board appoints in this behalf, may,
subject to rules and on payment of such fees as the Board may, by notification in the
official Gazette, prescribe, issue licenses for and register cargo-boats, or cancel the
same.
71
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
72. Plying of ships of less than one hundred tons.- (1) Every boat belonging to a
Pakistani ship and every other vessel not exceeding one hundred tons, shall be marked
in such manner as may be prescribed by rules.
(2) Plying of all or any class or description of vessels of less than one
hundred tons, whether in sea or inland waters, may be prohibited or regulated or
restricted as to the purposes and limits of plying by rules.
3
[72A. Responsibilities of person in charge or master of a conveyance, agent and
owner of the conveyance.- The person in charge of the conveyance, master, agent for
conveyance and owner of the conveyance shall jointly and individually be responsible
to submit the following information to the Collector of Customs, namely:-
(a) loading or unloading of any container of package, etc., which is believed
to contain any other goods or has different weight or quantity or freight
than declared in the bill of lading or any other document in the
knowledge of such person;
(b) the name and full address with telephone number of the person who
stuffed the goods in the container if he is other than the actual owner of
the goods;
(c) the name and full address with telephone number of the person who
issued a consignment note or the house bill of lading in case of a person
other than licensed by the customs as Customs agent; and
(d) full details and photo copies of corrigendum or instructions issued by the
owner of the goods or by the other persons for change in the name of
consignee or consignor or destination or regarding weight, value,
description and quantity of the goods loaded on the conveyance arriving
or leaving Pakistan;]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted full stop by Finance Act, 2006.
2. Added by the Finance Act, 2006.
3. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2005.
72
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER IX
DISCHARGE OF CARGO AND ENTRY INWARDS OF GOODS
73. Discharge of cargo by vessels may commence on receipt of due
permission.- When an order for entry inwards of any vessel which has arrived in any
customs-port or a special pass permitting such vessel to break bulk has been given,
discharge of the cargo of such vessel may be proceeded with.
74. Discharge of goods by conveyances other than vessels.- When on arrival of a
conveyance other than a vessel at a land customs-station or customs-airport the person-
in-charge of such conveyance has delivered the import manifest under section 44 and
the documents required under section 48, he shall forthwith take the conveyance or
cause it to be taken to the examination station at the land customs-station or customs-
airport and remove or cause to be removed all goods carried in such conveyance to the
custom-house in the presence of the appropriate officer or some person duly authorized
by him in that behalf.
75. Imported goods not to be unloaded unless entered in the import manifest.-
(1) No imported goods required to be shown in the import manifest shall, except with
the permission of the appropriate officer, be unloaded from any conveyance at any
customs-station unless they are specified in the import manifest or amended or
supplementary import manifest for being unloaded at that customs-station.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to the unloading of baggage
accompanying a passenger or a member or a crew or mail bags.
76. Procedure in respect of goods not unloaded by vessels within time allowed.-
(1) (a) If any goods imported by a vessel (except such as have been
shown in the import manifest as not to be unloaded) are not
unloaded within such period as is specified in the bill of lading or
if no period is so specified, within such number of working days,
not exceeding fifteen, after entry of the vessel as the Board may
from time to time by notification in the official Gazette appoint,
or
(b) if the cargo of any vessel, excepting a small quantity of goods,
has been discharged before the expiration of the period so
specified or appointed, the master of such vessel or, on his
application, the appropriate officer may then carry such goods to
the custom-house, there to remain for entry.
73
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) The appropriate officer shall thereupon take charge of, and grant receipts
for, such goods; and if notice in writing has been given by the master of such vessel that
goods are to remain subject to a lien for freight, primage, general average, or other
charges of a stated amount, the appropriate officer shall hold such goods until he
receives notice in writing that the said charges have been paid.
77. Power to land small parcels and hold unclaimed parcels.- (1) At any time
after the arrival of any vessel, the appropriate officer may, with the consent of the
master of such vessel, cause any small package or parcel of goods to be carried to the
custom-house there to remain for entry in charge of the officers of customs, during the
remainder of the working days allowed under this Act, for the landing of such package
or parcel.
(2) If any package or parcel so carried to the custom-house remains
unclaimed on the expiration of the number of working days so allowed for its
unloading, or at the time of clearance outwards of the vessel from which it was
unloaded, the master of such vessel may give such notice as is provided in section 76,
and the officer-in-charge of the custom-house shall thereupon hold such package or
parcel as provided in that section.
78. Power to permit immediate discharge.- (1) Notwithstanding anything
contained in sections 74,76 and 77, the appropriate officer in any customs-station to
which the Board, by notification in the official Gazette, declares this section to apply,
may permit the master of any vessel immediately on receipt of an order under section
47 or a special pass under section 49, or the person-in-charge of a conveyance other
than a vessel on receipt of the import manifest, to discharge the goods imported by such
conveyance, or any portion thereof, into the custody of his agent, if he be willing to
receive the same, for the purpose of unloading the same forthwith-
(a) at the custom-house, or at any specified landing place or wharf;
or
(b) at any landing-place or wharf belonging to the port
commissioners, port trust, railways or other public body or
company; or
(c) for giving it in the custody of such person as may be approved by
the Collector of Customs.
(2) Any agent so receiving such cargo or portion shall be bound to discharge
all claims for damage or short delivery which may be established in respect of the same
by the owner thereof, and shall be entitled to recover from such owner his charges for
service rendered, but not for commission or the like, where any agent for the unloading
74
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
of such cargo or portion has been previously appointed by the owner and such
appointment is unrevoked.
(3) The appropriate officer shall take charge of all goods discharged under
clause (a) of sub-section (1) and otherwise proceed in relation thereto as provided in
sections 76 and 82.
(4) A public body or company or person at whose landing place or wharf or
place of storage any goods are discharged under clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section
(1) shall not permit the same to be removed or otherwise dealt with except in
accordance with the order in writing of the appropriate officer.
79. Declaration and assessment for home consumption or warehousing [or
transshipment] .- 1[(1)The owner of any imported goods shall make entry of such
goods for home consumption or warehousing 19[or transshipment] or for any other
approved purposes, within 21[ten] days of the arrival of the goods, by,-
(a) filing a true declaration of goods, giving therein complete and correct
particulars of such goods, duly supported by commercial invoice, bill of
lading or airway bill, packing list or any other document required for
clearance of such goods in such form and manner as the Board may
prescribe ; 25[omitted
(aa) the documents mandatory for assessment of the goods shall be uploaded
by the importer or his agent with the goods declaration, as may be
prescribed by the Board; and ]
(b) assessing and paying his liability of duty, taxes and other charges
thereon, in case of a registered user of the Customs Computerized
System:
11
[Provided that if, in case of used goods, before filing of goods
declaration, the owner makes a request to an officer of customs not
below the rank of an Additional Collector that he is unable, for want of
full information, to make a correct and complete declaration of the
goods, then such officer subject to such conditions as he may deem fit,
may permit the owner to examine the goods and thereafter make entry of
such goods by filing a goods declaration after having assessed and paid
his liabilities of duties, taxes and other charges:]
Provided further that no goods declaration shall be filed prior to
ten days of the expected time of arrival of the vessel 29[:
Provided further also that in case of land customs station at
border, the owner of any imported goods shall file Goods Declaration
(GD) for home consumption or warehousing or transshipment or any
75
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
other approved purpose, within three days of arrival of goods at the
border Customs station.]
20,31
[Explanation.- For the purposes of this clause, the payment of duty, taxes,
other charges in respect of transshipment shall be made at the port of destination
and assessment may be made in such manner at such place as may be prescribed
by the Board:
Provided that, from such date as notified by the Board, in respect of
goods declaration filed prior to berthing of the vessel or cross-over event of
vehicle, he shall have the option to pay his liability of duty, taxes and other
charges on completion of assessment.]
(2) If an officer, not below the rank of Additional Collector of Customs, is
satisfied that the rate of customs duty is not adversely affected and that there was no
intention to defraud, he may, in exceptional circumstances and for reasons to be
recorded in writing, permit, substitution of a goods declaration for home consumption
for a goods declaration for warehousing or vice versa.
(3) An officer of Customs, not below the rank of Assistant Collector of
Customs, may in case of goods requiring immediate release allow release thereof prior
to presentation of a goods declaration subject to such conditions and restrictions as may
be prescribed by the Board.]
2[79A. Omitted].
3[80. Checking of goods declaration by the Customs.- (1) On the receipt of
goods declaration under section 79, an officer of Customs shall satisfy himself
regarding the correctness of the particulars of imports, including declaration,
assessment, and in case of the Customs Computerized System, payment of duty, taxes
and other charges thereon.
(2) An officer of Customs may examine any goods that he may deem
necessary at any time after the import of the goods into the country and may requisition
relevant documents, as and when and in the manner deemed appropriate, during or after
release of the goods by Customs;
26,27
(3) [If during the checking of goods declaration], it is found that any
statement in such declaration or document or any information so furnished is not correct
in respect of any matter relating to the assessment, the goods shall, without prejudice to
any other action which may be taken under this Act, be reassessed to duty 16[,taxes and
other charges levied thereon]:
76
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
24
[Provided that in case of reassessment, a notice shall be served to the importer
through Customs Computerized System and opportunity of hearing shall be provided,
if he so desires.]
(4) In case of the Customs Computerized System, goods may be examined
21
[and assessed] only on the basis of computerized selectivity criteria:
25
[Provided further that in case of clearance of goods declaration through
green channel, the goods may be examined with the prior approval of the Collector of
Customs.]
(5) The Collector may, however, either condone the examination or defer
the examination of imported goods or class of goods and cause it to be performed at a
designated place as he deems fit and proper either on the request of the importer or
otherwise.]
31
[(6) Subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions as it may impose,
the Board may by a special order constitute Centralized Assessment Unit and
Centralized Examination Unit at such places as it may deem appropriate:
Provided that-
(a) import, export and transit consignments at any customs port, inland
customs station, border customs station or airport may be assessed and
examined through Centralized Assessment Unit and Centralized
Examination Unit;
(b) Centralized Assessment Unit shall be a restricted area accessible only to
the designated customs officers or such other officers authorized by the
Chief Collector;
(c) Digitalized assessment may be made through customs computerized
system on the basis of artificial intelligence tools;
(d) The Board may prescribe any manner or conditions for assessment or
examination of goods through Centralized Assessment Unit and
Centralized Examination Unit; and
(e) The Centralized Assessment Unit and Centralized Examination Unit
already constituted shall be deemed to have always been constituted
under this section.]
4[80A. Omitted.]
77
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
22[80B. Application of risk management system.- For the purpose of enforcing
Customs Controls, risk management system shall be used in such manner as may be
prescribed by rules.]
5[81. Provisional determination of liability.- (1) Where it is not possible for an
officer of Customs during the checking of the goods declaration to satisfy himself of the
correctness of the assessment of the goods made under section 79 22[or 131], for reasons
that the goods require chemical or other test or a further inquiry, an officer, not below
the rank of Assistant Collector of Customs, may order that the duty, taxes and other
charges payable on such goods, be determined provisionally:
Provided that the importer, save in the case of goods entered for warehousing,
pays such additional amount on the basis of provisional assessment or furnishes bank
guarantee 26,27[Omitted] 5a[or pay order] 15[Omitted] of a scheduled bank along with an
indemnity bond for the payment thereof as the said officer deems sufficient to meet the
likely differential between the final determination of duty 17[, taxes and other charges]
over the amount determined provisionally:
Provided further that there shall be no provisional assessment under this section
if no differential amount of duty and 18[taxes and other charges] is paid or secured
against bank guarantee 26,27[Omitted] 14[or pay order] 15[Omitted]:
28
[Provided further that no provisional determination of value shall be allowed
in those cases where a Valuation Ruling (VR) 30[or a Publication Valuation Ruling
(PVR)], issued under section 25A, is in field, irrespective of the fact whether any
review or revision against such Valuation Ruling 30[or a Publication Valuation Ruling
(PVR)] is pending in terms of section 25D or relevant rules, as the case may be.]
5b
[(2) Where any goods are allowed to be cleared or delivered on the basis of
such provisional determination, the amount of duty, taxes and charges correctly payable
on those goods shall be determined within 28[ninety days] of the date of provisional
determination:
Provided that the Collector of Customs or, as the case may be, Director of
Valuation, may in circumstances of exceptional nature and after recording such
circumstances, extend the period for final determination which shall in no case exceed
28
[thirty] days12[:]
12
[Provided further that any period, during which the proceedings are adjourned
on account of a stay order or for want of clarification from the Board or the time taken
through adjournment by the importer, shall be excluded for the computation of
aforesaid periods.]
78
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) On completion of final determination, the amount already paid or
guaranteed shall be adjusted against the amount payable on the basis of final
determination, and the difference between the two amounts shall be paid forthwith to or
by the importer, as the case may be.
(4). If the final determination is not made with the period specified in sub-
section (2), the provisional determination shall, in the absence of any new evidence, be
deemed to be the final determination.
13
[(5) On completion of final determination under sub-section (3) or (4), the
appropriate officer shall issue an order for adjustment, refund or recovery of amount
determined, as the case may be.]
Explanation.- Provisional assessment means the amount of duties and
taxes paid or secured against bank guarantee or 15[pay order].
6
[81A. Omitted].
7,31[82.Procedure in case of goods not cleared or warehoused or transshipped or
exported or removed from the port after unloading or filling of declaration.- (1)
The owner of the goods shall be liable to such penalties as may be notified by the
Federal Government in the following cases, namely:-
(a) Goods declaration is not filed for home-consumption or warehousing or
transshipment within twenty days of the arrival of goods at a customs
station;
(b) For the goods declaration filed prior to berthing of the vessel, the goods are
not removed from the customs station after payment of leviable duty and
taxes, within five days of completion of assessment and berthing of the
vessel;
(c) For the goods declaration filed after berthing of vessel, the goods are not
removed from the customs station for home-consumption or warehousing or
transshipment within five days of the clearance of the goods declaration; and
(d) The goods are not loaded on the conveyance for export within fifteen days
of the entry in the port:
Provided that in unavoidable circumstances, the Collector of Customs may
waive the penalty fixed under this section
(2) Such goods may, after due notice to the owner, if his address could be
ascertained, or after due notice to the carrier, shipping or customs agent, custodian of
79
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
the goods, as the case may be , be sold in auction or taken into custody by Customs and
removed from the port to a Customs warehouse for auction under the order of the
Assistance Collector of Customs notwithstanding the fact that adjudication of the case
under section 179, or an appeal or special customs reference application under section
193, 194 or 196 as the case may be, or a proceeding is pending in any court:
Provided that the goods shall be liable to confiscation if a goods declaration
for home-consumption or warehousing or transshipment is not filed within thirty days
of arrival of the goods at the customs station or the goods are not loaded on the
conveyance for export or not removed from the port area within thirty days of
assessment of the goods declaration:
Provided further that-
(a) Animals and perishable and hazardous goods may, with the
permission of the appropriate officer, be sold or destroyed at any
time.
(b) Arms, ammunition or military stores may be sold or otherwise
disposed of at such time and place and in such manner as the Board
may, with the approval of the Federal Government, direct; and
(c) In case where goods are sold pending adjudication, appeal or
decision of the court, the proceeds of sale shall be kept in deposit and
if on such adjudication, or as the case may be, in such appeal or the
decision of the court, the goods sold are found not to have been liable
to confiscation, the entire sale proceeds, after necessary deduction of
duties, taxes transportation and other charges or duties as provided in
section 201, shall be handed over to the owner:
Provided also that Collector of Customs may direct the importer or in
case importer is not traceable, the shipping line to re-export out of Pakistan
any goods, banned or restricted through a notification issued by the Federal
Government, if the same are not cleared or auctioned within sixty days of
the date of their arrival:
Provided also that where Customs removes such goods from the
premises of the custodian for disposal, the charges due to the custodian shall
be paid subsequently from the sale proceeds of the goods in the manner as
provided under section 201:
Provided also that nothing in this section shall authorize removal for
home consumption of any dutiable goods without payment of customs
duties thereon.]
80
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
10
[82A. Omitted.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. By the Finance Act, 2006 sub-section (1) of section 79 was substituted. At the time of
substitution, the section (1) of section 79 was as under:-
“(1) The owner of any imported goods shall make entry of such goods for home consumption or
warehousing or for any other approved purpose by filing to the Customs a goods declaration
containing correct and complete particulars of the goods and after having assessed, and, in case
of the Customs Computerized System, paying his liability of duty, taxes and other charges
thereon in such form and manner, as the Board may prescribe:
Provided that if, before filing a goods declaration to Customs, the owner makes a
written request to the Collector of Customs or an officer designated that he is unable, for want of
full information, to make a correct and complete declaration of any goods, then the Collector or
the officer so designated, subject to such conditions as he may deem fit, may permit the owner to
examine the goods and thereafter make entry of such goods by filing a goods declaration after
having assessed and paid his liabilities of duties, taxes and other charges:
Provided further that no goods declaration shall be filed prior to ten days of the
expected time of arrival of the vessel.”
2. Inserted by FA, 2003 and omitted by FA 2005.
3. Substituted by Finance Act, 2005.
4. Inserted by FA, 2003 and omitted by FA, 2005.
5. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2005.
5a. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
5b Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007. Before substitution it was as under:-
“(2) Where any goods are allowed to be cleared or delivered on the basis of such
provisional determination, the amount of duty, taxes and charges correctly payable on those
goods shall be determined within nine months of the date of provisional determination:
Provided that the Collector of Customs may, in circumstances of exceptional
nature and after recording such circumstances, extend the period for final determination by not
more than ninety days.”
6. Inserted by FA, 2003 and omitted by FA, 2005.
7. Substituted by Finance Act,,2005.
8. By the Finance Act, 2006, substituted the words “twenty days” with “one months”.
9. By the Finance Act, 2006, substituted the words ”ten” with “fifteen”.
10. Inserted by FA, 1996 and omitted by FA, 2005 At that time section 82A was as under:-.
“82A. Procedure in case of goods not cleared or warehoused or transshipped or exported
or removed from the port within one month after unloading through the Customs
Computerized System.- Subject to the provisions of section 155A, at customs-stations with
an operational Customs Computerized System, if any goods are not cleared for home
consumption or warehoused or transshipped or are not loaded on the conveyance for export or
removed from the port area within one month of their arrival at a customs-station or within such
extended period as the appropriate officer may allow, such goods may, after the due notice given
to the owner, if his address could be ascertained, or after due notice to the carrier, shipping agent,
custodian of the goods, as the case may be, if his address could not be ascertained, may be sold in
auction or taken into custody by Customs and removed from the port to a Customs auction
warehouse for auction under the orders of the appropriate officer notwithstanding the fact that
adjudication of the case under section 179, or an appeal under section 193, or 196, or a
proceeding in any court of law in Pakistan, is pending:
81
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided that-
(a) animals, perishable and hazardous goods may, with the permission of the appropriate
officer, be sold at any time;
(b) arms and ammunition or military stores may be sold or otherwise disposed of at such
time and place and in such manner as the Board may, with the approval of the Federal
Government, direct;
(c) In cases where goods are sold pending any adjudication, appeal or decision of the
court, the proceeds of sale shall be kept in deposit and, if on such adjudication (or, as
the case may be, in such appeal or the decision of the court) the thing sold is found not
to have been liable to confiscation, the entire sale proceeds, after necessary deduction
of duties, taxes or dues as provided in section 201, shall be handed over to the owner:
Provided further that all auctions under this section shall be governed by the auction
rules as notified by the Board and where Customs removes such goods from the
premises of the custodian for disposal, the charges due to the custodian shall be paid
subsequently from the sale proceeds of the goods in the manner as prescribed under
section 201:
Provided further that nothing in this section shall authorize removal for home consumption of
any dutiable goods without payment of customs-duties thereon;”
11. Substituted by Finance Act,2010. At the time of substitution the proviso was as under:-
“Provided that if, before filing a goods declaration, the owner makes a request to an officer
of customs not below the rank of an Assistant Collector that he is unable, for want of full
information, to make a correct and complete declaration of the goods, then such officer, subject
to such conditions as he may deem fit, may permit the owner to examine the goods and thereafter
make entry of such goods by filing a goods declaration after having assessed and paid his
liabilities of duties, taxes and other charges”.
12. Added by the Finance Act, 2010.
13. Added by the Finance Act, 2010
14. Added by the Finance Act, 2012.
15. The word “ or a post-dated cheque” omitted by Finance Act, 2013
16. Added by Finance Act, 2014
17. Inserted by Finance Act, 2014
18. Substituted for the word “tax’ by Finance Act, 2014
19. Inserted by Finance Act, 2015
20. Added the Finance Act, 2015
21. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019 . At the time of substitution the word was “fifteen”
22. Inserted by Finance Act,2019
23. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time of substitution the words was”
(1) “twenty”
(2) “ten”
24 Inserted by Finance Act, 2020 (June)
25. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021(June)
26. Inserted through Ordinance No.XXII (15.09.2021)
27. Substituted/Omitted by Supplementary Finance Act, 2022(January)
28. Inserted/substituted by Finance Act, 2022(June)
29. Inserter/substituted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
30. Inserted by Finance Act, 2024(June)
31. Substituted by Finance Act, 2025(June)
82
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER X
CLEARANCE OF GOODS FOR HOME-CONSUMPTION
1
[83. Clearance for home consumption.- (1) When the owner of any goods entered
for home-consumption and assessed under section 2[****] 80 2[****] or 81 has paid the
import duty and other charges, if any, in respect of the same the appropriate officer, if
he is satisfied that the import of the goods is not prohibited or in breach of any
restrictions or conditions applying to the import of such goods, may make an order for
the clearance of the same:
Provided that, at customs-stations where the Customs Computerized System is
operational the system may clear the goods through system generated clearance
documents 9[after payment of duty, taxes and other charges thereon].
(2) Where the owner fails to pay import duty and other charges within
3
[ten] days from the date on which the same has been assessed under sections 80,
5
[Omitted] or 81, he shall be liable to pay surcharge at the rate of 5[KIBOR plus three
per cent] on import duty and other charges payable on such goods.]
4
[83A. [ Omitted]
7
[83B. Provisional release of imported goods.- Where any offence is detected in
respect of imported goods which are not liable to 8[outright] confiscation or needed for
evidence at a later stage, the Collector of Customs may, on written request of owner of
the goods, allow release of the same on payment of duty, taxes or other charges and
furnishing bank guarantee or pay order against the amount of any penalty or fine which
may be imposed on such goods.]
10
[83C Cargo Tracking System and e-Bilty mechanism.- (1) Any person being a
consignor, transporter, shipping agent, freight forwarder, consignee, supplier or
recipient of goods and causing movement of goods from and to a seaport, land border
station, inland dry-port or inland movement, shall be required to electronically generate,
carry, display or validate an e-bilty through the Cargo Tracking System.
(2) The Board may prescribe the manner and procedure to implement e-bilty
mechanism and employ any technological means for tracking, identifying en route and
digital record keeping of any kind of goods as part of its cargo tracking system and may
charge fee or charges for maintenance and operation of the tracking system.
(3) In case of any violation, the goods, conveyance, owner of goods and master
of conveyance, as the case may be, shall be liable to fine, penalty, detention, seizure and
confiscation under the provision of this Act.
83
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the aforementioned provisions, no
e-bilty is required to be generated, as prescribed by the Board where-
(a) the value of the goods or the travel distance is less than the prescribed limit;
or
(b) the goods being transported are specifically exempted from the purview of
e-bilty mechanism.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Re-numbered as sub-section (1) by the Finance Act, 1993 (X of 1993), S.4(iii), page 121 and
substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(19), page 27. At the time of substitution
section 83 was as under:-
“83. Clearance for home-consumption.- 1a[(1) When the owner of any goods entered for
home-consumption and assessed under section 80 has paid the import duty and other charges, if
any in respect of the same, the appropriate officer, if he is satisfied that the import of the goods is
not prohibited or in breach of any restrictions or conditions apply to the import of such goods,
may make an order for the clearance of the same.
1b[(2) Where the owner fails to pay import duty and other charges under sub-
section (1) within thirty days from the date on which the bill of entry is returned to him for
payment of duty, he shall be liable to pay surcharge at the rate of fourteen percent per annum on
import duty and other charges payable on such goods:
Provided that where the bill of entry is returned for payment of duty before the
commencing day of the Finance Act, 1993, and the owner has not paid such duty before such
commencing day, the date of return of such bill of entry shall be such commencing day.]
1a. Re-numbered as sub-section (1) by the Finance Act, 1993 (X of 1993).
1b. Added by the Finance Act, 1993 (X of 1993), S.4(iii), page 121.
2. Figures, letters and commas “79A, 80A” omitted vide Finance Act, 2005
3 By the Finance Act, 2006, substituted the word “thirty”.
4. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000),and. By the Finance Act, 2006 section 83A
was omitted At that time section 83A was as under:-.
“83.A Levy of additional duty.- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and
without prejudice to any other action that may be taken under this Act, if any person fails to pay
the dues recoverable under this Act within the prescribed time, he shall, in addition to the dues
payable, be liable to pay additional duty at the rate of one and a half percent per month.
Explanation: For the purpose of calculating additional duty, the period of default shall be
reckoned from the day following the due date on which the dues were required to be paid to the
day preceding the date on which the same are actually paid.”
5. The words “fourteen per cent” substituted with the words “KIBOR plus three per cent” by
Finance Act,2009.
6. The figure ‘80A’ omitted by Finance Act, 2013
7. Inserted by Finance Act, 2018
8. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
9. Substituted by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
10. Inserted by Finance Act, 2025(June)
84
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XI
WAREHOUSING
84. Application to warehouse.- When any dutiable goods have been entered for
warehousing and assessed under section 1[*****] 80 1[*****] or 81] the owner of such
goods may apply for leave to deposit the same in any warehouse appointed or licensed
under this Act2[:]
3
[Provided that the Collector of Customs, for reasons to be recorded in writing,
may disallow the warehousing of goods or any class of goods or goods belonging to a
particular importer4[:]
5
[Provided further that, at customs-stations where the Customs Computerized
System is operational the system may allow removal to warehouse through system
generated clearance documents.]
85. Form of application.- Every such application shall be in writing signed
by the applicant, and shall be in such form as may be prescribed by the Board.
6[86. Submission of post-dated cheque and indemnity bond.- (1) When any such
application has been made in respect of any goods, the owner of the goods to which it
relates shall furnish an indemnity bond and post-dated cheque equivalent to the duty
assessed under section 80 or section 81 or reassessed under section 109 on such goods,-
(a) to observe all the provisions of this Act and the rules in respect of
such goods;
(b) to pay on or before a date specified in a notice of demand all
duties, taxes, rent and charges payable in respect of such goods
together with surcharge on the same from the date so specified at
the rate of 35[KIBOR plus three per cent per annum] or such other
rate as is for the time being fixed by the Board; and
(c) to discharge all penalties incurred for violation of the provisions
of this Act and the rules in respect of such goods.
(2) Every such post-dated cheque shall be equivalent to the duties and taxes
leviable on the goods or portion of the goods of one conveyance only.]
87. Forwarding of goods to warehouse.- (1) When the provisions of sections 85
and 86 have been complied with in respect of any goods, such goods shall be forwarded
in charge of an officer of customs to the warehouse in which they are to be deposited.
85
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) A pass shall be sent with the goods specifying the name of the bonder
and the name or number of the importing conveyance, the marks, numbers and contents
of each package, and the warehouse or place in the warehouse wherein they are to be
deposited.
88. Receipt of goods at warehouse.- (1) On receipt of the goods, the pass shall
be examined by the warehouse-keeper, and shall be returned to the appropriate officer.
(2) No package, butt, cask or other container shall be admitted into any
warehouse unless it bears the marks and numbers specified in, and otherwise
corresponds with, the pass for its admission.
(3) If the goods be found to correspond with the pass, the warehouse-keeper
shall certify to that effect on the pass, and the warehousing of such goods shall be
deemed to have been completed.
(4) If the goods do not so correspond, the fact shall be reported by the
warehouse-keeper for the orders of the appropriate officer, and the goods shall either be
returned to the custom-house in charge of an officer of customs or kept in deposit
pending such orders as the warehouse-keeper deems most convenient.
44
[(5) if the quantity or value of any goods has been incorrectly stated in the
goods declaration, due to inadvertence or bona fide error, the Collector of Customs
may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, direct the correction of the said error.]
89. Goods how warehoused.- Except as provided in section 94, all goods shall be
warehoused in the packages, butts, casks or other containers in which they have been
imported.
90. Warrant to be given when goods are warehoused.- (1) Whenever any goods
are lodged in a public warehouse or a licensed private warehouse, the warehouse-keeper
shall deliver a warrant signed by him as such to the person lodging the goods.
(2) Such warrant shall be in such form as the Board may from time to time
prescribe, and shall be transferable by endorsement; and the endorsee shall be entitled
to receive the goods specified in such warrant on the same terms as those on which the
person who originally lodged the goods would have been entitled to receive the same
38
[;
Provided that where the Customs Computerized system is operational, the
issuance of warrant and subsequent transfer of warrant shall take place through system
generated documents.]
86
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, exempt any class
of goods from the operation of this section.
38[(4)The Board may make rules to regulate the transfer of goods in the
manner as mentioned in sub-section (2)]
91. Access of customs officer to 8[*] warehouse.- The appropriate officer shall
have access to any 8[*] warehouse licensed under this Act.
92. Power to cause packages lodged in warehouse to be opened and examined.-
(1) The appropriate officer may at any time by order in writing direct that any goods or
packages lodged in any warehouse shall be opened, weighed or otherwise examined;
and, after any goods have been so opened, weighed or examined, may cause the same to
be sealed or marked in such manner as he thinks fit.
(2) When any goods have been so sealed and marked after examination,
they shall not be again opened without the permission of the appropriate officer; and,
when any such goods have been opened with such permission, the packages shall, if he
thinks fit, be again sealed or marked.
93. Access of owner to warehoused goods.- (1) Any owner of goods lodged in a
warehouse shall, at any time within the hours of business, have access to his goods in
the presence of an officer of customs, and an officer of customs shall, upon application
for the purpose being made in writing to the appropriate officer, be deputed to
accompany such owner.
(2) When an officer of customs is specially employed to accompany such
owner, a sum sufficient to meet the expense thereby incurred shall, subject to rules, be
paid by such owner to the appropriate officer, and such sum shall, if the appropriate
officer so directs, be paid in advance.
94. Owner’s power to deal with warehoused goods.- (1) With the sanction of the
appropriate officer and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed by rules, the
owner of any goods may, either before or after warehousing the same,-
(a) separate damaged or deteriorated goods from the rest;
(b) sort the goods or change their containers for the purpose of preservation,
sale, export or disposal of the goods;
(c) deal with the goods and their containers in such manner as may be
necessary to prevent loss or deterioration or damage to the goods;
(d) show the goods for sale; or
87
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(e) take such samples of goods as may be allowed by the appropriate officer
with or without entry for home-consumption, and with or without
payment of duty, except such as may eventually become payable on a
deficiency of the original quantity.
(2) After any such goods have been so separated and repacked in proper or
approved packages, the appropriate officer may, at the request of the owner of such
goods, cause or permit any refuse, damaged or surplus goods remaining after such
separation or repacking (or, at the like request, any goods which may not be worth the
duty) to be destroyed, and may remit the duty payable thereon.
95. Manufacture and other operations in relation to goods in a warehouse.- (1)
Subject to rules, the owner of any warehoused goods may, with the permission in
writing of the Collector of Customs, carry on any manufacturing process or other
operations in the warehouse in relation to such goods.
(2) Where in the course of any such operation or process there is any waste
or refuse the following provisions shall apply, namely:-
(a) If the whole or any part of the goods produced by such operation
or process are exported, no duty shall be charged on the quantity
of the warehoused goods wasted or turned into refuse in the
course of the operation or processing carried on in relation to the
goods exported:
Provided that such waste or refuse is either destroyed or
duty is paid on such waste or refuse as if it had been imported
into Pakistan in that form;
(b) If the whole or any part of the goods produced by such operation
or process are cleared from the warehouse for home-
consumption, duty shall be charged on the quantity of the
warehoused goods wasted or turned into refuse in the course of
the operation or processing carried on in relation to the goods
cleared for home-consumption.
96. Payment of rent and warehouse dues.- (1) If goods be lodged in a public
warehouse, the owner shall 9[unless exempted by an order of the Collector or an officer
not below the rank of 10[Assistant Collector 36[Omitted] authorized by him,] pay
monthly rent and warehouse-dues at such rates as the Collector of Customs may fix.
(2) A table of the rates of rent and warehouse-dues so fixed shall be placed
in a conspicuous part of such warehouse.
88
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) If any demand for such rent or dues is not discharged within ten days of
its presentation, the appropriate officer may, in the discharge of such demand (any
transfer or assignment of the goods notwithstanding) cause to be sold, after due notice
in the official Gazette, such sufficient portion of the goods as he may select.
(4) The proceeds of such sale shall be adjusted in accordance with section
201.
97. Goods not to be taken out of warehouse except as provided by this Act.- No
warehoused goods shall be taken out of any warehouse, except on clearance for home-
consumption or export, or for removal to another warehouse, or as otherwise provided
in this Act.
11
[98. Period for which goods may remain warehoused.- 12{(1) Warehoused goods,
other than perishable goods notified by the 11a[Board] , may remain in the warehouse
for a period of 13[six months] following the date of their admission into the warehouse
and perishable goods so notified may remain in the warehouse for a period of 39,46[three
months], following the said date:
Provided that the said period may, in case of non-perishable goods, be extended,
on sufficient cause being shown by the owner of the warehoused goods and subject to
the condition that he pays in advance surcharge on the duty and taxes involved at
14
[one] per cent per month for the extended period-
15,44,45
[(a) by the Additional Collector of Customs, for a period not exceeding
one month;
(aa) by the Collector of Customs, for a period not exceeding six months;]
41
(b) by the Chief Collector of Customs for such period as he may deem fit;]
42
(c)] [Omitted] .
subject to the condition that the extension in case of perishable goods shall be granted
only if the goods are fit for human consumption.}
(2)The Federal Government may, subject to such conditions, or restrictions as it
may deem fit to impose, by notification in the official gazette, remit the whole or a part
of the surcharge in case of any goods or category of goods and the Board, in
circumstances of exceptional nature, may, subject to such conditions, limitations or
restrictions, if any, as it may think fit to impose, by a special order in each case
recording such circumstances remit the whole or a part of the surcharge.
89
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Federal
Government 43[or Board] may, by notification in the official Gazette, 37[regulate] the
period for which 17[***] goods or class of 17[***] goods may remain in the warehouse:
Provided that such period shall not be less than one month.
(4) When the license of any warehouse is cancelled, the owner of any goods
warehoused therein shall, within ten days of the date on which notice of such
cancellation is given, or within such extended period as the appropriate officer may
allow, remove the goods from that warehouse to another warehouse or clear them for
home-consumption or exportation.]
99. Power to remove goods from one warehouse to another in the same
customs-station.- (1) Any owner 18[or a manufacturer-cum-exporter duly authorized
by such owner in respect] of goods warehoused under this Act may, within the period of
their warehousing under section 98, and with the permission of the Collector of
Customs, on such conditions and after giving such security, if any, as the Collector
directs, remove goods from one warehouse to another warehouse in the same
warehousing station.
(2) When any owner 18[or a manufacturer-cum-exporter duly authorized by
such owner] desires to remove any goods, he shall apply for permission to do so in such
form as the Board may prescribe.
100. Power to remove goods from one warehousing station to another.- (1) Any
owner 18[or a manufacturer-cum-exporter duly authorized by such owner in respect] of
goods warehoused at any warehousing station may, within the period of their
warehousing under section 98, remove the same for the purpose of warehousing them
at any other warehousing station.
(2) When any owner 18[or a manufacturer-cum-exporter duly authorized by
such owner] desires to remove any goods for such purpose, he shall apply to the
Collector of Customs in such form and manner as the Board may prescribe stating
therein the particulars of the goods to be removed, and the name of the customs-station
to which they are to be removed.
101. Transmission of account of goods to officers at warehousing station of
destination.- (1) When permission is granted for the removal of any goods from one
warehousing station to another under section 100, an account containing the particulars
thereof shall be transmitted by the appropriate officer of the customs-station of removal
to the appropriate officer of the customs-station of destination.
(2) The person requiring the removal shall before such removal enter into a
bond, with one sufficient surety, in a sum equal at least to the duty chargeable on such
90
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
goods, for the due arrival and re-warehousing thereof at the customs-station of
destination, within such time, as the Collector of Customs directs.
(3) Such bond may be taken by the appropriate officer either at the customs-
station of removal or at the customs-station of destination as best suits the convenience
of the owner.
(4) If such bond is taken at the customs-station of destination, a certificate
thereof signed by the appropriate officer of such station shall at the time of the removal
of such goods be produced to the appropriate officer at the customs-station of removal;
and such bond shall not be discharged unless such goods are produced to the
appropriate officer, and duly re-warehoused at the customs-station of destination within
the time allowed for such removal or are otherwise accounted for to the satisfaction of
such officer; nor until the full duty due upon any deficiency of such goods, not so
accounted for, has been paid.
102. Remover may enter into a general bond.- The Collector of Customs may
permit any person desirous of removing warehoused goods to enter into a general bond,
with such sureties, in such amount and under such conditions as the Collector approves,
for the removal, from time to time, of any goods from one warehouse to another, either
in the same or in a different warehousing station and for the due arrival and re-
warehousing of such goods at the destination within such time as the Collector directs.
103. Goods on arrival at customs-station of destination to be subject to same
laws as goods on first importation.- Upon the arrival of warehoused goods at the
customs-station of destination, they shall be entered and warehoused in like manner as
goods are entered and warehoused on the first importation thereof, and under the laws
and rules, in so for such laws and rules are applicable, which regulate the entry and
warehousing of such last mentioned goods.
104. Clearance of bonded goods for home-consumption.- Any owner 18[or a
manufacturer-cum-exporter duly authorized by such owner in respect] of warehoused
goods may, at any time within the period of their warehousing under section 98, clear
such goods for home-consumption by paying-
(a) the duty assessed on such goods under the provisions of this Act; and
(b) all rent, penalties, 19[surcharge] and other charges payable in respect of
such goods 20[:]
21
[Provided that in case of manufacturer-cum-exporter duly qualified for
claiming exemption under any notification issued under this Act, the ex-bonding of
goods under this section shall be without payment of duties and taxes.]
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
105. Clearance of warehoused goods for export.- Any owner of warehoused good
may, at any time within the period of their warehousing under section 98, clear such
goods for export out of Pakistan on payment of all rent, penalties, 22[surcharge] and
other charges payable as aforesaid but without paying any import duty thereon:
Provided that, if the 23[Federal Government] is of the opinion that warehoused
goods of any specified description are likely to be smuggled back into Pakistan, it may,
by notification in the official Gazette, direct that such goods shall not be exported to
any place outside Pakistan without payment of duty or allow them to be exported
subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified in the notification.
106. Clearance of warehoused goods for export as provisions, on a conveyance
proceeding to foreign destination.- Any warehoused provisions and stores may be
exported within the period of their warehousing under section 98 without payment of
import duty for use on board any conveyance proceeding to a foreign territory.
107. Application for clearance of goods.- (1) An application to clear goods from
any warehouse for home-consumption or for export shall be made in such form as the
Board may prescribe.
(2) Such application shall ordinarily be made to the appropriate officer at
least twenty-four hours before it is intended to clear such goods.
108. Reassessment of warehoused goods when damaged or deteriorated.- If any
goods upon which duties are levied ad valorem 24[or otherwise] are damaged or
deteriorated due to an unavoidable accident or cause after they have been entered for
warehousing and assessed under section 80 and before they are cleared for home-
consumption, their value in the damaged or deteriorated state may be appraised
25
[according to either of the methods provided in sub-section (2) of section 27], if the
owner so desires, by an officer of customs and the duty leviable thereon shall be
diminished in proportion to the diminution of their value and a new bond for twice the
amount of the diminished duty may, at the option of the owner, be executed by him to
replace the bond originally executed.
109. Reassessment on alteration of duty.- If any goods have been entered for
warehousing and assessed under section 26[*****] 80 27[*****] or 81] but the duty
leviable thereon is subsequently altered, such goods shall be reassessed on the basis of
the altered duty and a new bond shall be executed by the owner in accordance with the
provisions of section 86 to replace the bond originally executed by him.
110. Allowance in case of volatile goods.- When any warehoused goods of such
class or description as the Board having regard to the volatility of such goods and the
manner of their storage may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify are, at the
time of delivery from a warehouse, found to be deficient in quantity and the Collector
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
of Customs is satisfied that such deficiency is on account of natural loss, no duty shall
be charged on such deficiency.
111. Duty on goods improperly removed from warehouse or allowed to remain
beyond fixed time or lost or destroyed or taken as sample.- In respect of goods
specified hereunder the appropriate officer may demand and upon such demand the
owner of such goods shall forthwith pay the full amount of duty chargeable on such
goods together with all rent, penalties, 28[surcharge] and other charges payable in
respect of them, namely:-
(a) Warehoused goods which are removed in contravention of section 97.
(b) Goods which have not been removed from the warehouse within the
time allowed for such removal under section 98.
(c) Goods in respect of which a bond has been executed under section 86
and which have not been cleared for home-consumption or export or
removed in accordance with the provisions of this Act and are lost or
destroyed otherwise than as provided in sections 94 and 95 or as
mentioned in section 115, or are not accounted for to the satisfaction of
the appropriate officer.
(d) Goods which have been taken under section 94 as samples without
payment of duty.
29[112. Encashment of post-dated cheque.- (1) Where the owner fails to clear bonded
goods to the purposes specified in this Chapter within the warehousing period, the post-
dated cheque submitted under section 86 by the owner of goods may be got encashed
after the expiry of warehousing period.
(2) In case the post-dated cheque is not enchased for any reason, the
Collector of customs or any officer designated by him may detain the owner’s goods
whether lying in any warehouse or freshly imported for public auction and adjustment
of sale proceeds against the amount of duties, taxes surcharges, rents and penalties, etc.,
which may have become payable on goods warehoused but not cleared within the
specified period and the surplus amount, if any, shall be disposed of in the manner
provided in section 201.]
113. Noting removal of goods.- (1) When any warehoused goods are taken out of
any warehouse, the appropriate officer shall cause the fact to be noted on the back of
the bond.
(2) Every note so made shall specify the quantity and description of such
goods, the purposes for which they have been removed, the date of removal, the name
of the person removing them, the number and date of the 30[goods declaration] under
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
which they have been taken away, if removed for exportation, or 30A[***] for home-
consumption and the amount of duty paid, if any 31[:]
32
[Provided that at customs-station where the Customs Computerized System is
operational, the requirement of this section shall be completed in accordance with that
system.]
114. Register of bonds.- (1) A register shall be kept of all bonds entered into for
customs-duties on warehoused goods, and entry shall be made in such register of all
particulars required by section 113 to be specified.
(2) When such register shows that the whole of the goods covered by any
bond have been cleared for home-consumption or export, or otherwise duly accounted
for, and when all amounts due on account of such goods have been paid, the appropriate
officer shall cancel such bond as discharged in full, and shall on demand deliver the
cancelled bond to the person who executed it or who is entitled to receive it.
115. Power to remit duties on warehoused goods lost or destroyed.- If any
warehoused goods in respect of which a bond has been executed under section 86 and
which have not been cleared for home-consumption are lost or destroyed by
unavoidable accident or cause, the Collector of Customs may in his discretion remit the
duties due thereon:
Provided that, if any such goods be so lost or destroyed in a 33[****]warehouse,
notice thereof be given to the appropriate officer within forty-eight hours 34[****]of
such loss or destruction.
116. Responsibility of warehouse keeper.- The warehouse-keeper in respect of
goods lodged in a public warehouse, and the licensee in respect of goods lodged in a
private warehouse, shall be responsible for their due receipt therein and delivery
therefrom, and their safe custody while deposited therein, accordance to the quantity,
weight or gauge reported by the officer of customs who has assessed such goods,
allowance being made, if necessary, for deficiency in quantity on account of natural
loss as provided in section 110:
Provided that no owner of goods shall be entitled to claim from the appropriate
officer or from any keeper of a public warehouse, compensation for any loss or damage
occurring to such goods while they are being passed into or out of such warehouse, or
while they remain therein, unless it be proved that such loss or damage was occasioned
by the willful act or neglect of the warehouse-keeper or of an officer of customs.
117. Locking of warehouses.- (1) Every public warehouse shall be under the lock
and key of both the warehouse-keeper appointed by the Collector of Customs, and the
appropriate officer.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) Every private warehouse shall be under the lock and key of both the
licensee and the appropriate officer.
118. Power to decide where goods may be deposited in public warehouse, and on
what terms.- The Collector of Customs may from time to time determine in what
division of any public warehouse 34[or private warehouse], and in what manner, and on
what terms, any goods may be deposited, and what sort of goods may be deposited in
any such warehouse.
119. Expenses of carriage, packing, etc. to be borne by owner.- The expenses of
carriage, packing and storage of goods on their receipt into or removal from a public
warehouse shall, if paid by the appropriate officer or by the warehouse-keeper, be
chargeable on the goods and be defrayed by, and recoverable from, the owner, in the
manner provided in section 112.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the figure “80” by Finance Act,2003 (I of 2003), S.5(21)(a), page 28 and figures,
letters and commas”79A, 80A” omitted vide Finance Act, 2005.
2. Substituted for the full stop by Finance Act,1990 (VII of 1990),S.6(5), page 35.
3. Added by the Finance Act,1990(VII of 1990), A.6(5), page 35.
4. Substituted for the full stop by Finance Act,2003 (I of 2003), S.5(21)(b) page 29.
5. Added by Finance Act,2003 (I of 2003), S.5(21)(b), page 29.
6. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2005. At that time section 86 was as under:-
“86. Warehousing bond.- (1) When any such application has been made in respect of any
goods, the owner of the goods to which it relates shall execute a bond, binding himself in a
penalty of twice the amount of the duty assessed under section 80 or section 81 or reassessed
under section 109 on such goods,-
(a) to observe all the provisions of this Act and the rules in respect of such goods;
(b) to pay on or before a date specified in a notice of demand all duties, rent and charges
payable in respect of such goods together with surcharge on the same from the date so
specified at the rate of two per cent per month or such other rate as is for the time being
fixed by the Board; and
(e) to discharge all penalties incurred for violation of the provisions of this Act and the
rules in respect of such goods.
(2) Every such bond shall be in such form as is from time to time prescribed by the Board,
and shall relate to the goods or portion of the goods of one conveyance only.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (2), for the purposes of sub-section (1), the
Collector of Customs may permit any importer to enter into a general bond in such amount and
subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions as the Collector of Customs may determine
in respect of the warehousing of goods to be imported by shall continue in force notwithstanding
the transfer of the goods to any other person or the removal of the goods to another warehouse or
warehousing station:
Provided that, where the whole of the goods or any part thereof are transferred to another person,
the appropriate officer may accept a fresh bond from the transferee in a sum equal to twice the
amount of duty assessed on the goods transferred and thereupon the bond executed by the
transferer shall be deemed to be discharged to the extent to which the fresh bond has been
executed by the transferee.
7. By Finance Act, 2006 the words” bill of entry” was substituted,
8. By Finance Act, 2006 the words” private” was omitted.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
9. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1973 (L of 1973), S.9(6), page 531.
10. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996.,
11. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1990 (VII of 1990), S.6(7), page 36. At the time of substitution
section 98 was as under:-
“98. Period for which goods may remain warehoused.- (1) Warehoused goods,
other than consumer goods notified by the Central Board of Revenue, may remain in
the warehouses for a period of [six months following the date of their admission into
the warehouse and consumer goods so notified may remain in the warehouses for a
period of three months] following the said date:
Provided that –
(i) the said period may, in case of non-perishable goods, be extended, on sufficient cause
being shown by the owner of the warehoused goods and subject to the condition that he
pays in advance [surcharge] on the duty involved at two per cent per month for the
extended period,-
(a) by the Collector of Customs for a period not exceeding six months; and
(b) by the Board for such period at it may deem fit:
Provided further that in circumstances of exceptional nature, the Board, may, subject to
such conditions limitations or restrictions, if any, as it may think fit to impose, by a
special order in each case recording such circumstances, remit the whole or a part of
the interest.
(ii) when the license of any private warehouse is cancelled, the owner of any goods
warehoused therein shall within ten days of the date on which notice of such
cancellation is given, or within such extended period as the appropriate officer may
allow, remove the goods from that warehouse to another warehouse or clear them for
home-consumption or exportation.”.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Federal
Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, limit the period for which any
consumer goods or class of consumer goods may remain in the warehouses:
Provided that such period shall not be less than one month.”
11a Substituted the words “Central Board of Revenue” with the word “Board” by the FA,2007.
12. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1998.
13. Substituted for the words “one year” by the Finance Act, 2005.
14. Substituted the word “ two” by Finance Act, 2004.
15. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(6), page 306. At the time of
substitution this was as under:-
“(a) by the Collector of Customs, for a period not exceeding six months; and
(b) by the Federal Government or the Board, for such period as it may deem fit.”.
16. Substituted for the words “two” and “six” by Finance Act, 2005.
17. Omitted the words “consumer” by the Finance Act, 1998 (III of 1998), S.4(V)(ii,
18. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(6)(I), page 767
19. Substituted for the word “interest” by the Finance Act, 1985(I of 1985), S.3(1).
20. Substituted full stop by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(8)(ii), page 767.
21. Added by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(8)(ii), page 767.
22. Substituted for the word “interest” by the Finance Act, 1985 (I of 1985), S.3(1).
23. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Act, 1972.
24. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 1986 (I of 1986), S.6(4)(a) page 11.
25. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 1986 (I of 1986), S.6(4) (b), page 11.
26. Substituted for the figure “80” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(22), page 29.
27. Omitted the figure “79A, 80A” by the Finance Act,2005.
28. Substituted for the word “interest” by the Finance Act, 1985 (I of 1985), S.3(1).
29. Substituted by Finance Act, 2005.
30. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words “bill of export or” were omitted.
30A. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words “of the bill of entry or goods declaration, if removed” were
omitted.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
31. Substituted full stop by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(23)(c), page
32. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(23)(c), page 29.
33. The word “private” omitted by the Finance Act, 1990 (VII of 1990), S.6(8), page 37.
34. By the Finance Act, 2006 the words “after the discovery” were omitted.
35. The words “one per cent per month” substituted with the words “KIBOR plus three per cent per
annum”, by Finance Act,2009.
36. The words” or Deputy Collector, ” omitted by Finance Act,2011.
37. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017.
38. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019.
39. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019 . At the time of substitution the words was “three months”
40. Added by Finance Act, 2019.
41. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time the words was” by the Chief Collector of Customs,
for a period not exceeding one month in case of notified perishable goods and a period not
exceeding three months in case of non-perishable goods”
42. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019.At the time clause( c) was” by the Federal Government or the
Board, for such period as it may deem fit .
43. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019.
44. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
45. Substituted/inserted by Finance Act, 2022(June)
46. Substituted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XII
TRANSSHIPMENT
1
[120. Chapter not to apply to postal articles.- The provisions of this chapter shall
not apply to goods imported by post.]
2
[121. Transshipment of goods without payment of duty.- (1) Subject to the
provisions of section 15 and the rules, the appropriate officer may, on application by the
owner of any goods imported at any customs-station and specially and distinctly
manifested at the time of importation as for transshipment to some other customs-
station or foreign destination, grant leave to transship the same without payment of
duty, if any, chargeable on such goods with or without any security or bond for the due
arrival and entry of the goods at the customs-station of destination:
7
[Provided that at customs-station where the Custom Computerized System is
operational, the system may automatically authorize transshipment to other
customs-station subject to risk selectivity criteria.]
(2) The Board may, subject to rules and such conditions as it may deem fit
to impose, authorize certain carriers to transport goods under the multimodal, scheme.
Goods transported under the multimodal scheme shall be specially and distinctly
manifested at the time of importation as for transshipment to some other customs-
station or foreign destination and shall not -
(a) require distinct permission for transshipment from the customs-
station of first entry into the country to be transported to the
customs-station of destination. The principal carrier issuing the
multimodal bill of lading or air way bill will be responsible for
the sanctity of the cargo during transportation between the
customs-station of first entry into the country to the customs-
station of destination; and
(b) be subject to the risk management system at the customs station
of first entry.
(3) The Board may, subject to such conditions as it may deem fit, grant
license to any carrier to carry goods under the multimodal scheme.]
122. Superintendence of transshipment.- An officer of customs 3[may] be deputed
free of charge to superintend the removal of transshipped goods from one conveyance
to another 4[:]
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
5
[Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to the goods transported under
the multimodal scheme.]
6
[123. Entry, etc., of transshipped goods.- (1) All goods transshipped under sub-
section (2) of section 121 to any customs-station shall, on their arrival at such customs-
station, be entered in the same manner as goods on their first importation and shall be
dealt with likewise.
(2) All goods being transshipped under sub-section (1) of section 121 from a
customs-station of first entry into the country, where the Customs Computerized
System is operational and the goods are determined to be high risk by the risk
management system shall be dealt with under rules on the subject.]
8
[Explanation.- For the purpose of transshipment of LCL goods, the customs-
station of first entry shall be the customs-station where the goods are de-consolidated.]
124. Transshipment of provisions and stores from one conveyance to another of
the same owner without payment of duty.- Any provisions and stores in use or being
carried for use on board a conveyance may, at the discretion of the appropriate officers
be transshipped to another conveyance belonging wholly or partly to the same owner
and present simultaneously at the same customs-station, without payment of duty.
125. Levy of transshipment fees.- Subject to the rules, a transshipment fee on any
goods or class of goods transshipped under this Act may be levied at such rates,
according to weight, measurement, quantity, number, bale, package or container, as the
Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, prescribe for any customs-station or
class of customs-stations.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Section 120 substituted by the Finance Act, 1979 (XXX of 1979), S.6(7), page 188. At the time of
substitution this was as under:-
“120. Chapter not to apply to baggage or postal articles.- The provision of this Chapter
shall not apply to (a) baggage or (b) goods imported by post.”.
2. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003),
S.5(25)(a), page 30. At the time of substitution section 121 was as under:-
“121. Transshipment of goods without payment of duty.- Subject to the provisions of
section 15 and the rules, the appropriate officer may, on application by the owner of any goods
imported at any customs-station and specially and distinctly manifested at the time of importation
as for transshipment to some other customs-station or foreign destination, grant leave to transship
the same without payment of duty, if any, chargeable on such goods at the customs-station of
transshipment and, in the case of goods to be transshipped to some other customs-station, with or
without any security or bond for the due arrival and entry of the goods thereat.”.
3. Substituted for the words and commas “shall, in every case, “by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of
2003), by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(25),(a) page 30.
4. Substituted full stop by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(25)(b), page 30.
5. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 ((I of 2003), S.5(25)(b), page 30.
6. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(26), page 30. At the time of substitution
section 123 was as under:-
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
“123, Entry, etc., of transshipped goods.- All goods transshipped under section 121 to any
customs-station shall, on their arrival at such customs-station, be entered in the same manner as
goods on their first importation and shall be dealt with likewise.”.
7. Added by Finance Act, 2015
8. Added by Finance Act, 2015
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XIII
TRANSIT TRADE
126. Chapter not to apply to baggage and postal articles.- The provisions of this
Chapter shall not apply to (a) baggage, and (b) goods imported by post.
127. Transit of goods in the same conveyance.- (1) Subject to the provisions of
section 15 and the rules any goods imported in a conveyance and mentioned in the
import manifest as for transit in the same conveyance to customs-station in Pakistan or
to any destination outside Pakistan may be allowed to be so transited without payment
of duty, if any, leviable on such goods at the customs-station of transit.
(2) Any stores and provisions imported on board a conveyance which is in
transit through Pakistan to a destination outside Pakistan may, subject to rules, be
allowed to be consumed on board that conveyance without payment of the duties which
would otherwise be chargeable on them.
128. Transport of certain classes of goods subject to prescribed conditions.- Any
goods may be transported from one part of Pakistan to another through any foreign
territory, subject to such conditions as to their due arrival at the destination as may be
prescribed by rules.
129. Transit of goods across Pakistan to a foreign territory.- Where any goods
are entered for transit across Pakistan to a destination outside Pakistan, the appropriate
officer may, subject to the provisions of the rules, allow the goods to be so transited
without payment of the duties which would otherwise by chargeable on such goods1[:]
2
[Provided that the Federal Government may, by notification in the official
Gazette, prohibit the bringing into Pakistan by sea, land or air in transit to a foreign
territory any goods or class of goods.]
3
[129A. Levy of transit fee.- A transit fee may be levied on any goods or class of
goods in transit across Pakistan to a foreign territory at such rates as the Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, prescribe.] .
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted full stop by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.4(4), page 480.
2. Added by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.4(4), page 470.
3. Added by the Finance Act,2011.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XIV
EXPORTATION OR SHIPMENT AND RELANDING
130. No goods to be loaded on a conveyance, till entry outwards or permission
granted.- No goods other than passengers’ baggage or mail bags or ballast urgently
required for a vessel’s safety shall be loaded or water-borne to be loaded on a
conveyance at a place in a customs-station approved for the purpose under clause (b) of
section 10, until an order under section 50 in respect of the conveyance has been given
or permission in this behalf in writing has been granted by the appropriate officer.
1[131. Clearance for exportation.- (1) No goods shall be loaded for exportation until-
(a) the owner any goods to be exported has made a declaration in
such form and manner as prescribed by the Board, by filing a
goods declaration to Customs containing correct and complete
particulars of his goods, and assessed and paid his liability of
duty, taxes and other charges, if any;
(b) the claim of duty drawback, if any, has been calculated and
reflected in the declaration filed for export through Customs
Computerized System;
(c) Customs has, on the receipt of goods declaration under clause (a),
satisfied itself regarding the correctness of the particulars of
export, including declaration, assessment, and payment of duty,
taxes and other charges and verified the admissibility of the duty
drawback claimed as specified in clause (b); and
(d) the appropriate officer has permitted passenger’s baggage or mail
bags, to be exported notwithstanding clauses (a), (b) and (c).
(2) If any goods or class of goods imported and lying within the port area,
are intended to be exported by its owner, the Collector may allow the export subject to
the conditions as the Board may, from time to time, notify:
Provided that the Board may in the case of any customs station or wharf, by
notification in the official Gazette, and subject to such restrictions and conditions, if
any, as it thinks fit, exempt any specified goods or class of goods or any specified
person or class of persons, from all or any of the provisions of this section.
Provided further that the Collector, 8[Omitted] for reasons to be recorded in
writing, may cause the examination of goods or any class of goods or goods belonging
102
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
to a particular exporter or class of exporters at a designated place as he deems fit and
proper.]
2
[131A. Omitted.
132. Bond required in certain cases before exportation.- Before any warehoused
goods subject to excise duties, or goods entitled to drawback or repayment of customs-
duties on exportations or goods exportable only under particular rules or restrictions,
are permitted to be exported, the owner shall, if required so to do, give security by bond
in such sum not exceeding twice the duty leviable on such goods as the appropriate
officer directs, with one sufficient surety, that such goods shall be exported and landed
at the place for which they are entered outwards or shall be otherwise accounted for to
the satisfaction of such officer.
133. Additional charge on goods cleared for export after port-clearance
granted.- Where the goods are cleared for shipment on a 3[goods declaration]
presented after port-clearance or permission to depart has been granted, the appropriate
officer may, if he thinks fit, levy, in addition to any duty to which such goods are
ordinarily liable, a charge not exceeding one per cent of the value of the goods
determined in accordance with the provisions of section 25.
134. Notice of non-loading or relanding and return of duty thereon.- (1) If any
goods mentioned in a 4&5[goods declaration] or manifest be not loaded or be
loaded and afterwards relanded, the owner shall before the expiration of fifteen clear
working days after the conveyance on which such goods were intended to be loaded or
from which they were relanded has left the customs-station, give information of such
short-loading or relanding to the appropriate officer save where the latter has
occasioned the short-loading or relanding.
(2) Upon an application being made to the appropriate officer within one
year of such short-loading or relanding, any duty levied upon goods not loaded or upon
goods loaded and afterwards relanded shall be refunded to the person on whose behalf
such duty was paid:
Provided that, where the required information of short-loading or relanding is
not given within the aforesaid period of fifteen days, the appropriate officer may make
refund of duty contingent upon payment of such penalty, if any, as he may see fit to
impose.
135. Goods relanded or transshipped from a conveyance returning to a customs-
station or putting into another customs-station.- (1) If, after having cleared from
any customs-station any conveyance without having discharged her cargo returns to
such customs-station or ports into any other customs station, any owner of goods in
such conveyance, if he desired to land or transship the same or any portion thereof for
103
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
re-export, may, with the consent of the person-in-charge of the conveyance, apply to the
appropriate officer in that behalf.
(2) The appropriate officer, if he grants the application, shall thereupon send
an officer of customs to watch the conveyance and to take charge of such goods during
such relanding or transshipment.
(4) Such goods shall not be allowed to be transshipped or re-exported free of
duty by reason of the previous settlement of duty at the time of first export unless they
are lodged and remain, until the time of re-export under the custody of an officer of
customs, in a place appointed by the appropriate officer, or are transshipped under such
custody.
(4) All expenses attending such custody shall be borne by the owner.
136. Conveyance returning to customs-station may enter and land goods.- (1) In
either of the cases mentioned in section 135, the person-in-charge of the conveyance
may enter such conveyance inwards and any owner of goods thereon may, with the
consent of the person-in-charge of the conveyance, land the same under the provisions
of this Act and the rules.
(2) In every such case, any export duty paid shall be refunded on an
application made by the owner of such goods within one year of their landing and any
amount paid to the owner as drawback or repayment of duty(whether of customs,
excise or any other tax) shall be recovered from him or adjusted against the amount
refundable.
137. Landing of goods during repairs.- (1) The appropriate officer may, on
application by the person-in-charge of a conveyance which is obliged before
completing her journey or voyage to put into any customs-station for repairs, permit
him to land the goods or any portion thereof, and to place it in the custody of an officer
of customs during such repairs, and to load and export the same free of duty.
(2) All expenses attending such custody shall be borne by the person-in-
charge of the conveyance.
138. Frustrated cargo how dealt with.- (1) Where any goods are brought into a
customs-station by reason of inadvertence, misdirection or untraceability of the
consignee, 7[or where consignee has dishonored his commitments] 6[an officer of
Customs not below the rank of Additional Collector of Customs] may, on application
by the person-in-charge of the conveyance which brought such goods or of the
consignor of such goods and subject to rules, allow 9[change of consignee name for
clearance under section 79 or] export of such goods without payment of any duties
(whether of import or export) chargeable thereon, provided that such goods have
remained and are exported under the custody of an officer of customs.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) All expenses attending to such custody shall be borne by the applicant.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted by Finance Act,2005. At that time section 131 was as under:-
“131. Clearance for exportation.- No goods shall be loaded for exportation until-
(a) in the case of goods other than passenger’s baggage and mail bag-
(i) the owner has delivered to the appropriate officer a bill of export 1[or goods
declaration] for such goods, in such form and manner and containing such particulars
as may be prescribed by rules;
(ii) such owner has paid the duties payable on such goods; such bill 2[or
declaration] has been passed by the appropriate officer; and
(b) in the case of passenger’s baggage or mail bags, the appropriate officer has permitted
them to be exported:
Provided that the Board may in the case of any customs-station or wharf, by
notification in the official Gazette, and subject to such restrictions and conditions, if
any, as it thinks fit, exempt any specified goods or class of goods or any specified
person or class of persons, from all or any of the provisions of this section.
Provided further that the Collector for reasons to be recorded in writing may cause
the examination of goods or any class of goods or good belonging to a particular
exporter or class of exporters at a designated place as he deems fit and proper.”
2. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 and omitted by the Finance Act, 2005. At that time section
131A was as under:-
“131A. Clearance for exportation through the Customs Computerized System.- Subject to
the provisions of section 155A, for the purposes of the Customs Computerized System, no goods
shall be loaded for exportation until-
(a) the owner of any goods to be exported has made a declaration in such form and manner
as prescribed by the Board, by filing a goods declaration to Customs containing correct and
complete particulars of his goods, and assessed and paid his liability of duty, taxes and other
charges and having reflected his claim of duty draw back if any;
(b) Customs has, on the receipt of goods declaration under clause (a) through the Customs
Computerized System, satisfied itself regarding the correctness of the particulars of export,
including declaration, assessment, and payment of duty, taxes and other charges and verified the
admissibility of the duty draw back claimed; and
(c) Goods have been cleared for export through the Customs Computerized System:
Provided that the Board may in the case of any customs-station or wharf, by
notification in the official Gazette and subject to such restrictions and conditions, if any, as it
thinks fit, exempt any specified goods or class of goods or any specified person or class of
persons, from all or any of the provisions of this section.”
3. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words “bill of export” were substituted.
4. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(27), page 31
5.. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words” bill of export or” were omitted.
6. Substituted for the words “the Collector of Customs” by Finance Act, 2005..
7. Inserted by Finance Act, 2018
8. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021(June)
9. Inserted by Finance Act, 2022 (June)
105
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XV
SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING BAGGAGE AND GOODS IMPORTED
OR EXPORTED BY POST
139. Declaration by passenger or crew of baggage.- 6[(1)] The owner of any
baggage whether a passenger or a member of the crew 8[or a representative on behalf of
a group of passengers] shall, for the purposes of clearing it, make a verbal or written
declaration of its contents in such manner as may be prescribed by rules to the
appropriate officer and shall answer such questions as the said officer may put to him
with respect to his baggage and any article contained therein or carried with him and
shall produce such baggage and any such articles for examination 1[:]
2
[Provided that where the Customs Computerized System is operational, all
declarations and communications shall be electronic.]
6,7[(2) Where any passenger or a member of the crew makes a false declaration
or fails to make such declaration as required under sub-section (1), he shall be guilty of
an offence under this Act.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (2), where any person
attempts to bring into or takes out of Pakistan, currency, gold, precious metals or stones,
in any form, through concealment in baggage or circumventing customs controls at
airports, sea-ports and land border custom-stations, he shall be guilty of an offence of
smuggling within the meaning of clause (s) of section 2.]
140. Determination of rate of duty in respect of baggage.- The rate of duty if any,
applicable to baggage shall be the rate in force on the date on which a declaration is
made in respect of such baggage under section 139 3[:]
4
[Provided that in the case of goods cleared as mis-handled baggage or un-
accompanied baggage, the rate of duty shall be the rate in force on the date on which a
declaration for clearance of such goods is presented before the appropriate officer after
landing of the goods.]
141. Bona fide baggage exempt from duty.- The appropriate officer may, subject
to the limitations, conditions and restrictions specified in the rules, pass free of duty any
article in the baggage of a passenger or a member of the crew in respect of which the
said officer is satisfied that it is bona fide meant for the use of such passenger or for
making gift.
142. Temporary detention of baggage.- Where the baggage of a passenger contains
any article which is dutiable or the import of which is prohibited or restricted and in
106
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
respect of which a true declaration has been made under section 139, 5[and about which
the appropriate officer is satisfied that these were not imported with the intention of
consumption in Pakistan, he] may, at the request of the passenger, detain such article
for the purpose of being returned to him on his leaving Pakistan.
143. Treatment of baggage of passengers or crew in transit.- Baggage of
passengers and members of the crew in transit in respect of which a declaration has
been made under section 139, may be permitted by the appropriate officer, subject to
such limitations, conditions and restrictions as may be specified in the rules, to be so
transited without payment of duty.
144. Label or declaration in respect of goods imported or exported by post 9[or
by courier] to be treated as entry.- In the case of goods imported or exported by post
9
[or by courier], any label or declaration which contains the description, quantity and
value thereof shall be deemed to be an entry for import or export, as the case may be,
for the purposes of this Act.
145. Rate of duty in respect of goods imported or exported by post 9[or by
courier].- (1) The rate of duty, if any, applicable to any goods imported by post 9[or by
courier] shall be the rate in force on the date on which the postal authorities present to
the appropriate officer the declaration or label referred to in section 144 for the purpose
of assessing the duty thereon.
(2) The rate of duty, if any, applicable to any goods exported by post 9[or by
courier] shall be the rate in force on the date on which the exporter delivers such goods
to the postal authorities for exportation.
LEGAL REFERENCS
1. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(13), page 16.
2. Added by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 20040, S.3(13), page 16.
3. Substituted full stop by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(7), page 60.
4. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(7), page 60.
5. Substituted for the comma and words “,the appropriate officer” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982
(XII of 1982), S.6(8), page 60.
6. As amended by Act, No.XVII of 2020 (30th March)
7. Substituted /inserted by Finance Act, 2020(June)
8. Inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
9. Inserted by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XVI
PROVISIONS RELATING TO COASTAL GOODS AND VESSELS
146. Chapter not to apply to baggage.- The provisions of this Chapter shall not
apply to baggage.
147. Entry of coastal goods.- (1) The consignor of any coastal goods shall present
to the appropriate officer a bill of coastal goods in the form prescribed by the Board.
(2) Every such consignor shall make a declaration on the bill of coastal
goods presented by him as to the truth of the contents thereof.
148. Coastal goods not to be loaded, until bill relating thereto is passed.- No
vessel shall take on board any coastal goods until the bill relating to such goods has
been passed by the appropriate officer and delivered to the master of the vessel by the
consignor:
Provided that the appropriate officer may, in circumstances of exceptional
nature, on a written application by the master of the vessel, permit loading of coastal
goods pending the presentation and passing of bills relating to such goods.
149. Clearance of coastal goods at destination.- (1) The master of a vessel
carrying any coastal goods shall carry on board the vessel all bills delivered to him
under section 148 and shall, within twenty-four hours of arrival of the vessel at any
customs-port or coastal port, deliver to the appropriate officer all bills relating to the
goods which are to be unloaded at that port.
(2) Where any coastal goods are unloaded at any port, the appropriate
officer shall permit their clearance if he is satisfied that they are entered in a bill
delivered to him under sub-section (1).
150. Declaration concerning coasting vessel which has touched foreign port.-
The master of a vessel carrying coastal goods which has touched at any foreign port
immediately before its arrival at a port of Pakistan shall deliver, alongwith the bills
referred to in section 149, a declaration stating that fact and indicating the particulars
and specifications of the cargo, if any, discharged or taken on board at such foreign
port.
151. Cargo book.- (1) There shall be kept on board every coasting vessel a cargo
book stating the name of the vessel, the port at which she is registered and the name of
the master.
108
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) It shall be the duty of the master of every coasting vessel to enter or
cause to be entered in the cargo book-
(a) the port to which and each voyage on which the vessel is
bound;
(b) the respective times of departure from every port of lading and
of arrival at every port of discharge;
(c) the name of every port of lading and an account of all goods
taken on board at that port with a description of the packages
and the quantities and description of the goods contained
therein or stowed loose and the names of the respective
shippers and the consignees in so far as such particulars be
ascertainable;
(d) the name of every port of discharge and the respective days on
which such goods or any of them are delivered out of such
vessel.
(3) The entries relating to the loading and discharge of goods shall be made
respectively at the ports of lading and discharge.
(4) Every such master shall on demand produce the cargo book for the
inspection of the appropriate officer and such officer may make such note or remark
therein as he considers necessary.
152. Coastal goods not to be loaded or unloaded except at customs-port or
coastal port.- No coastal goods shall be loaded on, or unloaded from, any vessel at any
port other than a customs-port or a coastal port declared under section 9.
153. Coasting vessel to obtain written orders before departure.- (1) No coasting
vessel which has brought or loaded any coastal goods at a customs-port or coastal port
shall depart from such port until a written order to that effect has been given by the
appropriate officer.
(2) No such order shall be given until -
(a) the master of the vessel has answered the questions, if any, put
to him;
(b) all charges and penalties, if any, payable in respect of that vessel
or by its master have been paid or the payment secured by such
guarantee as the appropriate officer may direct.
154. Application of certain provisions of this Act to coastal goods.- (1) Sections
64,65 and 66 shall, so far as may be, apply to coastal goods as they apply to imported
goods or goods for export.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) Sections 48 and 60 shall, so far as may be, apply to vessels carrying
coastal goods as they apply to vessels carrying imported goods or goods for export.
(3) The 1[Federal Government] may, by notification in the official Gazette,
direct that all or any of the other provisions of Chapter VII and the provisions of section
78 shall apply to coastal goods or vessels carrying coastal goods with such exceptions
and modifications, if any, as may be specified in the notification.
155. - Prohibition of the coastal trade of certain goods.- No goods shall be carried
coast-wise or shipped as stores in a coasting vessel contrary to any prohibition or
restriction imposed by or under any law, nor shall such goods or stores be brought to
any place in Pakistan for the purpose of being so carried or shipped.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Act, 1972 (XXI of 1972), S.3,
page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
110
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
1
[CHAPTER XVI-A
PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE CUSTOMS COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM
AND AUDIT AND ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
155A. Application of the Customs Computerized System.- Notwithstanding
anything hereinbefore contained, provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any customs-
station equipped with the Customs Computerized System on such date as the 9[Board]
may, by notification in official Gazette, specify and different dates may be specified for
different provisions and for different areas so as to bring the provisions relating to the
Customs Computerized System in force throughout Pakistan progressively.
155B. Access to the Customs Computerized System.- No person shall transmit to, or
receive information from, the Customs Computerized System unless that person is
registered by the Collector as a user of the Customs Computerized System.
155C. Registered users.- (1) Any person who wishes to be registered as a user
of the Customs Computerized System may apply 2[***] to the Collector in the
prescribed form and shall provide such information in relation to the application as is
prescribed.
(2) The Collector may require an applicant for registration to give such
additional information as he considers necessary for the purpose of the application.
(3) The Collector may grant the application subject to such conditions, as he
deems fit or refuse the application:
Provided that no order shall be passed for refusal of application unless the
applicant has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
155D. Registered users to be allocated unique user identifier.- (1) Any person
registered as a user of the Customs Computerized System shall be allocated a unique
user identifier for use in relation to the Customs Computerized System by the Collector
in such form or of such nature as the Collector may determine.
(2) The unique user identifier allocated pursuant to sub-section (1) of this
section shall be used by the registered user for the purpose of transmitting information
to or receiving information from the Customs Computerized System.
(3) The Collector may impose conditions on a particular registered user or on
registered users generally, relating to the use and security of unique user identifiers.
155E. Use of unique user identifier.- (1) Where information is transmitted to the
Customs Computerized System using a unique user identifier issued to a registered user
by the Collector for that purpose, the transmission of that information shall, in the
absence of proof to the contrary, be sufficient evidence that the registered user to whom
the unique user identifier has been issued has transmitted that information.
111
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) Where a unique user identifier is used by a person who is not entitled to
use it, sub-section (1) of this section shall not apply if the registered user to whom the
unique user identifier was issued has, prior to the unauthorized use of that unique user
identifier, notified the Customs that the unique user identifier is no longer secure.
155F. Cancellation of registration of registered user.- 8[Omitted] Where at any time
the Collector is satisfied that any person who is a registered user of the Customs
Computerized System, has :
(a) failed to comply with a condition of registration imposed by the
Collector under sub-section (3) of section 155C of this Act; or
(b) failed to comply with, or acted in contravention of any conditions
imposed by the Collector under sub-section (3) of section 155D of this
act in relation to the use and security of the registered user's unique
identifier; or
(c) has been convicted of an offence under this Act, the Collector may
cancel the registration of that person as a registered user by giving notice
in writing to that person stating that the registration of that person is
cancelled and setting out the reasons for that cancellation:
6
[Provided that the Collector of Customs may, in exceptional
circumstances , 10[after giving notice and affording reasonable opportunity of
being heard] suspend the use of unique user identifier of any person forthwith
on receipt of any complaint or information about violation of any provisions of
this Act:]
Provided further that the Collector of Customs shall, after giving
opportunity of hearing, pass and order confirming suspension or otherwise the
use of Unique User Identifier.]
8
[Provided also that a person aggrieved by an order of the Collector,
cancelling or confirming the suspension of his unique user identifier, may,
within thirty days of communication of such order, prefer an appeal to the Chief
Collector who may pass an order annulling, modifying or confirming the order
passed by the Collector.]
155G. Customs to keep records of transmissions.- (1) The Customs shall keep a
record of every transmission sent to or received from a registered user using the
Customs Computerized System.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) The record described in sub-section (1) of this section shall be kept for a
period of five years from the date of the sending of or the receipt of the transmission, or
for such other period as may be prescribed by the Board.
155H. Confidentiality of information.-- All trade information gathered by Customs
during clearance of goods shall be confidential and shall not be used except for -
(a) statistical purposes by the department and other Government
organizations; or
(b) purposes of comparison and evidence 3[by the appropriate officer of
customs] as against other imports and exports; or
(c) production as evidence before a legal forum or an organization explicitly
so authorized by the Federal Government; 7[or
(d) sharing of data to the extent of agreed data contents under a
memorandum of understanding, bilateral, regional, multilateral
agreements or convention; or
(e) public disclosure of valuation data through any medium containing
description of items, origin, currency, declared and assessed unit value
without disclosing name and address of the importer or exporter or their
suppliers.]
and any disclosure, publishing or dissemination of trade information of any person
except as provided above without his explicit permission to any other person shall be an
offence.
155-I. Unauthorized access to or improper use of the Customs Computerized
System.- (1) Every person commits an offence who.-
(a) knowingly and without lawful authority by any means gains access to or
attempts to gain access to the Customs Computerized System; or
(b) having lawful access to the Customs Computerized System, knowingly
uses or discloses information obtained from such a computer system for
a purpose that is not authorized; or
(c) knowing that he is not authorized to do so, receives information obtained
from the Customs Computerized System, and uses, discloses, publishes,
or otherwise disseminates such information.
155J. Interference with the Customs Computerized System.- Every person
commits an offence who–
(a) by any means knowingly falsifies any record or information stored in the
Customs Computerized System; or
(b) knowingly damages or impairs the Customs Computerized System; or
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(c) knowingly damages or impairs any duplicate tape or disc or other
medium on which any information obtained from the Customs
Computerized System is held or stored otherwise than with the
permission of the Collector.
155K. Offences in relation to the security of or unauthorized use of unique user
identifiers.- (1) A registered user of the Customs Computerized System who fails to
comply with or acts in contravention of any condition imposed by the Collector relating
to the security of that registered user's unique user identifier commits an offence.
(2) A person who -
(a) not being a registered user, uses a unique user identifier; or
(b) being a registered user, uses the unique user identifier of any
other registered user; to authenticate a transmission of
information to the Customs Computerized System, commits an
offence.
155L. Audit or examination of records.- (1) The appropriate officer of Customs
may at any reasonable time enter a premises or place where records are kept and audit
or examine those records either in relation to specific transactions or to the adequacy
and integrity of the manual or electronic system or systems by which such records are
created and stored and shall have free access to all books, records, documents, data and
computers in the custody or control of the principals or agents and may if so necessary
take custody of, or make extracts from or copies of such books, records, documents,
data or computers.
(2) In all cases, except where it would defeat the purposes of the audit or
examination, a reasonable advance notice regarding a visit shall be given to the
principals or the agents concerned.
155M. Requisition of documents.- (1) The appropriate officer may, by notice in
writing, require a person, as and when specified in the notice,--
(a) to produce for inspection by a specified Customs Officer,
documents or records that the appropriate officer considers
necessary or relevant to --
(i) an investigation under this Act; or
(ii) an audit under this Act; or
(iii) the recovery of dues payable under this Act;
(b) to allow the specified Customs officer to take extracts from or
make copies of, documents or records of the kind referred to in
paragraph (a);
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(c) to appear before a specified Customs officer and answer all
questions put to the person concerning --
(i) goods, or transactions relating to those goods, that are the
subject of the investigation or audit, or that are relevant to
the recovery of dues referred to in clause (a); or
(ii) documents or records of the kind referred to in clause (a).
(2) in this section, person includes an officer employed in a government
department, corporation, local authority or an officer employed in a bank.
155N. Documents in foreign language.- Where a document in a foreign language
except English is presented to a Customs officer in relation to the carrying out of any
duty or the exercise of any power of the Customs under this Act or any other Act, the
officer may require the person who presented the document to supply to the officer an
authentic English translation of the document at the expense of the person who
presented it.
155O. Authorised officer may take possession of and retain documents and
records.- (1) An officer authorised in this behalf may take possession of and retain
any document or record presented in connection with any entry or required to be
produced under this Act.
(2) Where the authorised officer takes possession of a document or record
under sub-section (1) of this section, the authorised officer shall, at the request of the
person otherwise entitled to the document or record, provide that person with a copy of
the document certified by or on behalf of the authorised officer under the seal of the
Customs as a true copy.
(3) Every copy so certified shall be admissible as evidence in all courts and
other legal forums as if it were the original.
155P. Obstructing access, altering, concealing, destruction of record.- Any person
commits an offence who,-
(a) fails to operate any mechanical or electronic device, when requested by a
Customs officer, on which any records are, or information is, stored for
the purpose of enabling the Customs officer to obtain those records or
that information.
(b) with intent to defeat the purposes of this Act, destroys, alters, or conceals
any book, document, or record required to be kept under this Act, or
sends or attempts to send out of Pakistan any such book, document, or
record.]
115
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
4[155Q. Electronic exchange of information and authentication through the
Customs Computerized System.- Any declaration, documents or record, accounts,
notice, order, payment, authentication, authorization or information required, delivered
or provided by the Customs or any registered user shall be deemed to have been
required, delivered, provided or done under this Act when communicated electronically
through the Customs Computerized System.
155R. Correction of clerical errors.- Where the Customs Computerized System is in
operation and the Collector of Customs is satisfied that incorrect data has been
electronically communicated to Customs due to any clerical error, he may, for reasons
to be recorded in writing, direct the correction of the said error. Except as provided
herein, no person shall alter any data in the Customs Computerized System:]
10
[Provided that in case where any clerical or typographical error is noted in
goods declaration except as provided in section 29 of this Act, the exporter or importer
may apply to the concerned officer not below the rank of Assistant Collector for
issuance of correction or corrigendum certificate and the concerned officer upon his
satisfaction may issue such certificate for subsequent correction in the computerized
goods declaration.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(29), page 32
2. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words “in writing” were omitted.
3. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
4. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
5. Added by Finance Act,2008( I of 2008) (Page-46)
6. The proviso “Provided that the Collector of Customs may, in exceptional
circumstances, after recording reasons in writing and after hearing the aggrieved
person, suspend the use of unique user identifier of any person forthwith on receipt of
any complaint or information about violation of the Customs Act,1969 (IV of 1969)”
substituted by Finance Act, 2009.
7. Added vide Finance Act, 2016
8. Omitted / Inserted by Finance Act, 2017.
9. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time of substitution the words was “Federal
Government”.
10. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021(June)
116
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XVII
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
156. Punishment for offences.- (1) Whoever commits any offence described in
column 1 of the Table below shall, in addition to and not in derogation of any
punishment to which he may be liable under any other law, be liable to the
punishment mentioned against that offence in column 2 thereof:-
TABLE
S.No. Offences Penalties Section of this
Act to which
offence has
reference.
(1) (2) (3)
180(i). If any person contravenes such person shall be liable General
any provision of this Act to a penalty not exceeding
or any rule made 1[69.[fifty] thousand]
thereunder, or abets any rupees.
such contravention or fails
to comply with any
provision of this Act or
any such rule with which
it was his duty to comply
where no express penalty
has been provided
elsewhere for such
contravention or failure,
81, 89
(ii) [Omitted]
89
(iii) If any person fails to Such person shall be liable
attach or electronically to a penalty not exceeding General
upload mandatory Rs.50,000/-
documents required under
section 79 or 131 of the
Customs Act, 1969-,
117
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
2.(i) If any goods imported by such person shall be liable 9 & 10
sea or air be unloaded or to a penalty not exceeding
2
attempted to be unloaded [ten thousand] rupees; and
at any place other than a such goods shall be liable
customs-port or customs- to confiscation.
airport declared under
section 9 for unloading of
such goods; or
(ii) If any goods be imported
by land or inland water
through any route other
than a route declared
under clause (c) of section
9 for the import of such
goods; or
(iii) If any goods be attempted 9 & 10
to be exported by sea or
air from any place other
than a customs-port or
customs airport appointed
for the loading of such
goods; or
(iv) If any goods be attempted
to be exported by land or
inland water through any
route other than a route
declared under clause (c)
of section 9 for the export
of such goods; or
(v) If any imported goods be
brought into any bay, gulf,
creek or river for the
purpose of being landed at
a place other than a
customs-port; or
(vi) If any goods be brought
near the land frontier or
the coast of Pakistan or
118
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
near any bay, gulf, creek
or river for the purpose of
being exported from a
place other than a
customs-station or where
any place has been
approved under clause (b)
of section 10 for the
loading of such goods
from any place other than
the place so approved,
3.(i) If any person exports or such person shall be liable General
lands goods, or aids in the to a penalty not exceeding
export of landing of 1[twenty-five thousand]
goods, or knowingly rupees.
keeps or conceals or
knowingly permits or
procures to be kept or
concealed, any goods
exported or landed or
intended to be exported or
landed contrary to the
provisions of this Act; or
(ii) If any person be found to 9 & 10
have been on board any
conveyance liable to
confiscation on account of
the commission of the
offence under clause 4 of
this Table, while such
conveyance is within any
place which is not a
customs-station for the
export and landing of
goods,
4. If any conveyance which the duty in respect of goods 9 & 10
has been within the limits so lost or deficient shall be
of any customs-station in payable by the person-in-
Pakistan with goods on charge of the conveyance;
board, be afterwards and such conveyance shall
119
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
found anywhere in also be liable to
Pakistan with the whole or confiscation.
any portion of such goods
missing unless the person-
in-charge of the
conveyance be able to
account for the loss of, or
deficiency in the goods,
5.(i) If any goods are unloaded the person-in-charge of 9 & 10
from any conveyance every such conveyance
inward bound, without the used for irregular import or
authority of the export of goods, shall be
appropriate officer into liable to a penalty not
1
any other conveyance at exceeding [twenty-five
any place other than a thousand] rupees; and the
place declared under goods and the conveyance
section 9 for the unloading shall also be liable to
of goods; or if any goods confiscation.
are loaded into any
conveyance outward
bound from any other
conveyance, without such
authority, from or at any
place other than a place
declared under section 9
for the loading of goods;
or
(ii) If any goods on which
drawback has been
granted are put, without
such authority, on board
any conveyance for the
purpose of being relanded,
6. If any vessel arriving at, the master of such vessel 14
or departing from, any shall be liable to a penalty
customs-port fails, when not exceeding 2[ten
so required under section thousand] rupees.
14 to bring to at any such
station as has been
appointed by the Collector
120
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
of Customs for the
boarding or landing of an
officer of customs,
7(i) If any vessel arriving at the master of such vessel 14
any customs-port, after shall be liable to a penalty
2
having come to its proper not exceeding [ten
place of mooring or thousand] rupees; and the
unloading, removes from vessel, if not entered, shall
such place, except with not be allowed to enter
the authority of the until the penalty is paid.
Conservator, obtained in
accordance with the
provisions of the Ports
Act,1908 (XV of 1908) or
other lawful authority, to
some other place of
mooring or unloading; or
(ii) If any vessel not brought
into port by a pilot be not
anchored or moored in
accordance with any
direction of the Collector
of Customs under section
14,
83
[7A. If any agency or person Such agency or person or 14A]
including port authorities port authority shall be
managing or owning a liable to a penalty not
customs port, customs exceeding five hundred
airport or a land customs thousand Rupees.
station or a container
freight station, fails to
entertain a delay and
detention certificate
issued by the officer of
Customs,
where any goods such goods shall be liable
3,88
[8.(i) 90[including essential to confiscation and any General]
commodities as notified person concerned in the
by the Board] be offence shall be liable to-
smuggled into or out of
121
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Pakistan,-
(a) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding the
goods is from PKR value of the goods; and
500,001 to 3,000,000 upon conviction by a
(both inclusive); Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding two years;
(b) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
goods is from PKR two times 92[but not less
3,000,001 to 5,000,000 than] the value of the
(both inclusive); goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding three years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than two years.
(c) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
goods is from PKR three times 92[but not less
5,000,001 to 7,500,000 than] the value of the
(both inclusive); goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding five years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than two and half
years.
(d) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
goods is from PKR four times 92[but not less
7,500,001 to 10,000,000 than] the value of the
(both inclusive); goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
122
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding ten years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than three years.
(e) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
goods exceeds PKR five times 92[but not less
10,000,000; than] the value of the
goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding fourteen
years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than five years and the
whole or any part of his
moveable and immoveable
assets and property shall
also be liable to forfeiture
in accordance with section
187 of the Customs Act,
1969:
Provided further
that, in the case of such
goods as may be notified
by the Federal Government
in the official Gazette, the
sentence of imprisonment
shall not be less than five
years and the whole or any
part of his property shall
also be liable to forfeiture.
9
[(ii) If the smuggled goods are such goods shall be liable
narcotics drugs, to confiscation and any
psychotropic substances person concerned in the
or controlled substances,- offence shall be liable to –
(a) if the quantity of the imprisonment which may
123
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
narcotic drug, extend to two years, or
psychotropic with fine, or with both;
substance of
controlled substance is imprisonment which may
one hundred grams or extend to seven years and
less; shall also be liable to fine;
(b) if the quantity of the death or imprisonment for
narcotic drug, life, or imprisonment for a
psychotropic term which may extend to
substance or fourteen years and shall
controlled substance also be liable to fine which
exceeds one hundred may be upto one million
grams but does not rupees;
exceed one kilogram;
(c) if the quantity of the Provided that, if the
narcotic drug, quantity exceeds ten
psychotropic kilograms the punishment
substance or shall not be less than
controlled substance imprisonment for life.
exceeds the limit
specified in clause (b);
87,88
[(iii If the smuggled or such currency or goods General]
) prohibited goods comprise shall be liable to
currency, gold, silver, confiscation and any
platinum or precious person concerned in the
stones in any form- offence shall be liable to-
(a) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding the
currency or goods is upto value of the goods; and
US $ 10,000 or equivalent upon conviction by a
in value (currency of other Special Judge he shall
denomination) etc; further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding two years;
(b) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
currency or goods is from two times the value of the
US $ 10,001 to US $ goods; and upon conviction
20,000 (both inclusive) or by a Special Judge he shall
equivalent in value further be liable to
(currency of other imprisonment for a term
denomination) etc; not exceeding three years:
Provided that the
124
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than two years.
(c) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
currency or goods is from three times the value of the
US $ 20,001 to US $ goods; and upon conviction
50,000 (both inclusive) or by a Special Judge he shall
equivalent in value further be liable to
(currency of other imprisonment for a term
denomination) etc; not exceeding five years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than two and half
years.
(d) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
currency or goods is from four times the value of the
US $ 50,001 to US $ goods; and upon conviction
100,000 (both inclusive) by a Special Judge he shall
or equivalent in value further be liable to
(currency of other imprisonment for a term
denomination) etc; not exceeding ten years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than three years.
(e) if the value of the a penalty not exceeding
currency or goods exceeds five times the value of the
US $ 100,000 or goods; and upon conviction
equivalent in value by a Special Judge he shall
(currency of other further be liable to
denomination) etc; imprisonment for a term
not exceeding fourteen
years:
Provided that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than five years and the
whole or any part of his
moveable and immoveable
assets and property shall
also be liable to forfeiture
in accordance with section
125
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
187 of the Customs Act,
1969.
88
(iv) [Omitted]
93
[(v) If the smuggled goods are such goods shall be liable
identified and categorized to confiscation and any
as nuclear material: person concerned in the
offence shall be liable to-
Provided that if
any offence specified
within this section
concerns breach of
national security, the same
shall be dealt with under
the National Command
Authority Act, 2010, (V of
2010), if-
(a) the quantity and form imprisonment which may
of nuclear material is extend to seven years, or
that as defined in the with fine which may be up
Regulations on to one million rupees, or
Physical Protection of with both.
Nuclear Material and
Nuclear Installations –
(PAK/925) or any
amendment therein as
determined by PNRA,
in case of-
(i) unirradiated Plutonium
including all
plutonium except that
with isotopic
composition exceeding
eighty percent of
Plotunium-238, is less
than fifteen grams, or;
(ii) unirradiated Uranium
enriched to twenty
percent or more of U-
235, is less than fifteen
126
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
grams, or;
(iii)unirradiated uranium
enriched to ten percent
U-235 but less than
twenty percent of U-
235, is less than 1kg,
or;
(iv) unirradiated uranium
enriched above
natural, but less than
ten percent U-235 is
less than ten kgs, or;
(v) unirradiated U-233, is
less than fifteen grams.
(b) the quantity and form imprisonment which may
of nuclear material is extend to ten years and
that as defined in the shall also be liable to fine
Regulations on which may be up to five
Physical Protection of million rupees.
Nuclear Material and
Nuclear Installations –
(PAK/925) or any
amendment therein,
and determined by
PNRA, in case of;
(i) unirradiated Plutonium
including all
plutonium except that
with isotopic
composition exceeding
eighty percent of
Plotunium-238, is
fifteen grams but does
not exceed 500 grams,
or;
(ii) unirradiated Uranium
enriched to twenty
percent or more of U-
127
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
235, is fifteen grams
or more but does not
exceed one kilogram,
or;
(iii) unirradiated uranium
enriched to ten percent
U-235 but less than
twenty percent of U-
235, is 1kg or more
but does not exceed
ten kgs, or;
(iv) unirradiated uranium
enriched above
natural, but less than
ten percent U-235, is
more than ten kgs, or;
(v) unirradiated U-233, is
fifteen grams or more
but does not exceed
five hundred grams;
(c) the quantity and form imprisonment for life, or
of nuclear material is imprisonment for a term
that as defined in the which may extend to
Regulations on fourteen years and shall
Physical Protection of also be liable to fine which
Nuclear Material and may extend to ten million
Nuclear Installations – rupees.
(PAK/925) or any
amendment therein as
determined by PNRA,
in case of-
(i) unirradiated plutonium
including all
plutonium except that
with isotopic
composition exceeding
eighty percent of
plotunium-238, is
128
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
more than five
hundred grams but
does not exceed two
Kgs, or;
(ii) unirradiated Uranium
enriched to twenty
percent or more of U-
235, is more than one
Kg but does not
exceed five kilograms,
or;
(iii) unirradiated uranium
enriched to ten percent
U-235 but less than
twenty percent of U-
235, is more than ten
kgs, or;
(iv) unirradiated U-233, is
more than five
hundred grams but
does not exceed two
Kgs;
(d) the quantity and form imprisonment for life, or
of nuclear material is imprisonment for a term
that as defined in the which shall not be less than
Regulations on fourteen years and shall
Physical Protection of also be liable to fine which
Nuclear Material and may be up to five million
Nuclear Installations – rupees
(PAK/925) or any
amendment therein as
determined by PNRA,
in case of-
(i) unirradiated plutonium
including all
plutonium except that
with isotopic
composition exceeding
129
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
80% of Plotunium-
238, is more than two
Kgs, or;
(ii) unirradiated Uranium
enriched to twenty
percent or more of U-
235, is more than five
kilograms, or;
(iii) unirradiated U-233, is
more than two Kgs;
and
(vi) If the smuggled goods are such goods shall be liable
identified and categorized to confiscation and any
as radioactive material person concerned in the
and radioactive sources: offence shall be liable to;
Provided that if
any offence specified
within this section
concerns breach of
national security, the same
shall be dealt with under
the National Command
Authority Act, 2010, if-
(a) the activity (A) to imprisonment which may
dangerous value (D) extend to two years, or
ratio of radioactive with fine, or with both
materials or
radioactive sources, as
defined in the
Regulations on
Security of
Radioactive Sources-
(PAK/926) or any
amendment therein as
determined by the
PNRA, does not
exceed one (1) in
numeric number;
130
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(b) the activity (A) to imprisonment which may
dangerous value (D) extend to seven years, or
ratio of radioactive with fine, or with both
materials or
radioactive sources, as
defined in the
Regulations on
Security of
Radioactive Sources-
(PAK/926) or any
amendment therein as
determined by the
PNRA, is more than
one but does not
exceed ten in numeric
number;
(c) the activity (A) to imprisonment which may
dangerous value (D) extend to fourteen years
ratio of radioactive and shall be liable to fine
materials or upto five million;
radioactive sources, as
defined in the
Regulations on
Security of
Radioactive Sources-
(PAK/926) or any
amendment therein as
determined by the
PNRA, is more than
ten (10) but does not
exceed thousand in
numeric number; and
(d) the activity (A) to imprisonment for life, or
dangerous value (D) imprisonment for a term
ratio of radioactive which shall not be less than
materials or fourteen years and shall
radioactive sources, as also be liable to fine which
defined in the may be up to five million
Regulations on rupees;]
Security of
Radioactive Sources-
131
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(PAK/926) or any
amendment therein as
determined by the
PNRA, exceeds the
limit specified under
clause (c).
9. (i) If any goods, not being Such goods shall be liable 15 & 16
goods referred to in to confiscation; and any
clause 8, are imported into person concerned in the
or exported from Pakistan offence shall also be liable
evading payment of to a penalty not exceeding
leviable customs-duties or two times 92,93[omitted] the
in violation of any value of the goods.
prohibition or restriction
on the importation or
exportation of such goods
imposed by or under this
Act or any other law; or
(ii) If any attempt be made
so to import or export any
such goods; or
(iii) If any such goods be
found in any package
produced before any
officer of customs as
containing no such goods;
or
(iv) If any such goods be
found either before or
after landing or shipment
to have been concealed in
any manner on board any
conveyance within the
limits of any seaport,
airport, railway station or
other place where
conveyances are
ordinarily loaded or
unloaded; or
132
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(v) If any such goods, the
exportation of which is
prohibited or restricted as
aforesaid be brought
within a customs area or
to a wharf, with the
intention of loading them
on a conveyance for
exportation in violation of
such prohibition or
restriction,
10. If, upon an application to such person shall be liable General
pass any goods through to a penalty not exceeding
the custom-house, any 1[twenty-five thousand]
person not being the rupees.
owner of such goods, and
not having proper and
sufficient authority from
the owner, subscribes or
attests any document
relating to any goods on
behalf of such owner,
10
[10 If any condition, such goods shall be liable 19 & 20
(A) limitation or restriction to confiscation and the
imposed by Federal person to whom the
Government or by the exemption was granted
Board for grant of partial shall be liable to a penalty
or total exemption from not exceeding ten times the
customs duties is violated value of goods; and upon
in respect of the goods on conviction by a Special
which exemption has been Judge he shall further be
granted, liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding two
years].
133
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
11. If any goods which have any person who sells,
been allowed temporary transfers or otherwise 21
admission under section disposes of such goods or
21 without payment of aids or abets the sale,
duty subject to the transfer or disposal of such
condition of subsequent goods, and any person in
export be not exported, or whose possession such
any goods duty on which goods are found shall be
has not been paid or liable to a penalty not
having been paid has been exceeding five times the
refunded be sold or duty chargeable on such
transferred or otherwise goods; and such goods
disposed of in shall also be liable to
contravention of the rules confiscation.
or a special order made
under that section,
[12
11
If a person contravenes such person shall be liable 26(1) and
the provisions of section to a penalty not exceeding 26(4)
26 and does not furnish one million rupees and on
any information as conviction by a Special
required by the rules, Judge shall be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding one year or
with both.
[12A
12
If any person contravenes such person shall be liable
the provisions of section to a penalty not exceeding 26A 84[and
26A 84[and 155M] does one million rupees and on 155M]
not furnish any conviction by a Special
information as required by Judge shall be liable to
the rules, imprisonment for a term
not exceeding one year or
with both.
If any person contravenes such person shall be liable 26B]
12B the provisions of section to a penalty not exceeding
26B and does not furnish one million rupees and on
any record, documents or conviction by a Special
information as required by Judge shall be liable to
the rules, imprisonment for a term
not exceeding one year or
with both.
13. If any person willfully such person shall be liable 28
contravenes any rule to a penalty not exceeding
134
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
relatable to section 28 2[ten thousand rupees;] and
with respect to any spirits, all such spirit shall be
liable to confiscation.
85
[14 If any person commits an such person shall be liable 32
offence under to a penalty not exceeding
one hundred thousand
(i) sub-section (1) or sub- rupees or three times the
section (2) of section value of the goods in
32; respect of which such
offence is committed,
whichever be greater; and
such goods shall also be
liable to confiscation; and
upon conviction by a
Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding three years,
or to fine, or to both;
(ii) sub-section (3) or sub- such person shall be liable 32]
section (3A) of to a penalty not exceeding
section 32, fifty thousand rupees or
two times the value of the
goods in respect of which
such offence is committed,
whichever be greater.
14
[14A. If any person commits an such person shall be liable 32A.]
offence to a penalty not exceeding
Under section 32A. three times the value of the
goods in respect of which
such offence is committed
and such goods shall also
be liable to confiscation
and upon conviction by a
Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
which may extend to ten
years but shall not be less
than five years or to fine,
or to both.
85
[14B If any person commits an Such person shall be liable 32C]
135
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
offence under section to penalty not exceeding
32C, two hundred thousand
rupees or three times the
value of goods in respect of
which such offence is
committed whichever is
greater; and such goods
shall also be liable to
confiscation; and upon
conviction by a special
judge he shall further be
liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding five
years and to a fine which
may extend upto one
million rupees.
15. If any goods in respect of any person who fails to 35 & 105
which drawback has been export such goods or who
paid or any warehoused unloads or relands the
goods cleared for goods or any person who
exportation are not duly aids or abets the evasion of
exported or after being export of such unloading or
exported are unloaded or relanding shall be liable to
relanded at any other a penalty not exceeding
place in Pakistan three times the value of
otherwise than in such goods or 1[twenty five
accordance with the thousand rupees,]
provisions of this Act and whichever be higher; and
the rules. the goods which are not so
exported or which are so
unloaded or relanded
together with the
conveyance from which
they are unloaded or
relanded shall also be
liable to confiscation.
16. If any provisions or stores such provisions or stores
on which drawback has shall be liable to 24 & 35
been paid or on which confiscation.
duty has not been paid for
reason of their being
provisions or stores
136
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
meant, to be exported for
use on board are not
loaded on board or after
being loaded are
subsequently unloaded
without the permission of
the appropriate officer.
16
If any person fraudulently [such person shall be
claims drawback on any liable to penalty not
17. goods on which drawback exceeding twenty-five 39
is disallowed under thousand rupees, and such
section 39 or includes any goods shall also be liable to
such goods in his claim confiscation].
for drawback,
18. If, in any river or port the master of such vessels 43
17
wherein a place has been [and master of the pilot]
fixed under section 43 by shall be liable to a penalty
the Board, any vessel not exceeding 1[twenty-
arriving passes beyond five thousand rupees].
such place, before
delivery of a manifest to
the pilot, officer of
customs, or other person
duly authorized to receive
the same,
19. If the master of any vessel such master shall be liable 43
arriving, which remains to penalty not exceeding
outside or below any place 1[twenty five thousand
fixed, under section 43, rupees].
wilfully omits, for twenty-
four hours after anchoring,
to deliver a manifest as
required by this Act,
20. If, after any vessel has such master shall be liable 43
entered any customs-port to a penalty not exceeding
in which a place has not 1[twenty five thousand
been fixed under section rupees].
43, the master of such
vessel willfully omits, for
137
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
twenty-four hours after
anchoring, to deliver a
manifest as required by
this Act,
21. If, after any conveyance such person shall be liable 44
other than a vessel has to a penalty not exceeding
entered any land customs- 1[twenty five thousand
station or customs-airport, rupees].
the person-in-charge of
such conveyance willfully
omits, for twenty-four
hours after arrival, to
deliver a manifest as
required by this Act,
22. If any person required by such person shall be liable 43 & 46
this Act to receive an to a penalty not exceeding
import manifest from the 2[ten thousand]rupees.
person-in-charge of a
conveyance refuses to do
so, or fails to countersign
the same or to enter
thereon the particulars
referred to in section 46,
23. (i) If, any import or export the person delivering such 45 & 53
manifest delivered under manifest shall be liable to a
any provision of this Act penalty not exceeding
1
is not signed by the person [twenty-five thousand
delivering the same or is rupees].
not in the form prescribed
under this Act or does not
contain the particulars of
the conveyance, goods
and journey required to be
stated in such manifest by
or under this Act, or
(ii) If any manifest so
delivered does not contain
a specification true to the
best of such person’s
138
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
knowledge of all goods
imported or to be exported
in such conveyance,
24(i) If any goods entered in the the person-in-charge of 45,53 & 55
import manifest of a such conveyance shall be
conveyance are not found liable to a penalty not
in that conveyance; or exceeding twice the
(ii) amount of duty chargeable
If the quantity found in on the goods not found on
the conveyance the conveyance or, if such
18
[,container or any other goods are not dutiable or
package] is short, and the the duty thereon cannot be
shortage is not accounted ascertained, to a penalty
for to the satisfaction of not exceeding 19[fifteen
the officer-in-charge of thousand rupees] for every
the custom-house, missing or deficient
package or separate article,
and in the case of bulk
goods to a penalty not
exceeding the value of the
goods, or 1[twenty-five
thousand rupees],
whichever be higher.
25. If any bulk is broken on a the master of such vessel 47 & 49
vessel in contravention of shall be liable to a penalty
section 47 or without a not exceeding 1[twenty-
special pass granted under five thousand] rupees.
section 49,
26. (i) If any bill of lading or the person-in-charge of 48
copy required under such conveyance shall be
section 48, is false and the liable to penalty not
1
person-in-charge of the exceeding [twenty-five
conveyance is unable to thousand rupees].
satisfy the appropriate
officer that he was not
aware of the fact; or if any
such bill or copy has been
altered with fraudulent
intent; or
139
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(ii) If the goods mentioned in
any such bill or copy have
not been bona fide
shipped or loaded as
shown therein; or if any
such bill of landing or any
bill of lading of which a
copy is delivered has not
been made previously to
the departure of the
conveyance from the
place where the goods
referred to in such bill of
lading were shipped or
loaded; or,
(iii) If any part of the cargo or
goods has been stayed,
destroyed or thrown over
board, or if any package
has been opened and any
part of the cargo or goods
be not accounted for to the
satisfaction of the
appropriate officer,
27. If the person-in-charge of such person shall be liable 51 & 52
a conveyance attempts to to a penalty not exceeding
depart from the customs- 1[twenty-five thousand
station without a port- rupees].
clearance or written
permission of the
appropriate officer,
granted under section 51
or section 52, as the case
may be,
28. If any conveyance the person-in-charge of
actually departs from a such conveyance shall be
customs-station without liable to a penalty not
obtaining the port- exceeding 1[twenty- five
clearance or the written thousand rupees].
140
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
permission of the
appropriate officer, as the
case may be,
29. If any pilot takes charge such pilot shall be liable to
of any vessel proceeding a penalty not exceeding
out of Pakistan 1[twenty- five thousand
notwithstanding that the rupees].
master of the vessel does
not produce a port-
clearance,
30. If the person-in-charge of such person shall be liable 61
a conveyance refuses to to a penalty not exceeding
2
receive on board any [ten thousand rupees] for
officer of customs deputed each day during which
under section 60, such officer is not received
on board the conveyance,
and the conveyance if not
entered shall not be
allowed to enter until such
penalty is paid.
31. If the master of a vessel or such master or person 61
the person-in-charge of a shall, in each such case, be
conveyance other than a liable to a penalty not
vessel or an aircraft exceeding 2[ten thousand
refuses to provide such rupees].
officer with suitable
accommodation and
adequate quantity of fresh
water,
32. (i) If the person-in-charge of such person shall be liable 62
any conveyance refuses to to a penalty not exceeding
allow such conveyance or 1[twenty five thousand
any box, place or close rupees].
receptacle therein to be
searched when so required
by an officer of customs
bearing a written order to
search; or
141
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(ii) If an officer of customs
places any lock, mark or
seal upon any goods in
any conveyance, and such
lock, mark or seal is
willfully opened, altered
or broken before due
delivery of such goods; or
(iii) If any such goods are
secretly conveyed away;
or
(iv) If any such hatchway or
entrance to the hold of a
conveyance after having
been fastened down by an
officer of customs is
opened without his
permission,
33. If the person-in-charge of such person shall be liable 64.
a conveyance laid up by to a penalty not exceeding
1
the withdrawal of the [twenty-five thousand
officer of customs shall, rupees] and the goods if
before application is made protected by a pass or
by him for an officer of written order shall be liable
customs to superintend the to be relanded for
receipt of goods, causes or examination at the expense
suffers to be put on board of the person-in-charge
such conveyance and and, if not protected by a
goods what ever in pass or written order, shall
contravention of section be liable to confiscation.
64,
34. If the person-in-charge of such person shall be liable 64,65 & 141
a conveyance, in any case to a penalty not exceeding
1
other than that provided [twenty-five thousand]
for in clause 33 of this rupees; and all goods so
Table, causes or suffers discharged, put on board
any goods to be the conveyance or water-
discharged, put on board borne shall be liable to
142
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
the conveyance or water- confiscation.
borne contrary to the
provisions of section 64 or
section 65 or any rules
relating to baggage,
35(i) If, when a boat-note is the person by whose 68
required by section 68, authority the goods are
any goods water-borne for being landed or shipped,
the purpose of being and the person-in-charge of
landed from any vessel the boat, shall each be
and warehoused or passed liable to a penalty not
for importation, or of exceeding twice the
being shipped for amount of duty leviable on
exportation, be found the goods, or, if such goods
without such note; or be non-dutiable to a
penalty not exceeding
20
[two thousand] rupees;
and such goods shall also
be liable to confiscation.
(ii) If any goods are found on
board any boat in excess
of such boat-note, whether
such goods are intended to
be landed, from, or to be
shipped on board any
vessel,
36. If any person refuses to such person, master or 68
receive, or fails to sign, or officer shall be liable to a
to note the prescribed penalty not exceeding 2[ten
particulars upon, any boat- thousand ] rupees.
note, as required by
section 68, or if any
master or officer of a
vessel receiving the same
fails to deliver it when
required so to do by any
officer of customs
authorized to make such
requisitions,
143
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
37(i) If any goods are, without the person by whose 66,69 & 70
permission, shipped or authority the goods are
loaded on board a shipped, loaded, landed,
conveyance proceeding water-borne or
out of Pakistan or are transshipped and the
water-borne to be so person-in-charge of the
shipped or loaded or are conveyance employed in
landed except from or at a conveying them shall each
wharf or other place duly be liable to a penalty not
appointed for the purpose; exceeding five times the
or value of the goods; and
such goods shall also be
liable to confiscation.
(ii) if any goods water-borne
for the purpose of being
landed or shipped or
loaded are not landed,
shipped or loaded without
unnecessary delay; or
(iii) if the boat containing such
goods be found out of the
proper track between the
vessel and the wharf or
other proper place of
landing or shipping or
loading and such
deviation be not
accounted for to the
satisfaction of the
appropriate officer; or
(iv) if any goods are
transshipped contrary to
the provisions of section
70,
38. If, after the issue of a the owner or the person-in- 71
notification under section charge of the boat shall be
71 with regard to any port, liable to a penalty not
any goods are found exceeding 20[two thousand]
144
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
within the limits of such rupees; and such goods
port on board any boat not shall also be liable to
duly licensed and confiscation, unless they
registered, are covered by a special
permit of the Collector of
Customs.
39. If any boat or vessel not such boat or such vessel 72
exceeding one hundred shall be liable to
tons does not comply with confiscation.
the rules relatable to
section 72,
21
[39A. The person incharge of a such person, master, agent 72A]
conveyance or master or or owner shall be liable to
agent or owner of the penalty not exceeding two
conveyance who fails to hundred thousand rupees
supply the information or and on conviction by a
documents suo moto Special Judge, he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three
years on with fine, or with
both.
40. If any person-in-charge of such person shall be liable 45 & 75
any conveyance unloads to a penalty not exceeding
or suffers to be unloaded 1[twenty-five thousand]
any goods not duly rupees.
entered in the manifest of
such conveyance,
41. If any goods are found such goods shall be liable to General
concealed in any place, box confiscation.
or close receptacle in any
conveyance and are not duly
accounted for to the
satisfaction of the officer-in-
charge of the custom- house,
42. If any goods are found on such goods shall be liable to 45 & 75
board any conveyance in confiscation.
excess of those entered in
the manifest, or not
145
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
corresponding with the
specification therein
contained,
22 If any goods, after having if the goods cannot be 25
[79, 26[***] 80
[43.
landed and before they have recovered, the owner 68[or 26
[***]
been processed and cleared any other person having
by the Customs, are by the custody of the aforesaid
or any other person, goods]shall be liable, in
fraudulently concealed in, or addition to full duty, to a
attempted to remove from penalty not exceeding five
the bonded area of any Port. times the amount of such
Airport and Dry port, or duty, or if such goods are not
abstracted from any package dutiable or duty thereon
or transferred from one cannot be ascertained, to a
package to another, or penalty not exceeding 23[one
otherwise, for the purpose of hundred] thousand rupees, for
illegal removal or every missing or deficient
concealment, with the package or separate article,
intention of defrauding the and in the case of bulk goods
revenue, to a penalty not exceeding
23
[one hundred] thousand
rupees or three times of the
value of the goods, whichever
be higher.
And the owner or any person
guilty of such removal,
concealment, abstraction or
transferment and every
person aiding or abetting him
24
shall [including the
custodian], upon conviction
by a special judge, be liable
to imprisonment for a term
not exceeding five years. ]
29
44. If, in relation to any goods the owner of the goods and [79, 30[***] 131
30
in respect of which a every person who aids or [***]
declaration is required on abets such packing shall be
36/36A
[a goods declaration], liable to a penalty not
as the case may be, it be exceeding 1[twenty five
found that the goods have thousand] rupees 28[or five
apparently been packed so times the duty and taxes
as to deceive the officer of involved whichever is
customs, higher]; and such goods
146
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
shall also be liable to
confiscation.
31&73
45. If any goods have been the owner of such goods [79 and 131]
declared on 27/27A[ a goods and every person who aids
declaration], as the case or abets such concealment
may be, and it is found or mixing of goods shall be
that goods not so declared liable to a penalty not
have been concealed in, or exceeding 1[twenty five
mixed within the goods so thousand] rupees 28[or five
declared, times the duty and taxes
involved whichever is
higher]; and both the goods
so declared and the goods
not so declared shall be
liable to confiscation.
46. If, when goods are passed the person guilty of such 79 & 88
by bale or by package, any omission or mis-
omission or mis- description shall be liable
description thereof to a penalty not exceeding
tending to injure the ten times the amount of
revenue be discovered, duty which might have
been lost to Government
by such omission or mis-
description, unless it be
proved to the satisfaction
of the officer-in-charge of
the custom-house that the
variance was accidental.
47. If, without entry duly the person so taking or 7934[***]
made, any goods are taken passing such goods
or passed out of any 32[along with the custodian
customs-station, of the goods] shall, in
every such case, be liable
to a penalty not exceeding
five times the value of
goods; and such goods
shall also be liable to
confiscation 33[and upon
conviction by a Special
Judge be further liable to
147
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding five years].
35,85 89
[47 [Omitted]
A
48. If any prohibited the passenger shall be General
36
[,restricted] or dutiable liable to a penalty not
goods are found, either exceeding five times the
before or after landing, value of the goods; and
concealed in any such goods shall also be
passenger’s baggage, liable to confiscation.
49. If any goods entered to be any person so carrying 87
warehoused are carried them shall be liable to a
into the warehouse unless penalty not exceeding
1
with the authority, or [twenty five thousand
under the care, of the rupees]; and such goods
appropriate officer, and in shall also be liable to
such manner, by such confiscation.
persons, within such time,
and by such roads or
ways, as such officer
directs,
50. If any goods entered to be such goods shall be 88
warehoused are not duly deemed not to have been
warehoused in pursuance duly warehoused, and shall
of such entry, or are be liable to confiscation
withheld, or removed [and any person guilty of
from any proper place of such offence, aiding or
examination before they abetting shall be liable to a
have been examined and penalty not exceeding five
certified by the hundred thousand rupees] .
appropriate officer,
51. If any warehoused goods such goods shall be liable Chapter XI
be not warehoused in to confiscation
accordance with the
provisions of Chapter XI,
52. If the licensee of any such licensee shall be 91
private warehouse liable to a penalty not
licensed under this Act exceeding 1[twenty five
148
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
does not open the same thousand rupees], and shall
when required so to do by further be liable to have his
any officer entitled to license forthwith cancelled.
have access thereto, or,
upon demand made by
any such officer, refuses
access to any such officer,
53. If the 37[licensee] of any such 38[***] licensee shall, Chapter XI
public warehouse, or the for every such neglect, be
licensee of any private liable to a penalty not
warehouse, neglects to exceeding 39[one thousand
show the goods rupees].
warehoused therein, so
that easy access may be
had to every package and
parcel thereof,
54. If the owner of any such owner or person shall 93
warehoused goods, or any in every such case, be
person in the employment liable to penalty not
of such owner, exceeding 1[twenty five
clandestinely opens any thousand rupees].
warehouse, or, except in
the presence of the
appropriate officer, gains
access to his goods,
55(i) If any warehoused goods such goods shall be liable 92 & 94
are opened in to confiscation.
contravention of the
provisions of section 92;
or
(ii) if any alteration be made
in such goods or in the
packing thereof, except as
provided in section 94,
56. If any warehoused goods the person-in-charge of the 106
that have been delivered conveyance shall be liable
as stores and provisions to a penalty not exceeding
for use on board a 1[twenty five thousand
149
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
conveyance under the rupees;] and such goods
authority of this Act are shall also be liable to
relanded, sold or disposed confiscation.
of in Pakistan without due
entry and payment of
duty,
57. If any goods, lodged in a the licensee of such 116
private warehouse are warehouse shall, unless the
found at the time of deficiency be accounted for
delivery therefrom to be to the satisfaction of the
deficient, and such appropriate officer, be
deficiency is not due liable to a penalty equal to
solely to natural loss, as five times the duty
allowed under section chargeable on the goods so
110, deficient.
58. If the 37[licensee] of any such 38[***] licensee shall 116
public warehouse, or the for every such failure, be
licensee of any private liable to pay the duties due
warehouse, fails, on the on such goods, and also a
requisition of any officer penalty not exceeding
39
of customs, to produce [one thousand rupees] in
any goods which have respect of every package or
been deposited in such parcel so missing or
warehouse, and which deficient.
have not been duly cleared
and delivered therefrom,
and is unable to account
for such failure to the
satisfaction of the
appropriate officer,
59. If any goods, after being any person guilty of such Chapter XI
duly warehoused, are removal, concealment,
fraudulently concealed in, abstraction or transferment
or removed from the and every person aiding or
warehouse, or abstracted abetting him shall be liable
from any package, or to a penalty not exceeding
1
transferred from one [twenty five thousand
40
package to another, or rupees] [; and upon
otherwise, for the purpose conviction by a Special
of illegal removal or Judge, he shall further be
150
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
concealment, liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding five
years, or to fine, or to
both].
60. If any goods lodged in a such excess, unless Chapter XI
private warehouse are accounted for to the
found to exceed the satisfaction of the officer-
registered quantity, in-charge of the custom-
house, shall be charged
with five times the duty
leviable thereon.
61. If any goods be removed any person so removing Chapter XI
from the warehouse in them shall be liable to a
which they were penalty not exceeding
1 41
originally deposited, [ [one hundred thousand
except in the presence, or rupees]; and such goods
with the sanction, of the shall also be liable to
appropriate officer or confiscation.
under the proper authority
for their delivery,
62. If any person illegally such person shall be liable Chapter XI
takes any goods out of any to a penalty not exceeding
42
warehouse without [five hundred thousand]
40
payment of duty [or rupees [;and upon
replaces with other conviction by a Special
goods], or aids, assists or Judge, he shall be further
is otherwise concerned liable to imprisonment for
therein, a term not exceeding five
years or to fine or to both.]
84
[63(i). If any goods which are such goods and the
loaded for transshipment, conveyance illegally 121
are pilfered, replaced en- carrying these goods shall
route or failed to reach the be liable to confiscation
port of destination, or any and any person including
person transships goods the custodian involved in
not allowed to be the offence and the bonded
transshipped: carrier shall be liable to a
penalty not exceeding ten
times the value of the
151
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
goods and he shall further
be liable, upon conviction
by a Special Judge, to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding seven years;
and
(ii) If any person contravenes such person including the
any rule relating to custodian and the inland 121]
transshipment other than carrier shall be liable to
mentioned in clause (i), penalty not exceeding five
hundred thousand rupees or
three times the amount of
duties and taxes involved.
82[ 74 94
64. If any person [such person including [127,128, 129&
contravenes any rule or the custodian and inland 129A]
condition relating to carrier shall be liable to a
94
[section 127, section penalty up to twice the
128, section 129 or value of the goods and
section 129A], or makes upon conviction by a
an untrue declaration Special Judge be further
relating to transit goods or liable to imprisonment for
illegally removes or a term not exceeding five
conceals any transit years, and the goods in
goods,] respect of which such
offence has been
committed shall also be
liable to confiscation.]
65. If any goods be taken on the person-in-charge of 130
board any conveyance at such conveyance shall be
any customs-station in liable to a penalty not
contravention of section exceeding 1[twenty five
130, thousand] rupees.
66. If any goods not specified the person-in-charge of 131 47[***]
in a duly-passed 27/27A[ such conveyance 48[along
goods declaration] or not with the custodian] shall be
permitted to be exported liable to a penalty not
are taken on board any exceeding 49[one hundred
conveyance, contrary to thousand rupees and upon
the provisions of conviction by a Special
152
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
46
[sections 131 47[***], Judge be further liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding two years
and the conveyance
involved shall be liable to
confiscation].
67. If any goods specified in the owner of such goods 134
the manifest of any shall be liable to a penalty
20
conveyance or in any not exceeding [two
27/27A
[goods declaration] thousand] rupees; and such
are not duly put on board goods shall also be liable to
before the departure of confiscation.
such conveyance, or are
relanded and notice of
such short loading or
relanding be not given as
required by section 134,
68. If any goods duly put on the person-in-charge of 135,136 &137
board any conveyance be such conveyance shall,
landed, except under unless the landing be
sections 135,136 or 137, accounted for to the
at any place other than satisfaction of the
that for which they have appropriate officer, be
been cleared, liable to a penalty not
exceeding three times the
value of the goods so
landed.
69. If any goods on account of the person-in-charge of 136
which drawback has been such conveyance shall,
paid be not found on unless the fact be
board any conveyance accounted for to the
referred to in section 136, satisfaction of the
appropriate officer, be
liable to a penalty not
exceeding the value of
such goods.
70. If the owner of any such owner shall be liable 139
baggage fails to make to a penalty not exceeding
correct declaration of its three times the value of the
153
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
contents or refuses to goods, in respect of which
answer any questions put no declaration or incorrect
to him by the appropriate declaration has been made
officer with respect to his or in respect of which he
baggage or any of its refuses or fails to answer
contents including articles any question, or which he
carried with him or fails to fails to produce for
produce the baggage or examination; and such
any such article for goods shall also be liable to
examination, confiscation.
87
[70 If the owner of any
baggage fails to declare or
makes a false declaration
with respect to his
baggage or refuses to
answer any questions put
to him by the appropriate
officer with respect to his
baggage or any of its
contents including articles
carried with him or fails to
produce baggage or any
such article for
examination, and if such
goods are:
(i) Other than currency Such owner shall be laible 139(1)
gold, silver & platinum to penalty not exceeding
and precious stones in three times the value of the
any form goods; and such goods
shall also be liable to
confiscation.
(ii) Currency of all types.
139(2)
(a)If the amount of the Such currency shall be
currency over and liable to confiscation and
above the permissible any person concerned in
limit is upto US dollars the offence shall be liable
10,000/- or equivalent to a penalty not exceeding
in value (currency of the value of the excess
other denomination) amount of the currency;
etc.
(b) If the amount of Such currency shall be
the currency over and liable to confiscation and
154
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
above the permissible any person concerned in
limit is US dollars the offence shall be liable
10,001/- top 20,000/- to a penalty not exceeding
or equivalent in value two times the value of the
(currency of other excess amount of the
denomination) etc. currency;
(c) if the amount of the Such currency shall be
currency over and liable to confiscation and
above the permissible any person concerned in
limit is US dollars the offence shall be liable
20,001/- to 50,000/- or to a penalty not exceeding
equivalent in value three times the value of the
(currency of other currency; and upon
denomination) etc. conviction by a Special
Judge he shall further be
liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding two
years;
(d) If the amount of the Such currency shall be
currency over and liable to confiscation and
above the permissible any person concerned in
limit is US dollars the offence shall be liable
50,001/- to 100,000/- to a penalty not exceeding
or equivalent in value four times the value of the
(currency of other currency; and upon
denomination) etc. conviction by a Special
Judge he shall further be
liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding seven
years;
(e) if the amount of the Such currency shall be
currency over and liable to confiscation and
above the permissible any person concerned in
limit is US dollars the offence shall be liable
100,001/- to 200,000/- to a penalty not exceeding
or equivalent in value five times the value of the
(currency of other currency; and upon
denomination) etc. conviction by a Special
Judge he shall further be
liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding ten
years;
155
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided further that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than three years.
(f) If the amount of the Such currency shall be
currency over and liable to confiscation and
above the permissible any person concerned in
limit exceeds US the offence shall be liable
dollars 200,000/- or to a penalty not exceeding
equivalent in value of ten times the value of the
(currency of other currency; and upon
denomination) etc. conviction by a Special
Judge be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding fourteen
years;
Provided further that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than five years.
(iii) Gold , silver , 139(2)
platinum and
precious stones in
any form;
(a) If the quantity of Such goods shall be liable
such goods is up to to confiscation and any
15 tola gold or person concerned in the
equivalent in value offence shall be liable to a
(silver or platinum) penalty not exceeding the
etc. value of the goods;
(b) If the quantity of Such currency shall be
such goods is from liable to confiscation and
16-30 tola gold or any person concerned in
equivalent in value the offence shall be liable
(silver or platinum) to a penalty not exceeding
etc. two times the value of the
currency;
(c) if the quantity of Such goods shall be liable
such goods is from to confiscation and any
31-50 tola gold or person concerned in the
equivalent in value offence shall be liable to a
(silver or platinum) penalty not exceeding three
etc. times the value of the
156
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding one year;
(d ) the quantity of such Such good shall be liable to
good is from 51-100 confiscation and any
tola gold or person concerned in the
equivalent in value offence shall be liable to a
(silver or penalty not exceeding three
platinum)etc. times the value of the
goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding three years;
(e) If the quantity of such Such goods shall be liable
goods is from 101-200 to confiscation and any
tola gold or equivalent person concerned in the
in value (silver or offence shall be liable to a
platinum)etc. penalty not exceeding four
times the value of the
goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding five years;
(f) If the quantity of such Such currency shall be
goods is from 201-500 liable to confiscation and
tola gold or equivalent any person concerned in
in value (silver or the offence shall be liable
platinum) etc. to a penalty not exceeding
five times the value of the
currency; and upon
conviction by a Special
Judge he shall further be
liable to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding ten
years:
Provided further that the
sentence of the
Imprisonment shall not be
157
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
less than three years.
(g) If the quantity of such Such goods shall be liable
goods exceeds 500 tola to confiscation and any
gold or equivalent in person concerned in the
value (silver or offence shall be liable to a
platinum) etc. penalty not exceeding ten
times the value of the
goods; and upon conviction
by a Special Judge he shall
further be liable to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding fourteen
years;
Provided further that the
sentence of the
imprisonment shall not be
less than five years.]
71. If any consignor in such consignor shall be 147
relation to coastal goods liable to a penalty not
1
fails to make an entry exceeding [twenty-five
thereof in the prescribed thousand] rupees.
bill as required under
section 147, or while
presenting such bill fails
to make and subscribe to a
declaration as to the truth
of the contents of such
bill,
72. If in the case of any the master of the vessel 148 to 153
coasting vessel the shall in each case be liable
provisions of sections 148, to a penalty not exceeding
149, 150,151, 152 and 153 19[fifteen thousand] rupees.
are not compiled with,
73(i) If the master of any the master shall be liable to 151
coasting vessel fails a penalty not exceeding
correctly to keep, or to 2[ten thousand]rupees.
cause to be kept the cargo
book, or to produce the
158
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
same on demand; or
if at any time there be
(ii)
found on board any such
vessel any goods not
entered in such book as
laden, or any goods noted
as delivered; or
(iii) if any goods entered as
laden, and not noted as
delivered, be not on board,
74. If any person contravenes such person shall, except 155
the provisions of section where any fine has been
155 or aids in or abets expressly provided for the
such contravention, violation of the prohibition
or restriction in the law that
imposes it, be liable to a
penalty not exceeding 2[ten
thousand]rupees; and the
goods in respect of which
such contravention is
committed shall also be
liable to confiscation.
75. If any rule which prevents the master of the vessel 155
or regulates the taking of carrying such goods shall
any coastal goods out of be liable to a penalty not
1
Pakistan is contravened, exceeding [twenty-five
thousand] rupees, and
where such contravention
results in the loss of any
customs-duty he shall
further be liable to a
penalty not exceeding three
times such duty; and the
goods in respect of which
such contravention is
committed shall also be
liable to confiscation.
76(i). If, contrary to the the master of such vessel Chapter XVI
provisions of this Act or shall be liable to a penalty
159
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
2
any other law for the time not exceeding [ten
being in force, any goods thousand] rupees; and such
are laden on board any goods shall also be liable to
vessel in any customs-port confiscation.
or carried coast-wise, or
(ii) If any goods which have
been brought coast-wise
are so unladen in any such
port; or
(iii) If any goods are found on
board any coasting vessel
without being entered in
the manifest or cargo
book, as the case may be,
of such vessel,
77 50[(i) If any person counterfeits, such person shall, on General
falsifies or fraudulently conviction of any such
alters or destroys any offence before a 4[Special
declaration, statement or Judge] be liable to
document in the imprisonment for a term
transaction of any not exceeding three years,
business relating to the or to fine, or to both.
customs or any seal,
signature, initials or other
mark made or impressed
by any officer of customs
in the transaction of any
business relating to
customs; or]
(ii) being required under this
Act to produce any
document, refuses or
neglects to produce such
document; or
(iii) Being required under this
Act to answer any
question put to him by an
officer of customs, does
160
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
not correctly answer such
question,
78. If any person on board such person shall be liable General
any conveyance in any to a penalty not exceeding
customs-station or who three times the value of
has landed from any such such goods; and such
conveyance, upon being goods shall also be liable to
asked by an officer of confiscation.
customs whether he has
dutiable or prohibited
goods about his person or
in his possession, declares
that he has not, and if any
such goods are, after such
denial, found about his
person or in his
possession,
79(i) If any officer of customs such officer shall, on 158
required any person to be conviction before a
4
searched for dutiable or [Special Judge], be liable
prohibited goods, or any to a fine not exceeding
1
documents connected with [twenty five thousand
such goods, or to be rupees.]
detained, without having
reasonable grounds to
believe that he has such
goods or documents about
his person; or
(ii) arrest any person without
having reasonable grounds
to believe that he has been
guilty of an offence
relating to customs,
80. If, save for good and the person-in-charge of 164
sufficient cause, any such conveyance shall be
conveyance having been liable to a penalty not
summoned under section exceeding 1[twenty five
164 to stop fails to do so, thousand] rupees; and such
conveyance shall also be
161
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
liable to confiscation.
81. If any officer of customs, such officer or person General
or other person duly shall, on conviction before
employed for the a 4[Special Judge], be
prevention of smuggling, liable to imprisonment for
is guilty of a willful a term not exceeding three
breach of the provisions of years, or to fine, or to both.
this Act,
82. If any officer of customs, such officer or person General
or other person duly shall, on conviction before
employed for the a 4[Special Judge], be
prevention of smuggling, liable to imprisonment for
practices, or attempts to a term not exceeding three
practice, any fraud for the years, or to fine, or to both.
purpose of injuring the
customs revenue, or abets
or connives at any such
fraud, or any attempt to
practice any such fraud,
83. If any police-officer, such officer shall, on 170
whose duty it is, under conviction before 4[Special
section 170 , to send a Judge], be liable to a
written notice or cause penalty not exceeding
20,93
goods to be conveyed to a [fifty thousand] rupees.
custom-house, neglects so
to do,
84. If, in relation to any goods the person concerned shall 83 & 131
imported or intended to be be liable to a penalty not
1
exported by land, an order exceeding [twenty-five
permitting clearance under thousand] rupees, and such
section 83 or section 131 goods shall also be liable to
is not produced, confiscation.
85. If any person knowingly- such person shall, on General
conviction before a
(a) obstructs, hinders, 4
[Special Judge] be liable
51
[falsely accuses or to a fine 93[not less than
implicates, threatens, one hundred thousand]
molests or assaults rupees, and to
an official of
162
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Customs or any imprisonment for a term
person while duly not exceeding two years.
engaged or
subsequently] in the
discharge of any
duty or the exercise
of any power
imposed or
conferred on him by
or under any of the
provisions of this
Act or any person
acting in his aid; or
(b) does anything which
impedes or is
calculated to impede,
the carrying out of
any search for any
thing 52[required in
an inquiry,
investigation, audit
of goods] liable to
confiscation under
this Act or the
detention, seizure or
removal of any such
thing; or
(c) rescues, damages or
destroys anything so
liable to confiscation
or does anything
calculated to prevent
the procuring or
giving of evidence as
to whether or not
anything is so liable
to confiscation; or
(d) prevents the detention
of any person by a
person duly engaged
163
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
or acting as
aforesaid, or rescues
any person so
detained; or
(e) attempts to do any of
the aforementioned
acts or things, or
who aids or abets, or
attempts to aid or
abet, the doing of
any of them,
86. If any person, having such person shall, on 192
knowledge of the conviction before a
4
commission of any [Special Judge], be liable
offence under this Act or to imprisonment for a term
of an attempt or likely which may extend to one
attempt to commit any year, or to a fine not
1
such offence, fails to give exceeding [twenty-five
information in writing to thousand]rupees, or to
the officer-in-charge of both.
the nearest custom-house
or customs-station, or if
there be no custom-house
or customs-station at a
reasonably convenient
distance to the officer-in-
charge of the nearest
police-station,
87(i) If any officer of customs, such officer shall, on 199
except in the discharge in conviction before a
4
good faith of his duty as [Special Judge], be liable
such officer, discloses any to a fine not exceeding
1
particulars learnt by him [twenty-five thousand]
in his official capacity in rupees.
respect of any goods; or
(ii) If any officer of customs,
except as permitted by this
Act, parts with the
possession of any samples
164
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
delivered to him in his
official capacity,
88. If any person not holding such person shall be liable 207
a license granted under to a penalty not exceeding
section 207 acts as an 2[ten thousand] rupees.
agent for the transaction
of business as therein
mentioned,
54
89.53[(i) If any person without [such goods shall be General
lawful excuse, the proof liable to confiscation and
of which shall be on such any person concerned in
person, acquires the offence shall be liable
possession of, or is in any to a penalty not exceeding
way concerned in ten times the value of the
carrying, removing, goods; and, where the
depositing, harbouring, value of such goods
55 71
keeping or concealing, exceeds [ [three]
89
[retailing], or in any hundred thousand rupees],
manner dealing with he shall further be liable,
smuggled goods or any upon conviction by a
goods in respect to which Special Judge, to
there may be reasonable imprisonment for a term
suspicion that they are not exceeding six years and
smuggled goods; to a fine not exceeding ten
times 92[but not less than]
the value of such goods
75
[……]
56
[(ii) If the smuggled goods are Such goods shall be liable
narcotics drugs, to confiscation and any
psychotropic substances person concerned in the
or controlled substances,- offence shall be liable to --
(a) if the quantity of the imprisonment which may
narcotic drug, extend to two years, or
psychotropic with fine, or with both;
substance of
controlled substance
is one hundred grams
or less;
imprisonment which may
165
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
extend to seven years and
(b) if any quantity of the shall also be liable to fine;
narcotic drug,
psychotropic
substance or
controlled substance
exceeds one hundred
grams but does not
exceed one kilogram;
death or
(c) if the quantity of the imprisonment for life, or
narcotic drug, imprisonment for a term
psychotropic which may extend to
substance or fourteen years and shall
controlled substance also be liable to fine which
exceeds the limits may be up to one million
specified in clause rupees;
(b)
Provided that, if the
quantity exceeds ten
kilograms the punishment
shall not be less than
imprisonment for life.]
Provided that if the
smuggled goods be gold
bullion or silver bullion
the onus of proving the
plea, that such bullion was
obtained by processing or
other means employed in
Pakistan and not by
smuggling shall be upon
the person taking that
plea.
93
[(iii) in case any smuggled such person shall be liable
goods, liable to to a penalty not exceeding
confiscation, seized and ten times the value of such
placed in the custody of goods and upon conviction
the owner of the goods or by a Special Judge, shall
any person holding the further be liable to
goods in his possession or imprisonment for a term
charge are found removed not exceeding six years or
166
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
illegally, exchanged, to a fine not exceeding one
pilfered or disposed of in million rupees or both.]
any manner,
9093[(i). If any person, without such goods shall be liable General
lawful excuse the proof of to confiscation, and any
which shall be on such person concerned shall also
person, acquires be liable to a penalty not
possession of, or is in any exceeding ten times
92,93
way concerned in [omitted] the value of
carrying, removing, the goods.
depositing, harbouring,
keeping or concealing or
in any manner dealing
with any goods, not being
goods referred to in clause
89, which have been
unlawfully removed from
a warehouse, or which are
chargeable with a duty
which has not been paid,
or with respect to the
importation or exportation
of which there is a
reasonable suspicion that
any prohibition or
restriction for the time
being in force under or by
virtue of this Act has been
contravened, or if any
person is in relation to any
such goods in any way,
without lawful excuse, the
proof of which shall be on
such person, concerned in
any fraudulent evasion or
attempt at evasion of any
duty chargeable thereon,
or of any such prohibition
or restriction as aforesaid
or of any provision of this
Act applicable to those
goods,
167
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
93
[(ii) in case seized goods liable such goods shall be liable
to confiscation not being to confiscation and any
goods referred to in clause person concerned in the
89, placed in the custody offence shall be liable to a
of the owner of the goods penalty not exceeding two
or any person holding the times of the value of such
goods in his possession or goods and upon conviction
charge are found removed by a Special Judge, shall
illegally, exchanged, further be liable to
pilfered or disposed of in imprisonment for a term
any manner, not exceeding six months
or to a fine not exceeding
fifty thousand rupees or
both.]
57
91. If any person, without [such goods shall be General
lawful excuse, the proof liable to confiscation and
of which shall be on such any person concerned in
person, brings into the offence shall be liable
Pakistan, or is in any way to a penalty not exceeding
concerned with the twenty-five thousand
bringing into Pakistan of, rupees; and, upon
or who has in his conviction by a Special
possession, any bill- Judge, he shall further be
heading, or other paper liable to imprisonment for
appearing to be a heading a term not exceeding one
or blank, capable of being year or to a fine not
filled up and used as an exceeding twenty-five
invoice, purporting to be thousand rupees, or to
made out by or on behalf both.]
of a person or firm other
than the one from whose
possession the bill-
heading or other paper has
been recovered, or who
has brought it into
Pakistan, or on whose
behalf it has been brought
into Pakistan,
92. Any person who bears such person shall be liable, General
himself in disguise or on conviction before, a
being armed with an 4[Special Judge] to
168
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
offensive weapon, imprisonment for a term
intimidates any person not exceeding 58[seven]
duly engaged in the years 76[…...]
discharge of any duty or
the exercise of any power
imposed or conferred on
him by or under any of the
provisions of this Act or
any person acting in his
aid or uses such weapon
against any such person-
(a) while he is concerned
in the movement,
carriage or
concealment of any
goods with the intent
of violating any
prohibition or
restriction on the
importation or
exportation thereof
imposed by this or any
other Act or with the
intent of passing such
goods without paying
the duty chargeable
thereon or without
giving security for its
payment; or
(b) while in possession of
any goods liable to
confiscation under this
Act,
93. If any person, by any such person shall, on General
means, makes any signal conviction before a
4
or any message from any [Special Judge], be liable
part of Pakistan or from to imprisonment for a term
any ship or aircraft for the not exceeding three years,
information of a person in or to fine not exceeding
1
any ship or aircraft, or [twenty-five thousand]
169
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
across the frontier, being a rupees, or to both; and any
signal or message equipment or apparatus
connected with the used for sending the signal
smuggling or intended or message shall also be
smuggling of goods into liable to confiscation.
or out of Pakistan,
whether or not the person
for whom the signal or
message intended is in a
position to receive it or is
actually engaged at the
time in smuggling goods,
Explanation:- If in any
proceedings under this
clause, any question arises
as to whether any signal
or message was such a
signal or message as
aforesaid, the burden of
proof shall lie upon the
defendant,
94. If within the limits of such person shall, on General
Pakistan, any person conviction before a
4
deposits, places or carries, {Special Judge,] be liable
or causes to be deposited, to imprisonment for a term
placed or carried in, not exceeding three years,
through or into any or to a fine not exceeding
1
building within one mile [twenty-five thousand]
of the frontier between rupees, or to both.
Pakistan and any foreign
country, or in, through or
into any premises
connected with any such
building, any dutiable
goods on which duty has
not been paid, or any
goods imported in
contravention of any of
the provisions of this Act
or any other law,
170
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
95. If within one mile of the such building shall be General
frontier between Pakistan liable to confiscation.
and any foreign country,
any building is generally
used for storage of
imported goods and any
such goods are seized
from such building and
confiscated according to
law,
[95A.
35
If any person furnishes a Such person shall be liable General]
security or guarantee in to a penalty not exceeding
shape of a cheque or a two million rupees and
post dated cheque or any upon conviction before a
other bank instrument special Judge; he shall
towards fulfillment of any further be liable to
obligations under this Act imprisonment for a term
or any other Act or rules not exceeding three years
made there under, which or both.
is dishonoured on
presentation,
59
[96. If any person does not such person shall 211]
maintain and keep record be liable to a penalty which
under the provisions of may extend to one million
section 211, rupees.
97. If any person contravenes such person shall, on 212
any of the provisions of a conviction before a
4
notification under section [Special Judge,] be liable
212 or of the rules to imprisonment for a term
regulating business not exceeding three years,
connected with gold or and to a fine not exceeding
60
silver or precious stones [fifty thousand] rupees.
or ornaments made of
gold or silver or precious
stones within fifteen miles
of the frontier of Pakistan,
98. If any person obstructs an such person shall, on 189
officer acting in the conviction before a
171
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
exercise of the powers 4[Special Judge,] be liable
conferred by sub-section to imprisonment for a term
(2) of section 189, not exceeding two years, or
to fine, or to both.
61
[99. If defaulter fails to pay such person, upon 202
outstanding arrears as conviction by a Special
defined in clause (w) of Judge, shall be liable to
section (2) of the Customs imprisonment for a term
Act,1969, not exceeding five years or
to a fine not exceeding
three times the amount due
from him, or both.]
62
[100. If any person discloses, such person shall be liable 155H
publishes or otherwise to a penalty not exceeding
disseminates trade two hundred thousand
information of any person rupees and on conviction
to any other person except before a Special Judge to
as authorized, imprisonment for a term
not exceeding three years
or both.
101. Unauthorized access to or such person shall be liable 155-I
improper use of 77[or to a penalty not exceeding
attempt to make two hundred thousand
unauthorized access to or rupees and on conviction
improper use of ] the before a Special Judge to
Customs Computerized imprisonment for a term
System by any person, not exceeding three years
or both.
102. If any person interferes such person shall be liable 155J
78
[or attempts to interfere] to a penalty not exceeding
with the Customs two hundred thousand
Computerized System, rupees and on conviction
before a Special Judge to
imprisonment for a term
not exceeding two years or
both.
103. Unauthorized use of 79[ or such person shall be liable 155K
attempt to make to a penalty not exceeding
172
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
unauthorized use of] one hundred thousand
unique user identifier by rupees.
any person,
104. If any person,- such person shall be liable 155P
to a penalty not exceeding
(a) fails to operate any one hundred thousand
mechanical or electronic rupees.
device, when requested by
a Customs Officer, on
which any records are, or
information is, stored for
the purpose of enabling
the Customs Officer to
obtain those records or
that information; or
(b) with intent to defeat such person shall be liable
the purposes of this Act, to a penalty not exceeding
destroys, alters, or two hundred thousand
conceals any book, rupees and on conviction
document, or record before a Special Judge to
required to be kept under imprisonment for a term
this Act, or sends or not exceeding two year, or
attempts to send out of both].
Pakistan any such book,
document, or record.
90
[105 If any person makes or Imprisonment which may General]
(i) attempts to make un- extend up to six months or
authorised access to with fine which may
information, data or extend to one hundred
personal details of thousand rupees or with
registered user of Pakistan both.
Single Window system or
systems connected or
ancillary thereto;
(ii) If any person makes or Imprisonment which
attempts to make un- may extend upto six
authorised copy, months or with fine
transmission or cause to which may extend to
transmit any data, one hundred thousand
information or detail in rupees or with both.
relations to Pakistan
173
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Single Window system or
systems connected or
ancillary thereto;
(iii) If any person makes un- Imprisonment which
authorised interference, or may extend to three
attempt to interfere, years or fine which may
damage or attempt to extend to five hundred
damage any part of whole thousand rupees or with
of the Pakistan Single both.
Window system or data or
system connected to or
ancillary thereto;
(iv) If any person makes or Imprisonment which
attempts to make use of may extend to four years
any information system, or fine which may
device or data to make extend to one million
any illegal claim or title or rupees or with both.
cause any person to part
with property or to enter
into any express or
implied contract or intent
to commit fraud by any
input, alteration, deletion
or suppression of data,
resulting in unauthentic
data with the intent that
such data be considered or
acted upon for legal
purpose, as if it were
authentic in relations to
Pakistan Single Window
system or Systems
connected or ancillary
thereto;
(v) If any person uses, makes, Imprisonment which may
supplies, retains, obtains extend to six months or
device, system or software with fine which may
for offences under section extend to one hundred
13 of the Pakistan Single thousand rupees or with
Window Act, 2021 (III of both.
2021);
(vi) If any person obtains, Imprisonment which may
sells, process, uses or extend to four years and
174
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
transmits another person's fine which may extend to
Unique User Identifier or one million rupees or with
makes an attempt thereof both.
without authorisation;
(vii) If any person tampers with Imprisonment which may
or attempts to tamper extend to four years and
with, alters, re- fine which may extend up
programmes any Pakistan to one million rupees or
Single Window system or with both and any devices
system connected or or systems used in offence
ancillary thereto for un- shall be liable to
authorised use; confiscation.
(viii) If any person writes, Imprisonment for a term
offers, makes available, which may extend to four
distributes or transmits a years and fine which may
malicious code or abets in extend to five million
the same, with intent to rupees or with both.
cause harm to Pakistan
Single Window system or
data resulting in or
intending to result in
corruption, destruction,
alteration, suppression,
theft or loss to the
Pakistan Single Window
system or data, or any
attempt thereof.
94
(ix) If any person who Such person shall be liable 83C
intentionally- to a penalty of fifty
thousand rupees for the
(i) fails to generate, carry, first contravention and
display or validate an rupees five hundred
e-bilty and any thousand for the second
tracking devices contravention; and
ancillary thereto for thereafter he shall be liable
inland movement of to a penalty of rupees one
goods; or million and confiscation of
(ii) avoids to generate, the goods and conveyance
carry, display or and upon conviction by a
validate an e-bilty and Special Judge liable to
any tracking devices imprisonment not
ancillary thereto; or exceeding six months.
(iii) tampers with the e-
175
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
bilty or any tracking
devices ancillary
thereto or affixes
tracking device issued
for one conveyance
on another.
Nothing in Column 3 of the above Table Shall be deemed to have the force of law.
Explanation.- For the purposes of any penal provisions of this Act, the
offence of contravening, in respect of any goods, any of the provisions of this Act or
the rules or any other law for the time being in force, shall be deemed to have been
committed when, in the case of import, any vessel containing such goods arrives
within twelve nautical miles of the sea coast of Pakistan (each nautical mile
measuring six thousand and eighty feet) or when, in the case of export, such goods
have been loaded on any conveyance for transport to any destination outside
Pakistan, or when in either case, the connected customs documents have been
presented to the appropriate officer 63[:]
64
[Provided that in the case of accompanied baggage or any unmanifested
goods meant for export, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed when
such baggage or goods enter the customs-area or are delivered to the carrier of the
conveyance.]
(2) Where 65[any goods specified in clause (s) of section 2 or in a notification
issued there-under] are seized under this Act in the reasonable belief that an act to
defraud the Government of any duty payable thereon or to evade any prohibition or
restriction for the time being in force by or under this Act has been committed in
respect of such goods, or that there is intent to commit such act, the burden of
proving that no such act has been committed or there was no such intent shall be on
the person from whose possession the goods were seized.
66
[(3) OMITTED]
83
[(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, regulate the imposition, including the time and
manner, of any penalty specified in sub-section (1).]
86[156A. Proceedings against authority and persons.- (1) Subject to section
217, the Board shall prescribe rules for initiating criminal proceedings against any
authority mentioned in sections 3 to 3DDD, including any officer or official
subordinate to the aforesaid authority, who willfully and deliberately commits or
omits an act which results in undue benefit or advantage to the authority or the
officer or official or to any other person.
176
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) Where proceedings under sub-section (1) have been initiated against
the authority or officer or official, the Board shall simultaneously intimate the
relevant Government agency to initiate criminal proceedings against the person
referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) The proceedings under this section shall be without prejudice to any
other liability that the authority or officer or official or the person may incur under
any other law for the time being in force.]
157. Extent of confiscation.- (1) Confiscation of any goods under this Act
includes any package in which they are found, and all other contents thereof.
(2) Every conveyance of whatever kind used in the removal of any goods
liable to confiscation under this Act shall also be liable to confiscation.
94
[Omitted]
89,91
[Omitted]
(3) Confiscation of any vessel under this Act includes 94[its] tackle,
apparel and furniture.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the words “five thousand rupees” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982
2. Substituted for the words “two thousand rupees” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982.
3. Renumber S.No.8 as sub-paragraph(i)and new paragraph(ii) was added by FA,2005.
4. Substituted for the word “Magistrate” by the Prevention of Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of
1977), S.51(ii)(a), page 223.
5. Substituted for the words “ten years” by the Finance Act, 1988 (VI of 1988), S.5(3), page
938. The words “ten years” were previously substituted for the words “six years” by the
Finance Act, 1973 (L of 1973), S.9(7)(a), page 531.
6. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 1973 (L of 1973), S.9(7)(b), page 531.
7. Added by the Finance Act, 1973 (L of 1973), S.9(7)(b), page 531 and substituted by the
Prevention and Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(ix), page 230.. At the time of
substitution this proviso was as under:-
“Provided that, in the case of such goods essential to the life of the community as may be
notified by the Federal Government in the official Gazette, the sentence of imprisonment
shall not be less than five years and the whole or any part of the property of the person
convicted shall also be liable to confiscation.”.
8. Omitted by Finance Act, 2003.
9. Added by the Finance Act, 2005.
10. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1986 (I of 1986), S.6(5)(a), page 11.
11. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006. At that time serial 12 was as under:-
11a[such
If any person who without any person shall be liable to a
12. reasonable excuse fails to comply penalty not exceeding one hundred 26
with any requisition made under thousand rupees and on conviction by
section 26 or to furnish any a Special Judge shall be liable to
information as required by or imprisonment for a term not exceeding
under the rules to be furnished, two years, fine, or with both.]
177
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
11a. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2005.
12. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
13. Substituted for the full stop and added by the Federal Laws (R&D), 1981 (XXVII of 1981),
S.3.
14. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(14), pages 16-17.
15. Substituted for the words “Magistrate” by the Finance Act, 1986 (I of 1986), S.6(5)(b), page
11.
16. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(9)(a)(ii), page 60. At the time
of substitution this was as under:
“such goods shall be liable to confiscation”.
17. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), 5(30(i), page 36.-
18. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1993 (X of 1993), S.4(iv), page 121.
19. Substituted for the words “two thousand five hundred rupees” by the Finance
Ordinance,1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(9)(a)(I), page 60.
20. Substituted for the words “five hundred rupees” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982
21. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2005.
22. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(9)(a), page 768. At the time of
substitution this was as under:-
“43. If, after any goods have been landed if the goods cannot be recovered, 79
& 80.”. and before they have been passed the owner shall be liable, in addition through the
custom-house, the owner to full duty, to a penalty not exceeding removes or attempts to
remove them, five time the amount of such duty, or if with the intention of defrauding the if
such goods are not dutiable or duty revenue, thereon cannot be ascertained to a penalty not
exceeding 22a[twenty-five thousand rupees], for every missing or deficient package or
separate article, and in the case of bulk goods to a penalty not exceeding 29a[twenty-five
thousand rupees] or the value of the goods, whichever be higher.
22a. Substituted for the words “five thousand rupees” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982
(XII of 1982), S.6(9)(a)(i), page 60.
23. Substituted for the words “twenty-five” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003),
S.5(30)(ii)(a)(I), page 36.
24. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30),(ii)(a)(ii), page 37.
25. Substituted for the figures “79 & 80” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(ii)(b),
page 37.
26. Omitted the figure, letters, comma and word “79A, and 80A” by the FA,2005.
27. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(iii)(a), page 37.
27A. By the Finance Act, 2006, the words”a bill of entry or bill of export or” were omitted.
28. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(iii)(b), page 37.
29. Substituted for the figures “79 & 131” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(iii)(c),
page 37
30. Omitted the figure, letters, comma and word “79A, and 1310A” by the FA,2005.
30A. Inserted by Finance Act, 2005.
31. Substituted for the figures “79 & 131” by the Finance Act, 2003
32. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(v)(a)(I), page 37.
33. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30),(v)(a)(ii), page 37.
34. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(b), page 38.
35. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
36. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982&added by the FA,2005.
37. Substituted for the word “keeper” by the Finance Act, 1990 (VII of 1990), S.6(9)(a)(i), page
37.,
38. Omitted the words “keeper or” by the Finance 1990(VII of 1990.
39. Substituted for the words “two hundred and fifty rupees” by the Finance Ordinance,1982
(XII of 1982),S.6(9)(a)(i), page 60.
40. Added by the Finance Act, 1987 (VI of 1987), S.8(3)(a), page 34.
41. Substituted for the words “twenty-five thousand rupees” by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of
1999), S.10(9)(b), page 768 and earlier substituted for the words “five thousand rupees” by
the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982.
42. Substituted for the words “twenty five thousand” by the FA, 2005.
178
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
43. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(vi)(b), page 38.
44. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(vi)(c), page 38.
45. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(vii)(a)(I), page 38.
46. Substituted for the word and figure “section 131” by the Finance Act, 2003.
47. Omitted the word, figure and letter “and 131A” in column (1) &(3)by the FA, 2005.
48. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30(vii)(b)(I), pag
49. Substituted for the words “one thousand rupees for every package of such goods” by the
Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(vii)(b)(ii), page 38
50. Substituted clause 9i) of item 77 by the Federal Laws, 1981..
51. Substituted in clause (a) for the words “molests or assaults any person duty engaged” by the
Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003),S.5(30)(ix)(a), page 39.
52. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(30)(ix)(b), page 39.
53. S.No. 80 renumbered as sub-paragraph (i) by the Finance Act, 2005.
54 Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(9)(a)(iv), page 60. At the time
of substitution this was as under:-
“such goods shall be liable to confiscation any person concerned in the offence shall be liable
to a penalty not exceeding ten times the value of the goods; and upon conviction by a Special
Judge, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years and to fine not exceeding ten times
the value of such goods and if the Special Judge in his discretion so orders also to
whipping.”.
55. Substituted for the words “ten thousand rupees” by the Finance Act, 1998.
56. Added by the Finance Act, 2005
57. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(9)(v), page 60. At the time of
substitution this was as under:
“such person shall on conviction before a Special Judge be liable to imprisonment for a term
not exceeding one year, or to a fine not exceeding five thousand rupees or to both.”..
58. Substituted for the word “three” by the Finance Act, 2004.
59. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006. At that time serial 96 was as under:-
96. if any person being an such person shall be liable 211
importer or exporter of to a penalty not exceeding
6
goods other than for [fifty thousand] rupees.
bonafide private or personal
purposes, fails to maintain
accounts in such from as
may be notified by the
Board, or for the period
specified in section 211,
60. Substituted for the words “ten thousand rupees” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982.
61. Added by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(9)(c), page 768.
62. Added new serial numbers “100 to 104” by the Finance Act, 2003.
63. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Ordinance, 1982.
64. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(9)(a)(vi), page 61.
65. Substituted for the words and commas “currency, gold, silver, precious stones, ornaments or
other manufactures of gold silver or previous stones which the 65a[Federal Government] may,
by notification in the official Gazette, specify” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982),
S.6(9)(b), page 61.
65a. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Act, 1972 (XXI of
1972), S.3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
66. Sub-section (3) omitted by the Finance Act, 1969 (XVI of 1969), S.4. At the time of omission
this sub-section was as under:-
“(3) Where any person charged of an offence under clause 8 or clause 89 of the Table
under sub-section (1) is acquitted by a Magistrate, and the finding of the Magistrate be that
the goods in respect of which the person was charged are not smuggled goods, such
person shall not be liable to any penalty, nor such goods shall be liable to confiscation, and if
179
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
any order confiscating the goods or imposing any penalty has already been made to an
officer of customs, it shall become null and void.”.
67. Substituted for the words “Collector of Customs” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of
1982.
68. Added by Finance Act,2008(I of 2008) (Page-46)
69. Substituted for the word “twenty five”, by the Finance Act,2010.
70. Substituted for the words “not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees and any goods”, by the
Finance Act,2010.
71. Substituted the word “One”, by the Finance Act,2010.
72. Omitted the comma and words [, and, if the Special Judge in his discretion so orders, also
to whipping] by Finance Act, 2012.
73. Substituted for the words and numbers “ 79,79A, 131A” by Finance Act, 2012
74. Substituted for the words “ such person shall be liable to a penalty 70[upto twice the value of
the goods and goods] in respect of which such offence has been committed shall also be
liable to confiscation” by the Finance Act, 2012.
75. Substituted the words “and if the Special Judge in his discretion so orders also to whipping”
by Finance Ac, 2012.
76. Substituted the words “and, if the Special Judge in his discretion so orders, to whipping” by
Finance Act, 2012.
77. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012
78. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012
79. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012.
80. Substituted by Finance Act, 2015.
81. Inserted by Finance Act, 2015.
82. Substituted by Finance Act, 2015.at the time of substitution the wording is as under:
“[If any person contravenes any rule or condition relatable to section 128 or section 129.]"
83. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017.
84. Inserted by Finance Act, 2018.
85. Substituted by Finance Act,2019. At the time of substitution the wording was :
14.f If any person commits an offence such person shall be liable to a
under section 32, penalty not exceeding 1[twenty five 32
thousand] rupees or three times the
value of the goods in respect of
which such offence is committed,
whichever be greater; and such goods
shall also be liable to confiscation
13[;] 14[and upon conviction by a
15[Special Judge] he shall further be
liable to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three years, or to fine, or
to both].
35[47A If the goods declaration is not filed the owner of such goods shall be 79]
within the prescribed period of liable to a penalty which may extend
fifteen days, to fifteen thousand rupees.
86. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019
87. Inserted by Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 30th March, 2020
88. Inserted/Substituted by Finance Act, 2020 (June)
89. Inserted/Omitted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
90. Inserted by Finance Act, 2022 (June)
91. Omitted by Finance Act, 2022 (June) [Provided further that where a conveyance found
carrying smuggled goods in false cavities or being used exclusively or wholly for
transportation of offending goods under clause (s) of section 2 of this Act, has been seized for
the third time, no option to pay fine in lieu of the confiscation shall be given.]
92. Inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
93. Inserted by Finance Act, 2024(June)
94. Substituted/added by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
180
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XVIII
PREVENTION OF SMUGGLING – POWER OF SEARCH, SEIZURE AND
ARREST – ADJUDICATION OF OFFENCES
158. Power to search on reasonable ground.- (1) The appropriate officer, if he
has reason to believe that any person is carrying about himself goods liable to
confiscation or any documents relating thereto, may search such person, if he has
landed from or is on board or is about to board a vessel within the Pakistan customs-
waters, or if he has alighted from, or is about to get into or is in any other
conveyance arriving in or proceeding from Pakistan, or if he is entering or about to
leave Pakistan, or if he is within the limit of an y customs-area.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) the appropriate
officer may search a person, if he has reason to believe that such person is carrying
about himself smuggled Platinum, any radio active mineral, gold, silver or precious
stones, manufactures of Platinum, any radioactive mineral, gold, silver or precious
stones, or currency, or any other goods or class of goods notified by the 1[Federal
Government] in the official Gazette, or any documents relating to any one or more of
the aforementioned goods.
159. Persons to be searched may desire to be taken before gazetted officer of
customs or Magistrate.- (1) When any officer of customs is about to search any
person under the provisions of section 158, the officer of customs shall inform such
person about his right to be taken to a gazetted officer of customs or Magistrate, and
if such person so desires take him without unnecessary delay to the nearest gazetted
officer of customs or Magistrate before searching him, and may detain him until he
can be so taken.
(2) The gazetted officer of customs or the Magistrate before whom such
person is brought shall, if he sees no reasonable ground for search, forthwith
discharge the person and record reasons for doing so, or else direct search to be
made.
(3) Before making a search under section 158, the officer of customs
shall call upon two or more persons to attend and witness the search and may issue
an order in writing to them or any of them so to do, and the search shall be made in
the presence of such persons and a list of all things seized in the course of such
search shall be prepared by such officer or other person and signed by such
witnesses.
(4) A female shall not be searched except by a female.
181
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
160. Power to screen or X-Ray bodies of suspected persons for detecting
secreted goods.- (1) Where the appropriate officer has reason to believe that any
person liable to search under section 158 has any goods liable to confiscation
secreted inside his body, he may detain such person and produce him without
unnecessary delay before an officer of customs not below the rank of an
2/2A
[Assistant Collector] of Customs.
(2) The aforesaid officer, if he has reasonable grounds for believing that
such person has any such goods secreted inside his body and that it is necessary to
have the body of such person screened or X-Rayed, may make an order to that effect
, or else discharge such person forthwith, except where he is held on any other
grounds.
(3) Where the aforesaid officer orders such person to be screened or X-
Rayed, the appropriate officer shall, as soon as practicable, take him to a radiologist
possessing such qualifications as may be recognized by the 1[Federal Government]
for that purpose and such person shall allow the radiologist to screen or X-Ray his
body.
(4) The radiologist shall screen or X-Ray the body of such person and
forward his report thereon, together with any X-Ray picture taken by him to the
aforesaid officer without unnecessary delay.
(5) Where on the basis of a report from a radiologist or otherwise, the
aforesaid officer is satisfied that any person has any goods liable to confiscation
secreted inside his body, he may direct that suitable action for bringing such goods
out of his body be taken on the advice and under the supervision of a registered
medical practitioner and such person shall be bound to comply with such direction:
Provided that in the case of a female no such action shall be taken except on
the advice and under the supervision of a female registered medical practitioner.
(6) Where any person is brought before an officer of customs not below
the rank of an Assistant Collector 2A[**] of Customs as aforesaid, he may direct that
pending completion of all action under this section such person be detained.
(7) No person shall be subjected to screening or X-Ray if he confesses
that goods liable to confiscation are secreted inside his body and of his own consent
agrees to suitable steps being taken to bring out such goods.
.
161. Power to arrest.- (1) Any officer of customs authorized in this behalf who
has reason to believe that any person has committed an offence under this Act may
arrest such person.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) Any person duly empowered for the prevention of smuggling who has
reason to believe that any person who has committed an offence of smuggling under
this Act may arrest such person.
(3) Every person arrested under this Act shall be taken forthwith before
the nearest officer of customs authorized by the Collector of Customs to deal with
such cases, or, if there is no such officer of customs within a reasonable distance, to
the officer-in-charge of the nearest police-station.
3
[(4) When any person arrested under this Act is taken before an officer of
customs or the officer-in-charge of a police-station, as required by sub-section (3), or
when such officer of customs or officer-in-charge of a police-station himself arrests
any person under this Act, such officer or officer-in-charge shall, if the offence is
bailable, admit him to bail to appear before the Special Judge having jurisdiction or,
if the offence is non-bailable, have him taken in custody to the Special Judge or if
there is no Special Judge within a reasonable distance, to the 4[nearest Judicial
Magistrate,] within twenty-four hours of such arrest, excluding the time necessary
for the journey from the place of arrest to the Court of the Special Judge or , as the
case may be, of such Magistrate.
(5) When any person is taken under sub-section (4) before the Special
Judge, he may, on the request of such person, after perusing the record, if any, and
after giving the prosecution an opportunity of being heard, admit him to bail on his
executing a bond, with or without sureties, or refuse to admit him to bail and direct
his detention at such place as he deems fit:
Provided that nothing herein contained shall preclude the Special Judge from
cancelling the bail of any such person at a subsequent stage if, for any reason, he
considers such cancellation necessary, but before passing such order he shall afford
such person an opportunity of being heard, unless for reasons to be recorded he
considers that the affording of such opportunity shall defeat the purposes of this Act.
(6) When such person is taken under sub-section (4) before a Magistrate,
such Magistrate may, after authorizing his detention in such custody, at such place
and for such period as he considers necessary or proper for facilitating his earliest
production before the Special Judge, direct his production before the Special Judge
on a date and time to be fixed by such Magistrate, or direct such person to be
forthwith taken to, and produced before, the Special Judge and he shall be so taken.
(7) Nothing in sub-section (5) or sub-section (6) shall preclude the
Special Judge or the Magistrate from remanding any such person to the custody of
the officer of customs, or the officer-in-charge of a police-station holding inquiry
against that person if such officer makes a request in writing to that effect and the
Special Judge or the Magistrate, after perusing the record, if any, and hearing such
person, is of the opinion that for the completion of inquiry or investigation it is
183
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
necessary to make such an order; provided that in no case the period of such custody
shall exceed fourteen days.
(8) When any person arrested under this Act is brought before an officer
of customs or the officer-in-charge of a police-station as required by sub-section(3),
or when such officer of customs or officer-in-charge of a police-station himself
arrests any person under this Act, such officer shall, if he is an officer of customs,
record the fact of arrest and other relevant particulars in the register mentioned in
sub-section (12) or, if he is an officer-in-charge of a police-station, record such fact
in the register ordinarily maintained by him, and shall immediately proceed to
inquire into the charge against such person and if he completes the inquiry within
twenty-four hours of his arrest, excluding the time necessary for journey as
aforesaid, he may, after producing such person before the Special Judge or the
5
[nearest Judicial Magistrate] make a request for his further detention in his custody.
(9) While holding an inquiry under sub-section (8), the officer of customs
shall exercise the same powers as are exercisable by an officer-in-charge of a police-
station under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), but such officer
and the officer-in-charge of a police-station shall exercise such powers subject to the
foregoing provisions of this section while holding an inquiry under this Act.
(10) If the officer of customs or the officer-in-charge of a police-station, as
the case may be, after holding an inquiry as aforesaid, is of the opinion that there is
no sufficient evidence or reasonable ground for suspicion against such person, he
shall release him on his executing a bond, with or without sureties as the officer may
direct, to appear, as and when required, before the Special Judge, may make a report
to the Special Judge for the discharge of such person and shall make a full report of
the case to his immediate superior.
(11) The Special Judge to whom a report has been made under sub-section
(10) may, after the perusal of record of the inquiry and hearing the prosecution, agree
with such report and discharge the accused or, if he is of the opinion that there is
sufficient ground for proceeding against such person, proceed with his trial and
direct the prosecution to produce evidence.
(12) The officer of customs empowered to hold inquiry under this section
shall maintain a register to be called “Register of Arrests and Detention” in the
prescribed form in which he shall enter the name and other particulars of every
person arrested under this Act, together with the time and date of arrest, the details of
the information received, the details of things, goods or documents recovered from
his custody, the name of the witnesses and the explanation, if any, given by him and
the manner in which the inquiry has been conducted from day to day; and such
register or authenticated copies of its aforesaid entries shall be produced before the
Special Judge whenever such officer is so directed by him.
184
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(13) After completing the inquiry, the officer of customs shall submit to
the Special Judge a report in the form and manner, as early as possible, in which the
officer-in-charge of a police-station submits a challan before a Court, or if such
inquiry has been conducted by an officer-in-charge of a police-station, he shall
submit a challan before the Special Judge.
(14) The officer of customs, or as the case may be, the officer-in-charge of
a police-station shall immediately intimate the fact of the arrest of a person under
sub-sections (1),(2) or (4) to the Special Judge who may direct such officer to
produce that person at such time and place and on such date as the Special Judge
considers expedient and such officer or officer-in-charge shall act accordingly.
(15) Any Magistrate of the first class may record any statement or
confession during inquiry under this Act, in accordance with the provisions of
section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,1898 (Act V of 1898).
(16) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this section, the
Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette authorize any other
officer also to exercise the power and perform the functions of an officer of customs
or officer-in-charge of a police-station under this section, subject to such conditions,
if any, that it may deem fit to impose.]
162. Power to issue search warrant.- (1) Any 5[Judicial Magistrate] may, on
application by a gazetted officer of customs stating the grounds of his belief that
goods liable to confiscation or documents or things which in his opinion will be
useful as evidence in any proceeding under this Act are secreted in any place within
the local limits of the jurisdiction of such Magistrate, issue a warrant to search for
such goods, documents or things.
(2) Such warrant shall be executed in the same way, and shall have the
same effect, as a search-warrant issued under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
(Act V of 1898).
163. Power to search and arrest without warrant.- (1) Whenever any officer
of customs not below the rank of an 2/2A[Assistant Collector] of Customs or any other
officer of like rank duly employed for the prevention of smuggling has reasonable
grounds for believing that any goods liable to confiscation or any documents or
things which in his opinion will be useful for or relevant to any proceeding under this
Act are concealed or kept in any place and that there is a danger that they may be
removed before a search can be effected under section 162, he may, after preparing a
statement in writing of the grounds of his belief and of the goods, documents or
things for which search is to be made, search or cause search to be made for such
goods, documents or things in that place.
185
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(2) An officer or person who makes a search or causes a search to be
made under sub section (1) shall leave a signed copy of the aforementioned
statement in or about the place searched and shall, at the time the search is made or
as soon as is practicable thereafter, deliver furthermore a signed copy of such
statement to the occupier of the place at his last known address.
(3) All searches made under this section shall be carried out mutatis
mutandis in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
(Act V of 1898).
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections and
subject to previous authorization by an officer of customs not below the rank of an
Assistant Collector 2A[***]of Customs, any officer of customs or any person duly
empowered as such may, with respect to an offence related to exportation of such
goods as the 1[Federal Government] may, by notification in the official Gazette,
specify in this behalf-
(a) arrest without warrant any person concerned in such offence or
against whom reasonable suspicion exists that he is about to be
concerned in such offence;
(b) enter and search without warrant any premises to make an arrest
under clause (a),or to seize any goods which are reasonably suspected
to be intended for exportation contrary to any prohibition or
restriction for the time being in force, and all documents or things
which in his opinion will be useful for or relevant to any proceeding
under this Act; and
(c) for the purpose of arresting, detaining or taking into custody or
preventing the escape of any person concerned or likely to be
concerned in such offence, or for the purpose of seizing or preventing
the removal of any goods in respect of which any such offence has
occurred or is likely to occur, use or cause to be used such force to the
extent of causing death as may be necessary.
(5) The provisions of sub-section (4) shall apply only to the areas within
five miles of the land frontier of Pakistan, and within a five miles belt running along
the sea coast of Pakistan.
(6) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall be instituted,
except with the previous sanction in writing of the 1[Federal Government], against
any person in respect of anything done or purporting to be done in exercise of the
powers conferred by sub-section (1) or sub-section(2) or, in the areas specified in
sub-section (5), by sub-section (4).
186
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
164. Power to stop and search conveyances.- (1) Where the appropriate officer
has reason to believe that within the territories of Pakistan(including territorial
waters) any conveyance has been, is being or is about to be, used in the smuggling of
any goods or in the carriage of any smuggled goods, he may at any time stop any
such conveyance or, in the case of an aircraft, compel it to land, and -
(a) rummage and search any part of the conveyance;
(b) examine and search any goods thereon; and
(c) break open the lock of any door, fixture or package for making
search.
(2) Where in the circumstances referred to in sub-section (1)-
(a) it becomes necessary to stop any vessel or compel any aircraft to
land, it shall be lawful of any vessel or aircraft in the service of
the Government while flying her proper flag or bearing flag
marks and any authority authorized in this behalf by the
1
[Federal Government] to summon such vessel to stop or the
aircraft to land, by means of an international signal, code or
other recognized means, and thereupon such vessel shall
forthwith stop or such aircraft shall forthwith land, and if it fails
to do so chase may be given thereto by any vessel or aircraft as
aforesaid and if after a gun is fired as a signal, the vessel fails to
stop or the aircraft fails to land, it may be fired upon;
(b) it becomes necessary to stop any conveyance other than a vessel
or aircraft, the appropriate officer may use or cause to be used
all lawful means for stopping it or preventing its escape
including, if all other means fail, firing upon it.
49
[(3) For the execution of the above, the officers or officials shall be
empowered to use all necessary force including use of firearms subject to section 97
of the Pakistan Penal; Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860) in the line of duty:]
52
[Provided that in case of essential commodities, the powers under sub-
section (1) shall only be exercised within bordering and coastal areas as notified by
the Board.]
165. Power to examine persons.- (1) The appropriate officer may, during the
course of an inquiry in connection with the smuggling of any goods.-
(a) require any person to produce or deliver any document or thing to
such officer;
187
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(b) examine any person acquainted with the facts and circumstances of
the case.
(2) The appropriate officer shall exercise the powers in sub-section (1)
only in relation to a person who is readily available or present before him and shall
be subject to the same provisions as an officer-in-charge of a police-station is subject
to under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898), when investigating a
cognizable offence.
166. Power to summon persons to give evidence and produce documents or
things. – (1) Any gazetted officer of customs shall have power to summon any
person whose attendance he considers necessary either to give evidence or to
produce document or any other thing in any inquiry which such officer is making
6
[*****].
(2) A summon to produce documents or other things may be for the
production of certain specified documents or things or for the production of all
documents or things of a certain description in the possession or under the control of
the person summoned.
(3) All persons so summoned shall be bound to attend either in person or
by an authorized agent, as such officer may direct; and all persons so summoned
shall be bound to state the truth upon any subject respecting which they are
examined or make statement and produce such documents and other things as may
be required;
Provided that the exemption under section 132 of the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), shall be applicable to any requisition for
attendance under this section.
(4) Every such inquiry as aforesaid shall be deemed to be judicial
proceeding within the meaning of section 193 and section 228 of the Pakistan Penal
Code, (Act XLV of 1860).
167. Person escaping may be afterwards arrested.- If any person liable to be
arrested under this Act is not arrested at the time of committing the offence for which
he is so liable, or after arrest makes his escape, he may at any time afterwards be
arrested and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of 7[***] section 161 as if
he had been arrested at the time of committing such offence.
168. Seizure of things liable to confiscation.- (1) The appropriate officer may
seize any goods liable to confiscation under this Act, and where it is not practicable
to seize any such goods, he may serve on the owner of the goods or any person
188
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
holding them in his possession or charge an order that he shall not remove, part with,
or otherwise deal with the goods except with the previous permission of such officer.
(2) Where any goods are seized under sub-section (1) and no show cause
notice in respect thereof is given under section 180 within two months of the seizure
of the goods, the goods shall be returned to the person from whose possession they
were seized:
Provided that the aforesaid period of two months may, for reasons to be
recorded in writing, be extended by the Collector of Customs by a period not
exceeding two months 8[:]
9
[Provided further that the limitation prescribed under sub-section (2) shall
not apply to goods specified under the first proviso to section 181.]
(3) The appropriate officer may seize any documents or things which in
his opinion will be useful as evidence in any proceeding under this Act.
(4) The person from whose custody any documents are seized under sub-
section (3) shall be entitled to make copies thereof or take extracts therefrom in the
presence of an officer of customs.
10
[169. Things seized how dealt with.- (1) All things seized on the ground that
they are liable to confiscation under this Act shall, without unnecessary delay, be
delivered into the care of the officer of customs authorized to receive the same.
(2) If there be no such officer at hand, such things shall be carried to and
deposited at the customs-house nearest to the place of seizure.
(3) If there be no custom-house within a convenient distance, such things
shall be deposited at the nearest place appointed by the Collector of Customs for the
deposit of things so seized.
11
[(4) When anything liable to confiscation under this Act is seized by the
appropriate officer under section 168, the Collector of Customs, or any other officer
of customs authorized by him in this behalf, may notwithstanding the fact that
adjudication of the case under section 179, or an appeal under 12[section 193 or
194A] or a proceeding in any court, is pending, cause the thing to be sold in
accordance with the provisions of section 201 and have the proceeds kept in deposit
pending adjudication of the case or as the case may be, disposal of the appeal or the
final judgment by the court:
49
[Provided that where the seized goods liable to confiscation are produced
during any inquiry or trial before the court of Special Judge Customs and if such
189
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
goods are subject to speedy or natural decay, the court may on an application after
recoding evidence, as it thinks necessary, order the goods to be sold or otherwise
dispose of in terms of this section:
Provided further that if the property is a dangerous drug, intoxicant,
intoxicating liquor or any other narcotic or psychotropic substance seized or taken
into custody, the Court may, either on an application or of its own motion and under
its supervision and control, obtain and prepare such number of samples of the
property as it may deem fit for safe custody and production before it or any other
court and cause destruction of the remaining portion of the property under a
certificate issued by it in that behalf;
Provided also that such samples shall be deemed to be whole of the property
in an inquiry or proceedings in relation to such offence before any authority or
court.]
(5) If on such adjudication or, as the case may be, in such appeal or
proceeding in Court, the thing so sold is found not to have been liable to such
confiscation, the entire sale proceeds, after necessary deduction of duties, taxes or
dues as provided in section 201, shall be handed over to the owner.]
54
[(6) No court shall stay the auction proceedings unless the person
obtaining stay order furnish pay order or bank guarantee not less than twenty-five per
cent of the reserve price of the goods before the nazir of the court.]
170. Procedure in respect of things seized on suspicion by the police.- (1)
When any things liable to confiscation under this Act are seized by any police-officer
on suspicion that they had been stolen, he may carry them to any police-station or
court at which a complaint connected with the stealing or receiving of such things
has been made, or an inquiry connected with such stealing or receiving is in
progress, and there detain such things until the dismissal of such complaint or the
conclusion of such inquiry or of any trial thence resulting.
(2) In every such case the police-officer seizing the things shall send
written notice of their seizure and detention to the nearest custom-house and
immediately after the dismissal of the complaint or the conclusion of the inquiry or
trial, he shall cause such things to be conveyed to and deposited at, the nearest
custom-house, to be there proceeded against according to law.
52[170A. Procedure in case of seizure of essential commodities.- In case of seizure
of essential commodities, as notified by the Board, such seized goods shall be
deposited in the nearest custom-house or the nearest place appointed by the Collector
of Customs, as the case may be, for deposit of goods so seized.]
190
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
171. When seizure or arrest is made, reason in writing to be given.- When
anything is seized, or any person is arrested under this Act, the officer or other
person making such seizure or arrest shall, as soon as may be, inform in writing the
person so arrested or the person from whose possession the things are seized of the
grounds of such seizure or arrest.
172. Power to detain packages containing certain publications imported into
Pakistan.- (1) Any officer of customs duly authorized by the Collector of Customs
or any other officer authorized by the Provincial Government in this behalf may
detain any package, brought whether by land, air or sea into Pakistan which he
suspects to contain-
(a) any newspaper or book as defined in the 13[***] West Pakistan Press
and Publication Ordinance, 1963 (West Pakistan Ordinance. XXX of
1963).
(b) any documents containing any treasonable or seditious matter, that is
to say, any matter the publication of which is punishable under
Section 123A or Section 124A, as the case may be, of the Pakistan
Penal Code, 1860 (XLV of 1860), and shall forward such package to
such officer as the Provincial Government may appoint in this behalf.
(2) Any officer detaining a package under sub-section (1) shall, where
practicable, forthwith send by post to the addressee or consignee of such package
notice of the fact of such detention.
(3) The Provincial Government shall cause the contents of such package
to be examined, and if it appears to the Provincial Government that the package
contains any such newspaper, book or other document, as aforesaid, it may pass such
order as to the disposal of the package and its contents as it may deem proper, and, if
it does not so appear, shall release the package and its contents unless the same be
otherwise liable to seizure under any law for the time being in force:
Provided that any person interested in any package detained under the
provisions of this section may, within two months of the date of such detention,
apply to the Provincial Government for release of the same, and the Provincial
Government shall consider such application and pass such order thereon as it may
deem to be proper:
Provided further that if such application is rejected, the applicant may, within
two months of the date of the order rejecting the application, apply to the High Court
for release of the package or its contents on the ground that the package or the
contents do not contain any such newspaper, book or other document.
191
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(4) No order passed or action taken under this section shall be called in
question in any court save as provided in the second proviso to sub-section (3).
Explanation.- In this section “document” includes any writing, painting, engraving,
drawing or photograph, or other visible representation.
173. Procedure for disposal by High Court of applications for release of
packages so detained.- Every application under the second proviso to sub-section
(3) of section 172 shall be heard and determined in the manner provided by section
99D to 99F of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), by a special
bench of the High Court constituted in the manner provided by section 99C of that
Code.
174. Power to require production of order permitting clearance of goods
imported or exported by land.- The appropriate officer may require any person-in-
charge of any goods which such officer has reason to believe to have been imported,
or to be about to be exported, by land from, or to, any foreign territory to produce
the order made under section 83 permitting inward clearance of the goods or the
order passing the 14/14A[goods declaration] made under section 131 permitting export
of the goods:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any imported goods
passing from a foreign frontier to an inland customs-station by a route prescribed
under clause (c) of section 9:
Provided further that the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette,
direct that the provisions of this section shall not apply to any particular area
adjoining foreign territory in relation to goods of any specified description or value.
175. Power to prevent making or transmission of certain signals or messages.-
If an officer of customs or police or any member of the armed forces of Pakistan has
reasonable grounds for suspecting that any signal or message connected with
smuggling or intention or designs of smuggling any goods into or out of Pakistan is
being or is about to be made or transmitted from any conveyance, house or place, he
may board or enter such conveyance, house or place, and take such steps, as are
reasonably necessary to stop or prevent the making or transmission of the signal or
message.
176. Power to station officer in certain factories.- An officer of customs not
below the rank of an 2/2A[Assistant Collector] of Customs may, if he so deems fit,
station an officer of customs in any factory or building used for commercial purposes
and situated within five miles of the frontier of Pakistan with the object of ensuring
that the factory or building is not used in any way for the unlawful or irregular
importation or exportation of goods and the officer so stationed shall have the power
192
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
to inspect at all reasonable times the records of the factory or business carried on in
the building and such other powers as may be prescribed by rules.
177. Restriction on the possession of goods in certain areas.- (1) This section
shall apply to such areas adjacent to the frontier of Pakistan as may, from time to
time, be notified by the Board in the official Gazette.
(2) In any area to which this section for the time being applies, no person
shall have in his possession or control any such goods or class of goods in excess of
such quantity or value as may from time to time be notified by the 1[Federal
Government] or, with the previous approval of the 1[Federal Government], by the
Provincial Government, in the official Gazette, except under a permit granted by the
Government which issued the notification in respect of the particular goods or class
of goods, or by an officer authorized by such Government.
178. Punishment of persons accompanying a person possessing goods liable to
confiscation.- If any two or more persons in company are found together and they
or any of them, have goods liable to confiscation under this Act, every such person
having knowledge of this fact is guilty of an offence and punishable in accordance
with the provisions of this Act as if goods were found on such person.
15
[179. Power of adjudication.- 16&39[(1) Subject to sub-section (2), in cases
involving confiscation of goods or recovery of duty and other taxes not levied, short
levied or erroneously refunded, imposition of penalty or any other contravention
under this Act or the rules made thereunder, the jurisdiction and powers of the
officers of Customs in terms of amount of duties and other taxes involved, excluding
the conveyance, shall be as follows, namely:-
(i) Collector no limit
52
(ii) Additional Collector not exceeding [five]
million rupees
52
(iii) Deputy Collector not exceeding [two]
million rupees
45
(iv) [Omitted]
46
(v) Superintendent not exceeding [one
hundred] thousand rupees.
46
(vi) Principal Appraiser not exceeding [one
hundred] thousand
rupees.
193
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
42
[Provided that in cases of goods to be exported, the above officers of
Customs shall have their jurisdiction and powers in terms of FOB value and twice
their respective monetary limit.]
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), the Board may, by
notification in the official Gazette, fix or vary the jurisdiction and powers of any
Officer of Customs or a class of officers, and may also assign or transfer 41[,by an
order,] any case to any 40[Officer] of Customs, irrespective of the territorial
jurisdiction 53[:
Provided that the respondent may opt for adjudication through the
customs computerized system for such goods or offences as notified by the
Board.]
(3) The cases shall be decided within 37,47[ninety] days of the 38[issuance
of show cause notice]or within such period extended by the Collector for which
reasons shall be recorded in writing, but such extended period shall in no case exceed
38
[sixty] days:
50
[Provided that in cases, wherein the provisions of clause (s) of section 2
have been invoked, such cases shall be decided within a period of 54[forty-five] days
of the issuance of show cause notice 54[extendable for fifteen days by the Collector
Adjudication:]
38
[Provided 50[further] that any period during which the proceedings are
adjourned on account of a stay order or alternative dispute resolution proceedings or
the time taken through adjournment by the petitioner not exceeding thirty days, shall
be excluded for the computation of aforesaid periods:]
51
[Provided further that in cases where in goods are lying at sea-port, airport
or dryport, these shall be decided within 54[forty-five] days of the issuance of show
cause notice which can be extended by another fifteen days by Collector of Customs,
if required so.]
(4) The Board shall have the powers to regulate the system of
adjudication including transfer of cases and extension of time-limit 54[as deemed
appropriate after reasons to be recorded in writing.]
17
[(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or any other law for
the time being in force and notwithstanding any decision or judgment of any forum,
authority or court whether passed on or before the commencement of the Finance
Act, 2006, the time for adjudication in all the cases pending as on first day of July,
2006, for whatsoever reasons, shall be deemed always to have been extended up to
31st day of December, 2006.]
194
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
18
[179A. OMITTED
180. Issue of show-cause notice before confiscation of goods or imposition of
penalty.- No order under this Act shall be passed for the confiscation of any goods
or for imposition of any penalty on any person unless the owner of the goods, if any,
or such person-
(a) is informed in writing (or if the person concerned consents in writing,
orally) of the grounds on which it is proposed to confiscate the goods
or to impose the penalty;
(b) is given an opportunity of making a representation in writing (or if
the person concerned indicates in writing his preference for it orally)
within such reasonable time as the appropriate officer may specify,
against the proposed action; and
(c) is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard personally or through
a counsel or duly authorized agent.
181. Option to pay fine in lieu of confiscated goods.- Whenever an order for the
confiscation of goods is passed under this Act, the officer passing the order may give
the owner of the goods an option to pay in lieu of the confiscation of the goods such
fine as the officer thinks fit 19[:]
20
[Provided that the Board may, by an order, specify the goods or class of
goods where such option shall not be given:
Provided further that the Board may, by an order, fix the amount of fine
which, in lieu of confiscation, shall be imposed on any goods or class of goods
imported in violation of the provisions of section 15 or of a notification issued under
section 16 48[or in violation of any other provisions of this Act], or any other law for
the time being in force.]
Explanation.- Any fine in lieu of confiscation of goods imposed under this section
shall be in addition to any duty and charges payable in respect of such goods , and of
any penalty that might have been imposed in addition to the confiscation of goods.
182. Vesting of confiscated property in the Federal Government.- When any
goods are confiscated under this Act, they shall forthwith vest in the 1[Federal
Government], and the 44[officer or person authorized by the Collector or Director]
shall take and hold possession of the confiscated goods 21[:]
195
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
22
[Provided that 53[subject to rules,] the Board may authorize the use of
confiscated vehicles 53[,conveyance and any other equipment] for operational
purposes by the Board or, with approval of the Board, its subordinate offices.].
183. Levy of penalty for departure without authority or failure to bring-to.-
(1) If any conveyance actually departs without a port clearance or permission in
writing or, in the case of a vessel, after having failed to bring-to when required at any
station appointed under section 14, the penalty to which the person-in-charge of such
conveyance is liable may be adjudged by the appropriate officer of any customs-
station, to which, such conveyance proceeds, or in which it for the time being is.
(2) A certificate in respect of such departure or failure to bring-to when
required, purporting to be signed by the appropriate officer of the customs-station
from which the conveyance is stated to have so departed, shall be prima facie proof
of the fact so stated.
23[184. Power to try summarily.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), a Special Judge may, if he thinks
fit, try in a summary way, any offence under this Act where the value of the goods
involved in such offence does not exceed one thousand rupees.
(2) In the trial of an offence under sub-section (1), the provisions of sub-
section (1) of section 262 and sections 263, 264 and 265 of the said Code shall, so far
applicable and with the necessary adaptation, apply.
(3) No proceeding under this section shall be called in question merely on
the ground that the value of the goods involved was more than the limit specified in
sub-section (1).
Explanation.- For the purpose of this section, “value”-
(i) in the case of goods, whether imported or indigenous, which are
lawfully sold in open market in Pakistan, means the wholesale price
of such goods in open market;
(ii) in the case of goods, whether imported or indigenous, the price of
which has been fixed by the Government, means the price so fixed’
and
(iii) in the case of goods the import of which is absolutely prohibited,
means the price of similar or comparable indigenous goods sold in
open market in Pakistan or, where no such goods are sold in open
market in Pakistan, the price fixed by the Federal Government, by
general or special order.
196
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
24
[185. Special Judges.- (1) The Federal Government may by notification in the
official Gazette, appoint as many Special Judges as it considers necessary and, where
it appoints more than one Special Judge, shall specify in the notification the
headquarters of each Special Judge and the territorial limits within which he shall
exercise jurisdiction under this Act.
(2) No person shall be appointed as a Special Judge unless he is or has
been a Sessions Judge.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2), the
Federal Government may, for the areas comprising the districts of Lasbela 25[,Turbat,
Panjgoor and Gwadar], appoint any other officer as Special Judge and specify in the
notification his headquarters and the limits of his territorial jurisdiction under this
Act.
(4) If a Special Judge is, for any reason, temporarily unable to perform
his duties under this Act, he may generally or specially authorize the Sessions Judge
26
[***] of the district to perform such duties of an urgent nature as he may deem
proper and such Sessions Judge 26[***] shall perform such duties.
27
[185A. Cognizance of offences by Special Judges.- (1) Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, a Special
Judge may, within the limits of his jurisdiction, take cognizance of any offence
punishable under this Act-
(a) upon a report in writing made by an officer of customs 27a[***] or by
any other officer especially authorized in this behalf by the Federal
Government; or
(b) upon receiving a complaint or information of facts constituting such
offence made or communicated by any person; or
I upon his own knowledge acquired during any proceeding before him
under this Act or under the Prevention of Smuggling Act,1977.
(2) Upon the receipt of report under clause (a) of sub-section (1), the
Special Judge shall proceed with the trial of the accused:
49
[Provided that such cases shall be disposed of within six months of the
receipt of report or within such extended period as the Special Judge may, for
reasons to be recorded in writing, fix.]
(3) Upon the receipt of a complaint or information under clause (b), or
acquired in the manner referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1), the Special Judge
may, before issuing a summon or warrant for appearance of the person complained
against, hold a preliminary inquiry for the purpose of ascertaining the truth or
197
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
falsehood of the complaint, or direct any Magistrate or any officer of customs or any
police officer to hold such inquiry and submit a report, and such Magistrate or officer
shall conduct such inquiry and make report accordingly.
(4) If, after conducting such inquiry or after considering the report of
such Magistrate or officer, the Special Judge is of the opinion that-
(a) there is no sufficient ground for proceeding, he may dismiss the
complaint, or
(b) there is sufficient ground for proceeding, he may proceed against the
person complained against in accordance with law.
(5) A Special Judge or a Magistrate or an officer holding inquiry under
sub-section (3) may hold such inquiry, as early as possible, in accordance with the
provisions of section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898(Act V of 1898).
185B. Special Judge, etc. to have exclusive jurisdiction.- Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time being in force-
43
(a) [no court other than the Special Judge having jurisdiction shall try
an offence punishable under the Act, except the offences relating to
narcotics and narcotic substances which shall be tried by the Special
Courts established under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act,
1997 (XXV of 1997)];
(b) no other court or officer, except in the manner and to the extent
specifically provided for in this Act, shall exercise any power, or
perform any function under this Act;
I no court, other than the Special Appellate Court, shall entertain, hear
or decide any application, petition or appeal under Chapters XXXI
and XXXII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898),
against or in respect of any order or direction made under this Act;
and
(d) no court, other than the Special Judge or the Special Appellate Court,
shall entertain any application or petition or pass any order or give
any direction under Chapters XXXVII, XXXIX, XLIV or XLV of the
said Code.]
185C. Provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure,1898, to apply.- (1) The
provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898(Act V of 1898), so far as they
are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, shall apply to the proceedings of
the court of a Special Judge and such court shall be deemed to be a Court of Session
for the purposes of the said Code and the provisions of Chapter XXIIA of the Code,
198
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
so far as applicable and with the necessary modifications, shall apply to the trial of
cases by the Special Judge under this Act.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1898(Act V of 1898), shall have effect as if an offence punishable under this Act
were one of the offences referred to in sub-section (1) of section 337 of the Code.
185D Transfer of cases.- (1) Where more than one Special Judge are appointed
within the territorial jurisdiction of a Special Appellate Court, the Special Appellate
Court, and where not more than one Special Judge is so appointed, the Federal
Government, may, by order in writing direct the transfer, at any stage of the trial, of
any case from the court of one Special Judge to the Court of another Special Judge
for disposal, whenever it appears to the Special Appellate Court or, as the case may
be, the Federal Government, that such transfer will promote the ends of justice or
tend to the general convenience of the parties or witnesses.
(2) In respect of a case transferred to a Special Judge under sub-section(1), such
Special Judge shall not by reason of the said transfer, be bound to recall and rehear
any witness whose evidence has been recorded in the case before the transfer and
may act upon the evidence already recorded or produced before the court which tried
the case before the transfer.
53
(3) [The Board may at any stage of investigation direct transfer of investigation
of criminal case from one field formation to other formation.]
185E. Place of sittings.- A Special Judge shall ordinarily hold sittings at his
headquarters but, keeping in view the general convenience of the parties or the
witnesses, he may hold sittings at any other place.
185F. Appeal to Special Appellate Court.- (1) Any person, including the Federal
Government 28[the 28a[Board], the Collector of Customs 28b[or Director of
Intelligence and Investigation] or any other officer authorized in this behalf by the
Board], aggrieved by any order passed or decision made by a Special Judge under
this Act or under the Code of Criminal Procedure,1898(Act V of 1898), may, subject
to the provisions of Chapters XXXI and XXXII of the Code, within 29[sixty days]
from the date of the order or decision, prefer an appeal or revision to the Special
Appellate Court, and in hearing and disposing of such appeal or revision, such Court
shall exercise all the powers of a High Court under the said Code.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in sub-section (1), the provisions of the
Limitation Act,1908 (Act IX of 1908), shall apply to an appeal or a revision
preferred under sub-section(1).
199
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
185G. Persons who may conduct prosecution etc.- (1) Notwithstanding anything
contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898(Act V of 1898), a Special
Prosecutor appointed under section 47 of the Prevention of Smuggling Act,1977,
shall be competent to conduct prosecution before a Special Judge for and on behalf
of the Federal Government and to withdraw prosecution when so required by the
Federal Government.
(2) A law officer appointed under the Central Law Officers
Ordinance,1970 (Ordinance VII of 1970) 30[or an advocate authorized by the Board
or by an officer subordinate to it] shall be competent to conduct proceedings before a
Special Appellate Court on behalf of the Federal Government and to withdraw such
proceedings when so required by the Federal Government.]
186. Detention of goods pending payment of fine or penalty.- (1) When any
fine or penalty has been imposed, or while imposition of any fine or penalty is under
consideration 31[,or pending any inquiry or investigation], in respect of any goods,
such goods shall not be removed by the owner until such fine or penalty has been
paid 32[or such inquiry and investigation has been completed].
(2) When any fine or penalty has been imposed in respect of any goods,
the appropriate officer may detain any other goods belonging to the same owner
pending payment of such fine or penalty.
187. Burden of proof as to lawful authority etc.- When any person is alleged to
have committed an offence under this Act and any question arises whether he did
any act or was in possession of anything with lawful authority or under a permit,
license 54[or goods declaration or sales tax invoice in his name] or other document
prescribed by or under any law for the time being in force, the burden of proving that
he had such authority, permit, license 54[or goods declaration or sales tax invoice in
his name] or other document shall lie on him :
50[Provided that any person, alleged to have committed an offence under this
Act, shall bear the burden of proof that any property owned by him in his name or
someone else name was not acquired from the proceeds of such crime:
Provided further that the procedure for forfeiture of such property shall be
prescribed by the Board under the rules.]
54
[187A. Presumption of legal character of vehicle. - Where any vehicle is
detained or seized under this Act or the rules made thereunder and such vehicle upon
forensic examination is found to be having a tampered chassis number or cut and
weld chassis or chassis number filled with welding material or re-stamped, such
vehicle shall be presumed to be smuggled, even if registered with Motor Registration
Authority, and shall be confiscated and the Board may authorize the use of such
200
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
confiscated vehicles for operational purposes in the manner provided in section 182,
of this Act, within ninety days of confiscation.]
188. Presumption as to documents in certain cases.- Where any document is
produced by any person under this Act or has been seized under this Act from the
custody or control of any person, and such document is tendered by the prosecution
in evidence against him, the 33[Special Judge] shall,-
(a) unless the contrary is proved by any such person, presume-
(i) the truth of the contents of such document;
(ii) that the signature and every other part of such document
which purports to be in the handwriting of any particular
person or which the Special Judge may reasonably assume to
have been signed by, or to be in the handwriting of, any
particular person, is in that person’s handwriting, and in the
case of a document executed or attested that it was executed or
attested by the person by whom it purports to have been so
executed or attested;
(b) admit the document in evidence, notwithstanding that it is not duly
stamped, if such document is otherwise admissible in evidence 34[:]
35
[Provided that where the Customs Computerized System is
operational, system generated documents shall be accepted as true and
correct.]
189. Notice of conviction to be displayed.- (1) Upon the conviction of any person
for the offence of smuggling, the 1[Federal Government] may require him to exhibit
in or outside, or both in and outside his place of business, if any, notices, of such
number, size and lettering, and placed in such positions and containing such
particulars relating to conviction as it may determine, and to keep them so exhibited
continuously for a period not less than three months from the date of conviction; and,
if he fails to comply fully with the requirement, he shall be deemed to have
committed a further offence under this Act of the nature of the original offence for
which he was convicted.
(2) If any person so convicted refuses or fails to comply fully with any
such requirement, any officer authorized in that behalf by an order of the 1[Federal
Government] in writing may, without prejudice to any proceedings which may be
brought in respect of any such refusal or failure, affix the notices in or outside, or
both in and outside, the place of business of such person in accordance with the
requirement of the 1[Federal Government] in pursuance of sub-section (1).
201
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) If, in any case, the 1[Federal Government] is satisfied that the
exhibition of notices in accordance with the requirements of the provisions of sub-
section (1) or sub-section (2) will not effectively bring the conviction to the notice of
persons dealing with the convicted person, the 1[Federal Government] may, in lieu
of, or in addition to any such requirement, require the convicted person to exhibit for
such period, not being a period less than three months, on such stationery used in his
business as may be specified in the requirement, a notice placed in such position and
printed in type of such size and form and containing such particulars relating to the
conviction as may be specified in the requirement; and, if he fails to comply fully
with the requirement, he shall be deemed to have committed a further offence under
this Act of the nature of the original offence for which he was convicted.
190. Power to publish conviction.- If the 1[Federal Government] is satisfied that
it is necessary so to do, the conviction and the particulars relating to the conviction
of any person for the offence of smuggling may be published in the official Gazette.
191. Imprisonment may be of either description.- Imprisonment for any offence
under this Act may, in the discretion of the 36[Special Judge], be either simple or
rigorous.
192. Duty of certain persons to give information.- (1) Any person who comes to
know of the commission of any offence under this Act, or an attempt or likely
attempt to commit any such offence, shall, as soon as may be, give information
thereof in writing to the officer-in-charge of the nearest custom- house or customs-
station, or if there is no such custom-house or customs-station, to the officer-in-
charge of the nearest police-station.
(2) The officer-in-charge of a police-station who receives any
information mentioned in sub-section (1) shall as soon as possible communicate it to
the officer-in-charge of the nearest custom-house or customs-station.
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXI of
1972), S.3, page 56 and Second Schedule S.1, page 76.
2. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.
4(6), page 476.
2A. By the Finance Act, 2006 the words ”or Deputy Collector” were omitted.
3. Substituted by the Prevention of Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(iii), page 24. At the
time of substitution sub-section (4) was as under:-
“(4) The officer of customs or the officer-in-charge of a police station before whom any
person is taken under this section shall, if the offence be bailable, either admit him to bail to
appear before the Magistrate having jurisdiction or have him taken in custody before such
Magistrate.
(5) When any person is taken under sub-section (4) before an officer of customs as
aforesaid, such officer shall proceed to inquire into the charge against such person.
202
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(6) For the purpose of an inquiry under sub-section (5), the officer of customs may
exercise the same powers, and shall be subject to the same provisions, as an officer-in-
charge of a police station may exercise and is subject to under the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), when investigating a cognizable offence:
Provided that, if the officer of customs is of opinion that there is sufficient evidence or
reasonable ground of suspicion against the accused person, he shall, if the offence be
bailable, either admit him to bail to appear before a Magistrate having jurisdiction, or have
him taken in custody before such Magistrate.
(7) If it appears to the officer of customs that there is no sufficient evidence or
reasonable ground of suspicion against the accused person, he shall release the accused
person on his executing a bond, with or without sureties as the officer may direct, to appear,
if and when so required, before the Magistrate having jurisdiction and shall make a full
report of the case to his immediate superior.”.
4. Substituted for the words “nearest Magistrate” by the Federal Laws (R&D) Ordinance, 1981
(XXVII of 1981).
5. Substituted for the word “Magistrate” by the Federal Law (R&D) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII
of 1981). Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of
1996).,
6. Omitted the word “in connection with the smuggling of any goods” by the Finance Act, 2004
(II of 2004), S.3(16), page 17
7. Omitted the words, figures and brackets “sub-section (3) to (7) of” by the Prevention of
Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(iv), page 226.
8. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(17), page 17.
9. Added by the Finance Act, 2004 (V of 2004), S.3(17), page 17.
10. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 1979 (XXX of 1979), S.6(8), page 188. At the time of
substitution section 169 was as under:-
“169. Things seized how dealt with.- (1) All things seized on the ground that they are
liable to confiscation under this Act shall, without unnecessary delay, be delivered into the
care of the officer of customs authorized to receive the same.
(2) If there be no such officer at hand, all such things shall be carried to and deposited
at the customs-house nearest to the place of seizure.
(3) If there be no custom-house within a convenient distance, such things shall be
deposited at the nearest place appointed by the Collector of Customs for the deposit of things
so seized.
10a.[(4) When anything liable to confiscation under this Act is seized by the appropriate
officer under Section 168, the Collector of Customs or any other officer of Customs
authorized by him in this behalf may, notwithstanding the fact that adjudication of the case
under Section 179, or an appeal under section 193, or a revision under Section 196 is
pending, cause the things to be sold in accordance with the provisions of Section 201 and
have the proceeds kept in deposit pending adjudication of the case or, as the case may be,
disposal of the appeal or revision:
Provided that if the things seized is any conveyance, it may be sold as aforesaid only if it has
been sued for smuggling or attempting to smuggle goods notified by the Federal Government
under clause 8 of the Table in Section 156:
Provided further that where the owner or person incharge of the conveyance is to be or is
being prosecuted in a court of law, such conveyance may not be sold without permission of
the court.]
(5) If no such adjudication 10b[or, as the case may be, in such appeal or revision] the things
so sold is found not to have been liable to such confiscation, the entire sale proceeds, after
necessary deduction of duties, taxes or dues as provided in Section 201, shall be handed over
to the owner.”.
10a. Substituted by the Finance Act,1973 (L of 1973), S.9(8)(a), page 13. At the time of
substitution this was as under:-
“(4) If the Collector of Customs or any other officer of customs authorized by
him in this behalf considers that any such things is perishable or liable to rapid
203
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
deterioration, he shall immediately cause it to be sold in accordance with the
provisions of Section 201 and have the proceeds kept in deposit pending
adjudication of the case.”.
10b. Inserted the words and commas by the Finance Act, 1973(L of 1973), page 13.
S.9(8)(b), page 13.
11. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(7), page 306. At the time of
substitution this was as under:
“(4) When anything liable to confiscation under this Act is seized by the appropriate
officer under section 168, the Collector of Customs or any other officer of customs
authorized by him in this behalf may, notwithstanding the fact that adjudication of the case
under section 179, or an appeal under section 193, or a revision under section 196 or a
proceeding in any court, is pending, cause the things to be sold in accordance with the
provisions of section 201 and have the proceeds kept in deposit pending adjudication of the
case or as the case may be, disposal of the appeal or revision or the final judgment by the
court.
(5) If on such adjudication or, as the case may be, in such appeal or revision or
proceedings in court, the things so sold is found not to have been liable to such confiscation,
the entire sale proceeds, after necessary deduction of duties, taxes or dues as provided in
section 201, shall be handed over to the owner.”.
12. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2005
13. .The words, commas and figure “the Press and Publications Ordinance, 1960(XV of 1960) in
its application to the province of East Pakistan or in” omitted by the Federal Laws (R&D),
Ordinance, 1981.
14. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(31), page 40.
14A. Omitted the words “bill of export of” by the Finance Act, 2006
15. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 and again substituted by the FO,2002, At the
time of substitution section 179 was as under:-
“179. Power of adjudication.-In cases involving confiscation of goods or
imposition of penalty under this Act, the jurisdiction and powers of the officers of
customs shall be as follows:-
(1) a Collector of Collector of Customs may deal with cases where the value
of the goods exceeds ten thousand rupees;
(2) a 1a[Additional Collector] of Customs may deal with cases where the value of the
goods does not exceed ten thousand rupees;
(3) an 1 b[Assistant Collector or Deputy Collection] of Customs may deal with cases
where the value of the goods does not exceed two thousand five hundred rupees;
(4) any other officer of customs as the Board may authorize by virtue of his office may
deal with cases where the value of the goods does not exceed two hundred and fifty rupees;
(5) any officer of customs shall be competent to impose any penalty under section 156
in any case which he is authorized to deal with:
Provided that the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, reduce or
extend the jurisdiction and powers of any particular officer or class of officers.”.
1a. Substituted for the words “Deputy Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996
(IX of 1996), S.4(6), page 476.
1b. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996
(IX of 1996), S.4(7), page 476.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
1c. 179. Powers of adjudication.- (1) Subject to sub-section (2), in cases
involving confiscation of goods or imposition of penalty under this Act or the
rules made thereunder, the jurisdiction and powers of adjudication of the
Officers of Customs shall be as follows:-
(i) Collector Without limit.
(ii) Additional Collector Confiscation of goods the value of which
does not exceed Rs. 1,500,000/- excluding
the value of conveyance and the value of
non-dutiable goods, and imposition of the
penalty under the rules.
(iii) Deputy Collector Confiscation of goods the value of which
does not exceed Rs.500,000/- excluding the
value of conveyance and the value of non-
dutiable goods, and imposition of the
penalty under the rules.
2. The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, 1e[ fix or] vary the
jurisdiction and powers of any Officer of Customs or a class of officers.
3. A Collector, an Additional Collector or an Deputy Collector shall decide
the case within forty-five days of the issuance of show cause notice or within such
extended period for which for reason shall be recorded in writing provided that
such extended period shall in no case exceed ninety days.
4. The Board shall have the powers to regulate the system of adjudication
including transfer of cases and extension of time limit in exceptional
circumstance.”.
1e. Inserted words by the Customs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 (XLVI of 2000).
16. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006. At the time of substitution sub-section (1) and (2) of
section 179 was as under:-
(1) Subject to sub-section (2), in cases involving confiscation of goods or imposition of
penalty under this Act or the rules made thereunder, the jurisdiction and powers of
adjudication of the Officers of Customs in terms of amount of duties and other taxes
involved, excluding the conveyance, shall be as follows:-
**[*** ***** *****].
(ii) Additional Collector [without limit].
(iii) Deputy Collector not exceeding four hundred
thousand rupees.
(iv) Assistant Collector not exceeding fifty thousand
rupees.
(v) Superintendent not exceeding ten thousand
rupees.
(vi) Principal Appraiser not exceeding ten thousand
rupees.
(3) The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, fix or vary the jurisdiction and powers
of any Officer of Customs or a class of officers.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
**. Omitted by the Finance Act, 2005.
16a. For the word “five” the word “eight” was substituted by the FA, 2007.
16b. For the words “two hundred and fifty” the words “three hundred” were substituted by the
FA, 2007.
17. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
18. Inserted by the Prevention of Smuggling ordinance, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(v), page 226
and omitted by Finance Ordinance, 1979 (XXX of 1979), S.6(9), page 189. At the time of
omission section 179-A was as under:-
“179-A. Orders of adjudication to be subject to decision of Special Judge, etc.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 179, Section 181 or Section 182 or in Chapter
XIX, in cases where the owners or persons-incharge of goods or things seized are to be, or
are being, prosecuted before a Special Judge, an order of adjudication made under Section
179 or under Chapter XIX shall be subject to the decision of the Special Judge and of the
Special Appellate Court in appeal or revision, if any.”.
19. Substituted for full stop by the Finance Act, 1992 (VII of 1992), S.6(5), page 114.
20. Added by the Finance Act, 1992 (VII of 1992), S.6(5), page 114.
21. Substituted for full stop by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(8), page 224.
22. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(8), page 224
23. Substituted by the Prevention and Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(iv), page 226. At
the time of substitution section 184 was as under:-
184. Power to try summarily.- Any Magistrate for the time being empowered to try in
a summary way the offences specified in sub-section (1) of Section 260 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) may, if he thinks fit, on application in this behalf
by the prosecution, try an offence under this Act except when the value of goods involved in
such offences exceeds five hundred rupees, in accordance with the provisions of sub-section
(1) of Section 262, 263, 264 and 265 of that Code.”. –
24. Substituted by the Prevention and Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(vii), page 227. At
the time of substitution section 185 was as under:-
“185. Special powers for Magistrates.- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code
of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) and subject to the other provisions of this Act,
any Magistrate of the first class specially empowered by the Provincial Government in this
behalf may pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding two years and of fine
exceeding one thousand rupees for an offence under this Act.”.
25. Substituted for the words “and Mekran” by the Customs (Amendment) Ordinance, 1977.
26. The words “or the District Magistrate” omitted by the Federal Laws (R&D) Ordinance,
1981(XXVII of 1981).
27. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1973 (51 of 1973), S.9(8), page 13 and substituted by the
Prevention and Smuggling Act, 1977(XII of 1977), S.51(vii), page 227. At the time of
substitution section 185-A was as under:-
“185-A. Offences to be tried by Special Judges.- (1) The Federal Government may, by
notification in the official Gazette, appoint as many Special Judges as it may consider
necessary in this section referred to a Special Judge and where it appoints more than one
Special Judge, shall specify in the notification the territorial limits within which each one of
them shall exercise jurisdiction.
(2) A Special Judge shall be a person who is or has been or is qualified to be a Sessions
Judge.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act or in any
other law for the time being in force, on the appointment of a Special Judge for any area, an
offence punishable under this Act shall be tried exclusively by the Special Judge and all cases
pending in any other court in such area immediately before such appointment shall stand
transferred to such Special Judge.
206
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(4) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), except
those of Chapter XXXVIII of that Code, shall apply to the proceedings of the court of a
Special Judge and for the purposes of the said provisions, the court of a Special Judge shall
be deemed to be a Court of Session trying cases without the aid of assessors or a jury, and a
person conducting prosecution before the Court of a Special Judge shall be deemed to be a
Public Prosecutor.
(5) For the purposes of sub-section (4), the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V
of 1898) shall have effect as if an offence punishable under this Act were one of the offences
referred to in sub-section (1) of Section 237 of the Code.
(6) A Special Judge shall take cognizance of, and have jurisdiction to try, an offence
triable under sub-section (3) only upon a complaint in writing made by such officer of
Customs, or such other person invested with the powers of an officer of Customs, as may be
authorized by the Central Board of Revenue in this behalf, by a general or special order in
writing.}
1b[(7) The provisions of Chapter XX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
(Act V of 1898), shall apply to trial of cases under this Act in so far as they under the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), to admit to bail any person accused of any non-
bailable offence punishable under this Act who appears or is brought before such court.
(9) The Federal Government may, by order in writing, direct the transfer, at any stage
of the trial, of any case from the court of one Special Judge to the court of another Special
Judge for disposal, whenever it appears to the Federal Government that such transfer will
promote the ends of justice or tend to the general convenience of parties or witnesses.
(10) In respect of a case transferred to a Special Judge by virtue of sub-section (3) or
under sub-section (9), such Judge shall not, by reason of the said transfer, be bound to recall
and re-hear any witness who has given evidence in the case before the transfer and may act
on the evidence already recorded by or produced before the court which tried the case before
the transfer.]”.
1b. Added by the Finance Act, 1974 (XL of 1974), S..10, page 245.
27a. The words “or by an officer-incharge of a police-station” were omitted by the Finance Act,
2007.
28. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2005.
28a. For the words “Central Board of Revenue” the word “Board” was substituted by the
Finance Act, 2007.
28b. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
29. Substituted the words “thirty days” by the Finance Ordinance, 1982 (XII of 1982), S.6(11),
page 61.
30. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(9), page 224.
31. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(18), page 17.
32. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2004 (V of 2004), S.3(18), page 17.
33. Substituted for the word “Magistrate” by the Prevention and Smuggling Act, 1977
34. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 29\004), S.3(19),
35. Added by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(19), page 17.
36. Substituted for the word “Magistrate” by the Prevention and Smuggling Act, 1977.
37. Added by Finance Act,2008(I of 2008) (Page-46)
38. The words “receipt of the contravention report” and “ninety” substituted with the words
“issuance of show cause notice” and “sixty”, respectively and proviso inserted by Finance
Act,2009.
39. Substituted by Finance Act, 2012 for the words “[(1) Subject to sub-section (2), in cases
involving confiscation of goods or imposition of penalty under this Act or the rules made
thereunder, the jurisdiction and powers of the Officers of Customs in terms of amount of
duties and other taxes involved, excluding the conveyance, shall be as follows:-
(i) Additional Collector without limit.
Deputy Collector not exceeding 16a[eight] hundred thousand rupees.
(ii)
Assistant Collector not exceeding 16b[three hundred] thousand rupees.
(iii)
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
40. Substituted for the word “Collector” by Finance Act, 2012.
41. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012.
42. Inserted by Finance Act, 2013
43. Substituted by Finance Act, 2014, At the time of substitution was as under:
no court other than the Special Judge having jurisdiction, shall try an offence punishable
under this Act
44. Substituted by Finance Act, 2018
45. Omitted by Finance Act, 2019, At the time the omission, the sub-clause was:
(iv) Assistant Collector not exceeding five hundred
thousand rupees
46. Substituted by Finance Act,2019. At the time of substitution the words was “Fifty”
47. Substituted by Finance Ac, 2019. At the time of substitution the words was “one hundred and
twenty”
48. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019
49. Inserted by Tax Laws (Amendment) Act (30th March) 2020
50. Inserted by Finance Act, 2020 (June)
51. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021(June)
52. Inserted by Finance Act, 2022(June)
53. Inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
54. Inserted by Finance Act, 2025(June)
208
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
1
CHAPTER XIX
APPEALS AND REVISIONS
2
[193 Appeals to Collector (Appeals).- 60[ (1) Any person including an officer of
Customs aggrieved by any decision or order passed under sections 33, 79, 80 69[,131]
66
[,] 179 66[and 195] by an officer of Customs below the rank of Additional
Collector may prefer appeal to the Collector (Appeals) within thirty days of the date
of communication to him of such decision or order:
Provided that an appeal preferred after the expiry of thirty days may be
admitted by the Collector (Appeals) if he is satisfied that the appellant has sufficient
cause for not preferring the appeal within that period.]
(2) An appeal under this section shall be in such form and shall be
verified in such manner as may be prescribed by rules made in this behalf.
(3) An appeal made under this Act shall be accompanied by a fee of one
thousand rupees to be paid in the manner that may be prescribed by the Board.
5a[193A. Procedure in appeal.- (1) The Collector (Appeals) shall give an
opportunity to the appellant to be heard if he so desires.
(2) The Collector (Appeals) may, at the hearing of an appeal, allow the
appellant to go into any ground of appeal not specified in the ground of appeal, if the
Collector (Appeals) is satisfied that the omission of that ground from the grounds of
appeal was not willful or unreasonable.
68
[(2A) The Collector (Appeals) may, for a period not exceeding thirty days,
stay recovery of duty and taxes on filing of appeal and after affording opportunity of
being heard to the officer of the concerned Collectorate or Directorate.]
5b
[(3) The Collector (Appeals) may, after making such further inquiry as
may be necessary pass an order, within 48,70[ninety] days from the date of filing of
appeal or within such extended period as the Collector (Appeals) may for reasons to
be recorded in writing, extend, confirm, modify or annul the decision or order
appealed against:
Provided that such extended period shall not exceed 49{sixty] days unless the
Board further extends at any time during the pendency of appeal:]
50
[Provided further that any period during which the hearing of an appeal is
adjourned on account of a stay order or alternative dispute resolution proceedings or
209
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
the time taken through adjournment by the petitioner not exceeding thirty days, shall
be excluded for the purpose of computation of aforesaid period.]
Provided further that, where the Collector (Appeals) is of opinion that any
duty has not been levied or has been short-levied or erroneously refunded, no order
requiring the appellant to pay any duty not levied, short-levied or erroneously
refunded shall be passed unless the appellant is given notice within the time-limit
specified in section 32 to show cause against the proposed order.
(4) The order of the Collector (Appeals) disposing of the appeal shall be
in writing and shall state that points for determination, the decision thereon and the
reasons for the decision.
(5) On the disposal of the appeal, the Collector (Appeals) shall
communicate the order passed by him to the appellant, the adjudicating authority and
the Collector of Customs].
6,71,76,81
[194. Appellate Tribunal.- (1) There shall be established a Customs Appellate
Tribunal, hereinafter called as the Appellate Tribunal to exercise jurisdiction, powers
and perform functions conferred upon it under this Act.
(2) The Appellate Tribunal shall consist of members who shall be
appointed by the Federal Government in such numbers, in accordance with such
procedure and on such terms and conditions as the Federal Government may prescribe
by rules, which shall be made and take effect notwithstanding anything contained in
section 219 of this Act or the Federal Public Service Commission Ordinance, 1977
(XLV of 1977) or any other law or rules, for the time being in force:
Provided that the existing members including Chairman of the Appellate
Tribunal shall continue to hold office, on the same terms and conditions as applicable
to them prior to the commencement of the Finance Act, 2024, till the completion of
their term of office unless removed earlier on the grounds provided in the proviso to
sub-section (5).
(3) A person shall be eligible to be appointed as a member of the
Appellate Tribunal, if he-
(a) is an advocate of a High Court for not less than fifteen years having
expertise in Customs Laws and experience of pleading at least fifty
Customs cases at various forums; and possesses such other qualifications
as may be prescribed by rules;
(b) is an officer of the Customs Service of Pakistan in BS-21 or above; or
210
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(c) is an officer of the Customs Service of Pakistan in BS-20, having served
in such grade for three years or more.
(4) The Federal Government shall appoint any member possessing
qualifications provided in clause (a) of sub-section (3) as Chairman of the Appellate
Tribunal. The Chairman shall hold office for a period of three years provided that the
Federal Government may reappoint the Chairman for such further term or terms as it
may deem appropriate.
(5) The members including, the Chairman shall cease to hold office on
attaining the age of sixty-two years provided that the members falling under clauses
(b) and (c) of sub-section (3) shall cease to hold office on attaining the age of
superannuation, under the law regulating their service:
Provided that a member including the Chairman may be removed by the
Federal Government, on the recommendation of performance review committee, to be
constituted by the rules made under sub-section (2), at any time before the expiry of
his term or attaining the age of superannuation, as the case may be, on grounds, inter-
alia, of inefficiency or misconduct, as prescribed by the rules made under sub-section
(2).]
9,81[194A. Appeals to the Appellate Tribunal.- (1) Any person or an officer
of Customs aggrieved by any of the following orders may appeal to the Appellate
Tribunal against such orders:-
(a) a decision or order passed by an officer of Customs not below the
rank of Additional Collector under section 179;
(b) an order passed by the Collector (Appeals) under section 193;
(c) an order passed under section 195;
(d) an order passed in revision by the Director General Customs
Valuation under section 25D:
Provided that such appeal shall be heard by a special bench of at least
two members one Judicial Member and one Technical Member, constituted by
the Chairman; and
(e) an appellate order or a quasi-judicial order passed by the Chief
Collector of Customs under provisions of this Act and the rules made
thereunder provided that such appeal shall be heard by a special bench
consisting of one technical member and one judicial member:
211
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may, in its discretion, refuse to
admit an appeal in respect of an order referred to in sub-section (1) where-
(i) the value of the goods confiscated without option having been
given to the owner of the goods to pay a fine in lieu of
confiscation under section 181; or
(ii) in any disputed case other than a case where the determination of
any question having a relation to rate of duty of customs or to the
value of goods for purposes of assessment is in issue or is one of
the points in issue, the difference in duty involved or the duty
involved; or
(iii) the amount of fine or penalty determined by such order does not
exceed fifty thousand rupees.
(2) Every appeal in the prescribed form and accompanied by the
prescribed fee so specified in sub section (3) under this section shall be filed, within
82
[forty-five days] from the date on which the decision or order sought to be
appealed against is communicated to the Board or the Collector of Customs, or as the
case may be, the other party preferring the appeal.
(3) An application under sub-section (1) by a person other than an officer
of customs, shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty thousand rupees in case of a
company, and five thousand rupees in case other than a company.
(4) The Appellate Tribunal may, upon application in writing, admit an
appeal after the expiration of the period specified in sub-section (2) if it is satisfied
that there was sufficient cause for not presenting it within that period.
(5) Notwithstanding that an appeal has been filed under this section, the
assessed or adjudged amount of duty and taxes shall be payable, unless recovery
thereof has been stayed by the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided that on filing of application for grant of stay, the Appellate Tribunal
may after affording an opportunity of being heard to the Collector having
jurisdiction, for reasons to be recorded, stay the recovery of duty and taxes for thirty
days, during which period a notice shall be issued to the respondents and after
hearing the parties, order may be confirmed or varied as the Tribunal deems fit but
stay order shall in no case exceed ninety days 82[:
Provided further that such stay order shall be subject to furnishing of pay order
or bank guarantee not less than twenty-five per cent of principal amount by the
aggrieved person before the register of the Tribunal.]
212
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(6) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, where any reference or appeal
was preferred with the approval of Collector of Customs by the officer of lower rank
than that of the Collector and the reference or appeal is pending before an appellate
forum or the Court, such reference or appeal shall be deemed to have been so filed
by the Collector and for removal of doubt it is hereby declared the pending appeals
shall not abate solely on this ground.]
81[194B. Decision of appeals by the Appellate Tribunal.-(1) The Appellate
Tribunal may after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard,
pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit confirming, modifying or annulling the
decision or order appealed against. The Appellate Tribunal may record additional
evidence and decide the case but shall not remand the case for recording the
additional evidence:
Provided that the appeal shall be decided within ninety days of filing the
appeal:
Provided further that where an appeal is not decided within the aforesaid
period, the Appellate Tribunal with the consent of both parties and upon reasons to
be recorded in writing may extend for a further period of sixty days.
(2) At the first hearing of appeal, the Appellate Tribunal shall-
(a) bring to the notice of the Appellant; the provisions relating to
alternate dispute resolution under section 195C of the Act; and
(b) in case the Appellant decline the option of alternate dispute resolution
and wish to continue with the appeal, fix date or dates for hearing and
decision of the appeal in consultation with both the Appellant and
Respondent and in accordance with the rules.
(3) The Appellate Tribunal shall decide the appeal on the date or dates
fixed, and no adjournment shall be granted except-
(a) where there are compelling reasons for adjournment, to be recorded in
writing by the Appellate Tribunal; and
(b) on mandatory payment of such cost as the Appellate Tribunal may
deem fit, which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees.]
(4) The Appellate Tribunal may, at any time within fifteen days from the
date of communication of order, with a view to rectifying any clerical, arithmetical
errors or error arising therein from accidental slip and omission apparent from the
record, amend any order passed by it under-sub-section (1) and shall make such
213
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
amendments if the mistake is brought to its notice by the Collector of Customs or the
other party to the appeal:
Provided that an amendment which has the effect of enhancing the
assessment or reducing a refund or otherwise increasing the liability of the other
party shall not be made under this sub-section, unless the Appellate Tribunal has
given notice to the party of its intention to do so and has allowed a reasonable
opportunity of being heard.
(5) The Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order passed by it
under this section, disposing of an appeal, to the officer of Customs and in valuation
cases also to the Director General Valuation, and the other party to the appeal:
Provided that the order of the Appellate Tribunal shall remain pending for
thirty days, if the Collector or other party to the appeal, prefers a reference to the
High Court within this period.
(6) Save as otherwise expressly provided in section 196, an order passed
by the Appellate Tribunal in appeal shall be final.]
81[194C. Procedure of Appellate Tribunal.—(1) The powers and functions
of the Appellate Tribunal may be exercised and discharged by Benches constituted
by the Chairman from amongst the members thereof.
(2) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-sections (3) and (4), the
procedure of the Appellate Tribunal including constitution of benches, case
management system, distribution of cases and other matters ancillary or incidental
thereto shall be regulated by the rules under this Act.
(3) Every appeal against a decision or order deciding a case involving duty,
tax, penalty or fine exceeding five million rupees shall be heard by a Special Bench
for hearing such appeals and such Bench shall consist of not less than two members
and shall include at least one judicial member and one technical member:
Provided that the Chairman may, for reasons to be recorded in
writing, constitute Benches including special Benches consisting of two or more –
(a) technical members; or
(b) judicial members.
214
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(4) The Chairman or any other member of the Appellate Tribunal authorized
in this behalf by the Chairman may, sitting singly, dispose of any case which has
been allotted to the bench of which he is a member where,-
(a) the value of the goods confiscated without option having been given
to the owner of the goods to pay a fine in lieu of confiscation under
section 181; or
(b) In any disputed case, the difference in duty or tax involved, or the
amount of fine or penalty involved does not exceed five million
rupees.
(5) If the members of a Bench differ in opinion on any point, the point
shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority, if there is a majority, but if
the members are equally divided, they shall state the point or points on which they
differ and the case shall be referred by the Chairman for hearing on such point or
points by one or more of the other members of the Appellate Tribunal, and such
point or points shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority of the
members of the Appellate Tribunal who have heard the case including those who
first heard it:
Provided that, where the members of a Special Bench are equally divided, the
points on which they differ shall be decided by the Chairman.
(6) The Appellate Tribunal shall, for the purposes of discharging its
functions, have the same powers as are vested in a court under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908), when trying suit in respect of the following matters,
namely:-
(a) discovery and inspection;
(b) enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(c) compelling the production of books of account and other documents; and
(d) issuing commissions.
(7) Any proceeding before the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be
judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 and for the purpose
of section 196 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), and the Appellate
Tribunal shall be deemed to be a Court for all the purposes of sections 480 and 482
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).]
30,77
[195. Powers of Board or Chief Collector or Collector to pass certain
orders,-(1) The Board or the Chief Collector 82[or Director General] or the Collector
of Customs 82[or Director] may, within his jurisdiction, call for and examine the
records of any proceedings under this Act for the purpose of satisfying itself or, as
215
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
the case may be, himself as to the legality or propriety of any decision or order
passed by a subordinate officer:
67
[(1A) Where it is deemed necessary to pass fresh orders, in respect of
proceedings 82[including adjudication proceedings] referred to in sub-section (1), the
Board or Collector of Customs 82[or Director] or 73[Chief Collector] 82[or Director
General] may pass the order itself or himself, as the case may be, or assign the case
to an officer of higher rank, who may have passed the earlier order, for passing such
order as he may think fit:]
Provided that no order confiscating goods of greater value or enhancing any
fine in lieu of confiscation, or imposing or enhancing any penalty, or requiring
payment of any duty not levied or short-levied shall be passed unless the person
affected thereby has been given an opportunity of showing cause against it and of
being heard in person or through a counsel or other person duly authorized by him.
(2) No record of any proceedings relating to any decision or order passed
by an officer of customs shall be called for or examined under sub-section (1) after
the expiry of two years from the date of such decision or order.]
74
[(3) The cases records of which are called and examined under sub-section
(1) shall be decided within a period of one twenty days further extendable by the
Board for another sixty days subject to recording of reasons in writing.]
33
[195A. Omitted].
195B. Deposit, pending appeal, of duty demanded or penalty levied.- Where, in
any appeal under this Chapter, the decision or order appealed against relates to any
duty demanded in respect of goods which are not under the control of the customs
authorities or any penalty levied under this Act, the person desirous of appealing
against such decision or order shall, pending the appeal, deposit with the proper
officer the duty demanded or the penalty levied:
34
[Provided that where in any particular case the Collector (Appeals) or the
Appellate Tribunal is of the opinion that the deposit of duty demanded or penalty
levied would cause undue hardship to such person, the Collector (Appeals) or, as the
case may be, the Appellate Tribunal may dispense with such deposit subject to such
conditions as he, or it, may deem fit to impose so as to safeguard the interest of
revenue.]
35
[Provided further that an order dispensing with such deposit shall, without
effecting the appeal, cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of six months
following the day on which it is made unless the appeal is finally decided earlier and
nothing in the order dispensing with such deposit which as ceased to have effect
216
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
shall debar the appropriate officer to recover the amount of the duty demanded or
penalty levied.]
36,75,81[195C. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR).- (1) Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Act, or the rules made there under, any aggrieved person,
in connection with any dispute pertaining to liability of customs-duty, admissibility
of refund or rebate, waiver or fixation of penalty or fine, confiscation of goods,
relaxation of any time period or procedural and technical condition which is under
litigation in any court of law or an appellate authority, except in the cases where
criminal proceedings have been initiated or where interpretation of question of law
having larger revenue impact in the opinion of the Board is involved, may apply to
the Board for the appointment of a committee for the resolution of dispute in appeal.
(2) The application for alternate dispute resolution under sub-section (1)
shall be accompanied by an initial proposition for resolution of the dispute, including
an offer of payment of duties and taxes.
(3) The Board may, subject to the provisions of sub-section (1) and (2),
after examination of the application of an aggrieved person, appoint a committee,
within fifteen days of receipt of such application, consisting of-
(a) a retired judge not below the rank of a judge of a High Court, who
shall also be the Chairperson of the Committee, to be nominated by
the Board from a panel notified by the Law and Justice Division for
such purpose;
(b) an officer of customs not below the rank of Chief Collector having
jurisdiction over the case;
(c) a person to be nominated by the applicant from a panel notified by the
Board, comprising-
(i) chartered accountants, cost and management accountants and
advocates, having minimum ten years experience in the field of
taxation;
Provided that the taxpayer shall not nominate a chartered
accountant or cost and management accountant or an advocate if
the said chartered accountant, cost and management accountant
or the advocate is or has been an auditor or an authorized
representative of the taxpayer;
(ii) reputable businessmen as nominated by Chambers of Commerce
and Industry; and
217
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(iii) officer of Customs Service of Pakistan who stood retired in BS
21 or above:
(4) The Board shall communicate the order of appointment of committee
to the aggrieved person, court of law or the appellate authority where the dispute is
pending and the concerned Collector.
(5) The committee constituted under sub-section (3) shall examine the
issue and may, if it deems necessary, conduct inquiry, seek expert opinion, direct any
officer of customs or any other person to conduct an audit and shall decide the
dispute by majority, within forty-five days of its constitution extendable by another
fifteen days for the reasons to be recorded in writing.
(6) The recovery of duties and taxes payable by the applicant in
connection with any dispute for which a committee has been appointed under sub-
section (3) shall be deemed to have been stayed from the date of appointment of the
committee up to the date of decision of committee or its dissolution, as the case may
be.
(7) If the aggrieved person is satisfied with the decision of the committee,
he shall withdraw the appeal pending before the court of law or any appellate
authority and communicate the order of withdrawal to the Collector within thirty
days of the service of the decision.
(8) The decision of the committee under sub-section (5) shall be binding
on the Collector subject to the provision of sub-section (7).
(9) Subject to sub-section (7), the Collector shall also withdraw the
appeal, if any, pending before any court of law or an appellate authority in respect of
dispute as mentioned in sub-section (1) within thirty days of the communication of
the order of withdrawal by the aggrieved person to the Collector.
(10) If the committee fails to make recommendations within a stipulated
period of sixty days under sub-section (5), the Board shall dissolve the committee by
an order in writing and the matter shall be decided by the appellate authority where
the dispute is pending.
(11) The Board shall communicate the order of dissolution to the court of
Law or the appellate authority and the Collector and the aggrieved person.
(12) The aggrieved person, on receipt of the order of dissolution, shall
communicate the order to the appellate authority, which shall decide the appeal
218
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
within the stipulated period as provided under the relevant provision, of the
communication of the said order.
(13) The aggrieved person shall make payment of customs duty and other
taxes as determined by the committee under sub-section (5) and all decisions, orders
and judgments made or passed shall stand modified to that extent.
(14) The Board may prescribe the amount to be paid as remuneration for
the services of the members of the committee, other than the member appointed
under clause (b) of sub-section (3).
(15) The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette make rules for
carrying out the purposes of this section, including the procedures and manner of
conducting of ADR committee meetings.]
43,81
[196. Reference to High Court. – (1) Within thirty days of the 82[date of
receipt of ] the order of the Appellate Tribunal 82[omitted], the aggrieved person or
any officer of Customs not below the rank of Deputy Collector or Deputy Director,
authorized by the Collector or Director in writing , may file a reference, in the
prescribed form, along with a statement of the case, before the High Court, stating
any question of law or a mixed question of law and fact arising out of such order:
Provided that the applicant shall also file complete record of the Appellate
tribunal within fifteen days of preferring an application under this section.
(2) A reference to the High Court under this section shall be heard by a
Special Bench, constituted for hearing cases under this section, comprising of not
less than two judges of the High Court and, the provisions of section 98 of the Code
of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), shall apply to the extent possible to such
cases, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in
force.
(3) The Special Bench shall decide a reference within six months from
the date of its filing. The High Court upon hearing a reference under this section
shall decide the question of law or a mixed question of law and fact raised in the
reference and pass judgment thereon specifying the grounds on which such
judgement is based and the Appellate Tribunal’s order shall stand modified
accordingly. by the reference and pass judgment thereon specifying the grounds on
which such judgment is based and the Appellate Tribunal's order shall stand
modified accordingly.
(4) The High Court shall establish a case management system to ensure
that sufficient number of Special Benches are constituted, so as to ensure that a
reference filed under this section is decided within the stipulated six months.
219
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(5) Notwithstanding that a reference has been made to the High Court,
the duty shall be payable in accordance with the order of the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided that the recovery shall not be made by the Collector for fifteen days
from the date of communication of the order of the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided further that, the amount of duties and taxes if reduced as a result of
the judgment in the reference, and any amount of duty and tax is found refundable,
the High Court may, on application submitted by an officer of Customs authorized
by the Collector or Director , within thirty days of the judgment of the High Court,
that he wants to prefer petition for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, make an
order authorizing the Collector to postpone the refund until the disposal of the appeal
by the Supreme Court.
(6) Where recovery of duty has been stayed by the High Court by an
order, such order shall cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of six
months following the day on which it is made unless the reference is decided, or
such order is withdrawn by the High Court earlier:
[Provided that such stay order shall be subject to furnishing of pay order or
82
bank guarantee not less than twenty-five per cent of the principal amount by the
aggrieved person before the nazir of the court.]
(7) Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1908 (IX of 1908), shall apply to an
application made to the High Court under sub-section (1).
(8) An application under sub-section (1) by a person other than the officer
of Customs authorized by the Collector or Director shall be accompanied by a fee of
fifty thousand rupees.
(9) Notwithstanding anything in this Act where any reference or appeal
was preferred with the approval of Collector by the officer below the rank of
Collector, and the reference or appeal is pending before appellate forum or the Court,
such reference or appeal shall be deemed to have been preferred and shall be deemed
always to have been so preferred by the Collector or Director.
(10) The Court shall send a copy of the judgment under the seal of the
Court to the Appellate Tribunal.]
46
[196H. Exclusion of time taken for copy.- In computing the period of
limitation specified for an appeal or application under this Chapter, the day on which
the order complained of was served, and if the party preferring the appeal or making
220
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
the application was not furnished with a copy of the order when the notice of the
order was served upon him, the time requisite for obtaining a copy of such order,
shall be excluded.
196I. Transfer of certain pending proceedings.- (1) Every appeal which is
pending before the Board under section 193 as it stood immediately before the
appointed day and any matter arising out of or connected with such proceedings shall
stand transferred on the appointed day to the Appellate Tribunal and the Appellate
Tribunal may proceed with such appeal or matter from the stage at which it then was
or may re-hear the same, as it may deem fit.
(2) Every proceeding which is pending immediately before the appointed
day before the Board or the Collector of Customs under section 195 as it stood
immediately before that day, and any matter arising out of or connected with such
proceedings and which is so pending shall continue to be dealt with by the Board or
the Collector of Customs, as the case may be, as if the said section had not been
substituted.
(3) Every proceeding pending before the Federal Government under
section 196 as it stood immediately before the appointed day and any matter arising
out of or connected with such proceedings which is so pending shall stand
transferred to the Appellate Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal may proceed with such
proceedings or matter from the stage at which it then was or may re-hear the same,
as it may deem fit, as if such proceedings or matter were an appeal filed before it:
Provided that if any such proceeding or matter relates to an order where-
(a) the value of the goods confiscated without option having been given
to the owner of the goods to pay a fine in lieu of confiscation under
section 181; or
(b) in any disputed case, other than a case where the determination of any
question having a relation to the rate of duty of customs or to the
value of goods for purposes of assessment is in issue or is one of the
points in issue, the difference in duty involved or the duty involved;
or
(c) the amount of fine or penalty determined by such order; does not
exceed ten thousand rupees, such proceeding or matter shall continue
to be dealt with by the Federal Government as if the said section 196
had not been substituted:
221
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided further that the applicant or the other party may
make a demand to the Appellate Tribunal that, before proceeding
further with that proceeding or matter; he may be re-heard.
196J. Definitions.- In this Chapter;
(a) “Appointed day” means the date of the coming into force of
the Finance Act,1989;
(b) “High Court” means in relation to any province, the High
Court for the Province;
(d) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Appellate Tribunal.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Chapter XIX substituted by the Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(6), page 107. The
previous Chapter contained Sections 193, 194, 195 and 196. At the time of substitution
Chapter XIX was as under:-
“193. Appeal.- Any person aggrieved by any decision or order passed by an officer of
customs under this act may, 1a[within thirty days of the date of receipt of such decision or
order], appeal there from to the Board, or, in such cases as the 1b[Federal Government]
directs, to any officer of customs not lower in rank than a Deputy Collector of Customs, and
the appellate authority may thereupon make such further inquiry as it may consider
necessary, and, after giving him an opportunity of being heard if he so desires, pass such
order as it thinks fit, confirming, altering or annulling the decision or order appealed against:
Provided that no order confiscating goods of greater value, or enhancing any fine in
lieu of confiscation, or imposing or enhancing any penalty, or requiring payment of any duty
not levied or short-levied shall be passed unless the person affected thereby has been given an
opportunity of showing cause against it and of being heard in person or through a counsel or
other person duly authorised by him.
194. Deposit, pending appeal, of duty demanded or penalty levied.- (1) Any person
desirous of appealing under section 193 against any decision or order relating to any duty
demanded in respect of goods which have ceased to be under the control of customs
authorities or to any penalty levied under this Act shall, at the time of filing his appeal or if
he is so permitted by the appellate authority at any later stage before the consideration of the
appeal, deposit with the appropriate officer the duty demanded or levied.
Provided that such person may, instead of depositing an aforesaid the entire amount of the
penalty, deposit only fifty per cent thereof and furnish a guarantee from a scheduled bank for
the due payment of the balance:
Provided further that where, in any particular case, the appellate authority is of the opinion
that the deposit of duty demanded or penalty levied will cause undue hardship to the
appellant, it may dispense with such deposit either unconditionally or subject to such
conditions as it may deem fit to impose.
222
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
195. Power of the Board to call for and examine records etc.- 1c(1) The Board or the
Collector of Customs, within his jurisdiction may call for and examine the records of any
proceedings under this Act for the purpose of satisfying itself
196. or, as the case may be, himself as to the legality or propriety of any decision or
order passed therein by a subordinate officer and may pass such order as it to he may think
fit:
Provided that no order confiscating goods of greater value, or enhancing any fine in
lieu of confiscation, or imposing or enhancing any penalty or requiring payment of any duty
not levied or short-levied shall be passed unless the person affected thereby has been given an
opportunity of showing cause against it and of being heard in person or through a counsel or
other person duly authorised by him.]
(2) No record of any proceedings relating to any decision or order passed by an officer
of customs shall be called for and examined under sub-section (1) after the expiry of two
years from the date of such decision or order.
196. Revision by the 1b{Federal Government].- The 1b[Federal Government] may, on
the application of any person aggrieved by any decision or order passed under section 193,
1d[194 or 195], if the application is made 1e[within thirty days of the date of receipt of such
decision or order], pass such order in relation thereto as it thinks fit:
Provided that no order confiscating goods of greater value, or enhancing any fine in lieu of
confiscation, or imposing or enhancing any penalty, or requiring payment of any duty not
levied or short-levied shall be passed unless the person affected thereby has been given an
opportunity of showing cause against it and of being heard in person or through a counsel or
other person duly authorised by him.”
1a. Substituted for the words “within three months of the date of such decision or
order” by the Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXI of 1972).
1b.. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Ordinance, 1972
(XXI of 1972), S.3, page 56 and Second Schedule, S.1, page 76.
1c. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1975 (L of 1975). At the time of substitution was as
under:-
(i) The Board may on its own motion call for an examine the records of any
proceedings under this Act for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality or propriety of
any decision or order passed therein by an officer subordinate to it and may pass such orders
as it thinks fit:
Provided that no order confiscating goods of greater value, or enhancing any fine in lieu of
confiscation, or imposing or enhancing any penalty, or requiring payment of any duty not
levied or short levied shall be passed unless the person affected thereby has been given an
opportunity of showing cause against it and of being heard in person or through a counsel or
other person duly authorised by him.
1d. Substituted for the words and figure “by an officer of Customs or the Board, or an
order passed under Section 195 by the Board confiscating goods of greater value or
enhancing any fine in lieu of confiscation or imposing or enhancing any penalty or
requiring payment of any duty not levied or short-levied” by the Finance Act, 1975.
1e. Substituted for the words “within four months of the date of such decision or order”
by the Finance Ordinance,1972 (XXI of 1972)”
223
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
2. Section 193 was omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XI of 2000) and added by the
Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(10), page 224. At the time of omission
section 193 was as under:-
“2a{193. Appeals to Collector (Appeals).- (1) Any person aggrieved by any decision or
order passed under this Act by an officer of customs lower in rank than a Collector of
Customs 2b[ , other than a notice of demand served under section
202,] may appeal to the Collector (Appeals) within thirty days of the date of the
communication to him of such decision order:
Provided that an appeal filed after the expiry of thirty days may be admitted by the Collector
(Appeals) if he is satisfied that the appellant had sufficient cause for not filing the appeal
within that period.
(2) An appeal under this section shall be such form and shall be verified in such
manner as may be specified by rules made in this behalf.]
2c[ (3) An appeal made under this Act shall be accompanied by a fee of one thousand
rupees to be paid in the manner prescribed.]”
2a. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1989, S
2b. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1995 (I of 1995), S.
2c. Added by the Finance Act, 1989
3. Substituted by Finance Act, 2005
4. Substituted for the word and figure “section 179 of this Act by an officer of Customs” by the
Finance Act, 2006.
5. Omitted Finance Act, 2005..
5a. Omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(8), page 202, at the time of
omission section 193-A was as under and added by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of
2002):
“193-A. Procedure in appeal.- (1) The Collector (Appeals) shall give an opportunity
to the appellant to be heared if he so desires.
(2) The Collector (Appeals) may, at the hearing of an appeal, allow the appellant
to go into any ground of appeal not specified in the grounds of appeal, if the Collector
(Appeals) is satisfied that the omission of that ground from the grounds of appeal was not
wilful or unreasonable.
(3) The Collector (Appeals) may, after making such further inquiry as may be
necessary, pass such order as he thinks fit conforming, modifying or annulling the decision or
order appealed against, or may refer the case back to the adjudicating authority with such
direction as he may think fit for a fresh adjudication or decision, as the case may be, after
taking additional evidence, if necessary:
Provided that an order enhancing any penalty or fine in lieu of confiscation or
confiscating goods of greater value or reducing the amount of refund shall not be passed
unless the appellant has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the
proposed order:
Provided further that, where the Collector (Appeals) is of the opinion that any duty
has not been levied or has been short-levied or erroneously refunded, no order requiring the
appellant to pay any duty not levied, short levied or erroneously refunded shall be passed
224
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
unless the appellant is given notice within the time limit specified in section 32 to show cause
against the proposed order.
(4) The order of the Collector (Appeals) disposing of the appeal shall be in
writing and shall state the points for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for
the decision.
(5) On the disposal of the appeal, the Collector (Appeals) shall communicate the
order passed by him to the appellant, the adjudicating authority and the Collector of
Customs.]
5b. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007. Before substitution it was as under:-
“(3) The Collector (Appeals) may, after making such further inquiry as may be
necessary, pass such order as he thinks fit, confirming, modifying or annulling the decision or
order appealed against, or may refer the case back to the adjudicating authority with such
direction as he may think fit for a fresh adjudication or decision, as the case may be, after
taking additional evidence, if necessary:
Provided that an order enhancing any penalty or fine in lieu of confiscation or
confiscating goods of greater value or reducing the amount of refund shall not be passed
unless the appellant has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the
proposed order:”
6 Substituted by the Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(6), page 108. At the time of substitution
section 194 was as under:-
“194. Deposit, pending appeal, of duty demanded or penalty levied.- (1) Any
person desirous of appealing under section 193 against any decision or order relating to any
duty demanded in respect of goods which have ceased to be under the control of customs
authorities or to any penalty levied under this Act shall, at the time of filing his appeal or if
he is so permitted by the appellate authority at any later stage before the consideration of the
appeal, deposit with the appropriate officer the duty demanded or the penalty levied:
Provided that such person may, instead of depositing as aforesaid the entire amount of the
penalty, deposit only fifty per cent thereof and furnish a guarantee from a scheduled bank for
the due payment of the balance: Provided further that where, in any,
particular case, the appellate authority is of the opinion that the deposit of duty demanded or
penalty levied will cause undue hardship to the appellant, it may dispense with such deposit,
either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as it may deem fit to impose.
(2) If, upon an appeal it is decided that the whole or any portion of the aforesaid duty
or penalty was not leviable, the appropriate officer shall return to the appellant such amount
or portion as the case may be.
7. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.5(10)(11)(a), page 769. At the time of
substitution sub-section (2) was as under:- “(2) A
judicial member shall be a person who is a Judge of a High Court who has for a period of not
less than five years exercised the powers of a District Judge and is qualified to be a Judge of a
High Court or who is or has been an Advocate of a High Court and is qualified to be a Judge
of High Court.”.
7a. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007. Before substitution it was as under:-
“(3) A technical member shall be an officer of Customs and Excise Group equivalent in
rank to that of a Member, Central Board of Revenue.”
225
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
8. Proviso omitted by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.5(10(11)(b), page 769. At the time
of omission this proviso was as under:-
“Provided
that where a Judge of High Court is appointed as the Chairman of the Appellate Tribunal his
term and conditions shall be the same as those of a Judge of the High court.”.
9. Added by the Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(6), page 107.
10. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(9)(a)(I), page 202.
11. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of 2001), S.4(8)(a)(I), page 307. At the
time of substitution this was as under:-
“(a) a decision or order passed by the 11a[an officer of customs] as an adjudicating
authority]”
11a. Substituted for the words “the Collector of Customs” by the Finance Ordinance,
2000 (XXI of 2000),S.4(9)(a)(ii), page 202.
12. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(11)(a)(I), page 226.
13. Omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000(XXV of 2000), S.4(9)(a)(iii) at the time of mission
this was a under:-
“(b) an order passed by the Collector (Appeals) under section 193;”.
14. Omitted the comma and words “,as it stood immediately before the appointed day” by the
Finance Act, 1995 (I of 1995), S.6(2)(I), page 511.
15. The first proviso omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(11)(a)(ii),
page 226. At the time of omission this proviso was as under:-
“Provided that no appeal shall lie to the Appellate Tribunal, and the Appellate Tribunal shall
not have jurisdiction to decide any appeal, in respect of any order referred to in sub-section
(1) if such order relates to –
(a) any goods imported or exported as baggage;
(b) any goods loaded in a conveyance for importation into Pakistan, but which are not
unloaded at their place of destination in Pakistan; or so much of the quantity of such goods as
has not been unloaded at any such destination if goods unloaded at such destination are short
of the quantity required to be unloaded at that destination;
(c) repayment of customs-duty under clause (c) of section 21;
(d) payment of drawback as provided in Chapter VI, and the rules made thereunder :”
16. The word “further” omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(11)(iii),
page 226.
17. Substituted for the word “ten” by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(9)(a)(iv),
page 202.
18. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007. Before substitution it was as under:-
18a[(2) The Board or the Collector of Customs may, if it or, as the case may be, he is of the
opinion that an order passed by the Collector (Appeals) under section 193 is not legal or
proper, direct the appropriate officer to appeal on its or, as the case may be, his behalf to the
Appellate Tribunal against such order.]
18a. Omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(9)(b), page 203 and
added by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(11)(b), page 226. At the time of
omission this sub-section was as under:-
“(2) The Board or the Collector of Customs may, if it or, as the case may be, he is of the
opinion that an order passed by the Collector (Appeals) under section 193 is not legal or
proper, direct the appropriate officer to appeal on its or, as the case may be, his behalf to the
Appellate Tribunal against such order.”.
19. The words brackets and figure “an appeal referred to in sub-section (2) or” omitted by the
Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.
226
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
20. Substituted for the word “20a[seven hundred fifty]” by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII
of 2002), S.4(11)(c), page 226.
20a. Substituted for the words “two hundred” by the Finance Ordinance, 2001 (XXV of
2001), S.4(8)(b), page 307.
21. Added by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(9)(d), page 203.
21a. Added by the Finance Act, 2007.
21b. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007.Before substitution it was as under:-
“(1) The Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of
being heard, pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or annulling the
decision or order appealed against or may refer the case back to the authority which passed
such decision or order with such directions as the Appellate Tribunal may think fit, for a fresh
adjudication or decision, as the case may be, after taking additional evidence, if necessary
22[:]
23[Provided that the appeal shall be decided within sixty days of filing the appeal or
within such extended period as the Tribunal may, for reasons to be recorded in writing fix,
provided that such extended period shall not in any case exceed ninety days.]”
21c. For the word “three” the word “one” was substituted by the FA,2007.
22. Substituted for full stop by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(10)(I), page 203.
23. Inserted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(10(I), page 203.
24. Substituted for the words “Collector of Customs” by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of
2000), S.4(10)(ii), page 203.
25. Substituted for the words and figures “section 196 and 19G” by the Finance Act, 1997.
25a For the words “ relating, among other things, to the determination of any question having a
relation to the rate of duty of customs or to the value of goods for purposes of assessment,”
the words “deciding a case involving duty, tax, penalty or fine exceeding five million rupees”
were substituted by the Finance Act, 2007.
26. Substituted for the full stop by the Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XIII of 2001).
27. Added by Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XIII of 2001).
28. Inserted by the Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2001 (XIII of 2001).
28a. Following explanation was omitted by the FA, 2007:-
“Explanation:- For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “cases” means the
matters involving decisions other than decisions in relation to a question of law under this
Act or the Central Excises Act, 1944 (I of 1944) or as the case may be, the Sales Tax Act,
1990.]”
28b. Omitted by the FA, 2007.At the time of omission it was as under :-
(b)in any disputed case, other than a case where the determination of any question
having a relation to the rate of duty of customs or to the value of goods for purposes of
assessment is in issue or is one of the points in issue, the difference in duty involved or the
duty involved; or”
28c. Substituted by the FA, 2007.At the time of substitution it was as under :-
“(c) the amount of fine or penalty involved does not exceed 29&29a[fifteen hundred
thousand rupees].”
29. Substituted for the words “one hundred thousand rupees” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of
2003), S.5(33), page 40.
29a. Substituted for the word “five” by the Finance Act, 2006.
30. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1995 (I of 1995), S.6(3), page 511. At the time of substitution
section 195 was as under:-
“195. Powers of Board or Collector of Customs to pass certain orders.- (1) The Board
may, of its own motion, call for and examine the record of any proceeding in which a
Collector of Customs as an adjudicating authority has passed any decision or order under this
Act for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality or propriety of any such decision or
227
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
order and may, by order, direct the Collector to apply to the Appellate Tribunal for the
determination of such points arising out of the decision or order as may be specified by the
Board in its orders.
(2) The Collector of Customs, may, of his own motion, call for and examine the record
of any proceeding in which an adjudicating authority subordinate to him has passed any
decision or order under this Act for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the legality or
propriety of any such decision or order and may, by order, direct such authority to apply to
the Collector (Appeals) for the determination of such points arising out of the decision or
order as may be specified by the Collector of Customs in his order.
(3) No order shall be made under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) after the expiry of
one year from the date of the decision or order.
(4) Where in pursuance of an order under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) the
Collector of Customs or any officer of Customs authorised in his behalf by him makes an
application to the Appellate Tribunal or the Collector (Appeals) within a period of thirty days
from the date of communication of the order under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), such
application shall be heard by the Appellate Tribunal or the Collector (Appeals), as the case
may be, as if such application were an appeal made against the decision or order of the
adjudicating authority and the provisions of the Act regarding appeals including the
provisions of sub-section (4) of section 196 shall, so far as may be, apply to such application.
(5) The Board, or the Collector of Customs within his jurisdiction, may call
for and examine the record of any decision or order where the decision or order is of the
nature referred to in the first proviso to sub-section (1) of section 194A for the purpose of
satisfying itself or, as the case may be, himself as to the legality or propriety of the decision
or order passed therein by a subordinate officer and may pass such order as it or he may think
fit:
Provided that no order confiscating goods of greater value, or enhancing any fine in lieu of
confiscation, or imposing or enhancing any penalty, or requiring payment of any duty not
levied or short levied or reducing the amount of repayment of customs duty or drawback shall
be passed unless the person affected thereby has been given an opportunity of showing cause
against it and of being heard in person or through a counsel or other person duly authorised
by him:
Provided further that no record of any proceedings relating to any decision or order passed by
an officer of customs shall be called for and examined after the expiry of two years from the
date of such decision or order.”.
31. Omitted the words “of Customs” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(34)(I), page 41.
32. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(34)(ii), page 41.
32A. Omitted the words “or the Collector of Customs (Adjudication)” by the Finance Act, 2006.
33. Omitted by the Finance Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(11), page 203. At the time of omission
section 195-A was as under:-
“33a[195-A. Revision by the Federal Government.- (1) The Federal Government
may, on the application of any person aggrieved by any order passed under section 193,
where the order is of the nature referred to in the first proviso to sub-section (1) of section
194-A annual or modify such order.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be made within thirty days from the date
of the communication to the applicant of the order against which the application is being
made:
228
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided that the Federal Government may permit the filing of application after the expiry of
relevant period referred to in sub-section (2) if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for
not presenting it within that period.
(3) An application under sub-section (1) shall be in such form and shall be verified in
such manner as may be specified by rules made in this behalf and shall be accompanied by a
fee of two hundred rupees.
(4) The Federal Government may, of its own motion, annual or modify any order
referred to in sub-section (1).
(5) No order enhancing any penalty or fine in lieu of confiscation or confiscating goods
of greater value shall be passed under this section --
(a) in any case in which an order passed under section 193 has enhanced any penalty or
fine in lieu of confiscation or has confiscated goods of greater value; and (b) in any other
case, unless the person affected by the proposed order has been given notice to show cause
against it within one year from the date of the order sought to be annulled or modified.
(6) Where the Federal Government is of the opinion that any duty of customs has not
been levied or has been short levied or has been erroneously refunded, no order levying or
enhancing the duty shall be made under this section unless the person affected by the
proposed order is given notice to show cause against it within the time limit specified in
section 32.]”
33a. Substituted for section 196 by the Finance Act, 1989.
34. Substituted by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(12), page 227. At the time
of substitution this proviso was as under:-,
“Provided that, where in any particular case the Appellate Tribunal is of opinion that the
deposit of duty demanded or penalty levied would cause undue hardship to such person. the
Appellate Tribunal may dispense with such deposit subject to such conditions as it may
deem fit to impose so as to safeguard the interests of revenue:
35. Added by the Tax Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1999.
36. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2004 (II of 2004), S.3(20), page 17
36a. By the Finance Act, 2006 the word “Alternate” were substituted .
36b. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2007. Before substitution it was as under:-
“(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, or the rules made there under, any
aggrieved person in connection with any matter of Customs pertaining to liability of customs
duty, admissibility of refund or rebate, waiver or fixation of penalty or fine, confiscation of
goods, relaxation of any time period or procedural and technical condition may apply to the
Central Board of Revenue for the appointment of a committee for the resolution of any
hardship or dispute mentioned in detail in the application 36c[:]
36c[Provided that only those disputes which are under litigation, in any court of law or an
appellate authority, shall be entertained for dispute resolution under the provisions of this
section.]
(2) The Central Board of Revenue, after examination of the application of an aggrieved
person, shall appoint a committee consisting of an officer of customs and two persons from a
notified panel of 37[retired District and Sessions Judge and retired Judges of High Court or]
Chartered or Cost Accountants, Advocates Tax Consultants or reputable taxpayers for the
resolution of the hardship or dispute.”
36c. Substituted/Added by the Finance Act, 2006
37. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
38. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
38a. For the words “forty-five”, the word “sixty” was substituted by the FA,2007.
39. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2006.
40. Added by the Finance Act, 2006.
41. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
42. Omitted by Finance Act, 2005.
43. Substituted “Sections 196 to 196G” by the Finance Act, 1997 (XXII of 1997), S.5, page 1219.
At the time of substitution these sections were as under:-
“196. Statement of case to High Court.- (1) The Collector of Customs, or the other
party may, within thirty days of the date upon which he is served with notice of an order
under section 194-B (not being an order relating among other things, to the determination of
any question having a relation to the rate of duty of customs or to the value of goods for
purposes of assessment), by application in such form as may be specified by rules made in
this behalf, accompanied, where the application is made by the other party, by a fee of two
hundred rupees, require the Appellate Tribunal to refer to the High Court any question of law
arising out of such order and subject to the other provisions contained in this section, the
Appellate Tribunal shall, within one hundred and twenty days of the receipt of such
application, draw up a statement of the case and refer it to the High Court:
Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by
sufficient cause from presenting the application within the period herein before specified,
allow it to be presented, within a further period not exceeding thirty days.
(2) On receipt of notice that an application has been made under sub-section (1), the
person against whom such application has been made, may, notwithstanding that he may not
have filed such an application, file, within forty-five days of the receipt of the notice, a
memorandum of cross-objectives verified in such a manner as may be specified by rules
made in this behalf against any part of the order in relation to which an application for
reference has been made and such memorandum shall be disposed of by the Appellate
Tribunal as if it were an application presented within the time specified in sub-section (1).
(3) If, on an application made under sub-section (1), the Appellate Tribunal refuses to
state the case on the ground that no question of law arises, the Collector of Customs, or, as
the case may be, the other party may, within one hundred twenty days from the date on which
he is served with notice of such refusal, apply to the High Court and the High Court may, if it
is not satisfied with the correctness of the decision of the Appellate Tribunal, require the
Appellate Tribunal to state the case and to refer it, and on receipt of any such requisition, the
Appellate Tribunal shall state the case and refer it accordingly.
(4) Where in the exercise of the powers under sub-section (3), the Appellate Tribunal
refuses to state a case which it was required by an applicant to state, the applicant may,
within thirty days from the date on which he receives notice of such refusal, withdraw his
application and, if he does so, the fee, if any, paid by him shall be refunded.
196-A. Statement of case to Supreme Court in certain cases.- If, on an application made
under section 196, the Appellate Tribunal is of the opinion that, on account of conflict in the
decision of High Court in respect of any particular question of law, it is expedient that a
reference should be made direct to the Supreme Court, the Appellate Tribunal may draw up a
statement of the case and refer it through the Chairman direct to the Supreme Court.
196-B. Power of High Court or Supreme Court to require statement to be amended.-
If the High court or the Supreme Court is not satisfied that the statement in a case referred to
it is sufficient to enable it to determine the questions raised thereby, the court may refer the
case back to the Appellate Tribunal for the purpose of making such additions thereto or
alterations thereto or alterations therein as it may direct in this behalf.
196-C. Case before High Court to be heard by not less than two Judges.- (1) When any
case has been referred to the High Court under Section 196, it shall be heard by a Bench of
not less than two Judges of the High Court and shall be decided in accordance with the
opinion of such Judges or of the majority, if any, of such Judges. (2) Where there
is no such majority, the Judges shall state the point of law upon which they differ and the
case shall then be heard upon that point only by one or more of the other Judges of the High
230
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Court designated by the Chief Justice, and such point shall be decided according to the
opinion of the majority of the Judges who have heard the case including those who first heard
it.
196-D. Decision of High Court or Supreme Court on the case stated.- (1) The High
Court or the Supreme Court hearing any such case shall decide the question of law raised
therein, and shall deliver its judgment thereon containing the grounds on which such decision
is founded and a copy of the judgment shall be sent under the seal of the Court and the
signature of the Registrar to the Appellate Tribunal which shall pass such orders as are
necessary to dispose of the case in conformity with such judgment.
(2) The costs of any
reference to the High Court or the Supreme Court, which shall not include the fee for making
the reference, shall be in the discretion of the Court.
196-E. Appeal to Supreme Court.- An appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court from –
(a) any judgment of the High Court delivered on a reference made under section 196 in
any case which, on its own motion or on an oral application made by or on behalf of the party
aggrieved, immediately after the passing of the judgment, the High Court certifies to be a a fit
one for appeal to the Supreme Court, or
(b) any order passed by the Appellate Tribunal relating, among other things, to the
determination of any question having a relation to the rate of duty of customs or to the value
of goods for purposes of assessment.
196-F. Hearing before Supreme Court.- (1) The provisions of the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908), relating to appeals to the Supreme Court shall, so far as may be,
apply in the case of appeals under section 196 as they apply in the case of appeals from
decrees of a High Court:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to affect the provisions of
sub-section (1) of section 196 or section 196G.
(2) The cost of the appeal shall be in the discretion of the Supreme Court.
(3) Where the judgment of the High Court is varied or reversed in the appeal, effect
shall be given to the order of the Supreme Court in the manner provided in section
196 in the case of a judgment of the High Court.
196-G. Sums due to be paid notwithstanding reference etc.- Notwithstanding that a
reference has been made to the High Court or the Supreme Court or an appeal has been
preferred to the Supreme Court, sums due to the Government as a result of an order passed
under sub-section (1) of section 194-B shall be payable in accordance with the order so
passed.”.
44. Substituted sub-section(1)of section 196 by the Finance Act, 2006 At the time of substitution
the sub-section (1) was as under:-.
“(1) Within ninety days of the communication of order of the Appellate Tribunal under sub-
section (3) of section 194B, the aggrieved person or the Collector may prefer an application,
in the prescribed form along with a statement of the case, to the High Court, stating any
question of law arising out of such order.”
44a. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
45. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
46. Added by the Finance Act, 1989
47. Substituted and inserted by the Finance Act,2008(I of 2008) (Page-46).
48. The word “ninety” substituted with the word “one hundred and twenty” by FINANCE
ACT,2009.
49. The words “ninety” substituted with the word ”Sixty” by Finance Act,2009.
50. Inserted by Finance Act,2009.
51. This proviso “Provided further that such extended period shall in no case exceed ninety
days.] “ substituted by Finance Act,2009.
52. The proviso “Provided further that any Bench referred to in clause (a) shall not hear the
matters involving question of law.” Omitted by Finance Act,2009.
53. The word “ten” substituted with the word “five” by Finance Act,2009.
54. The word “sixty” substituted with word “ninety” by Finance Act,2009.
231
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
55. The colon substituted with the words full stop and proviso “Provided that the period of
38a[sixty] days stipulated for making the recommendations may be extended by the Board for
another 38a[sixty] days on specific request of the committee”, omitted by Finance Act,2009.
56. Inserted by Finance Act,2009.
57. Inserted by Finance Act,2009.
58. The words “Excise and Sales Tax”, omitted by Finance Act,2010.
59. Added by Finance Act,2010.
60. Substituted for the words “(1) Any person 3 [other than] an officer of customs aggrieved by
any decision or order passed under 4[sections 79, 80 and 179 of this Act by an officer of
5[*****] may prefer appeal to the
customs not below the rank of an Assistant Collector]
Collector (Appeals) within thirty days of the date of communication to him of such decision
or order:
Provided that an appeal preferred after the expiry of thirty days may be admitted by the
Collector (Appeals) if he is satisfied that the appellant had sufficient cause for not preferring
the appeal within that period.” by Finance Act, 2012
61. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012.
62. Inserted by Finance Act, 2013.
63. Substituted for the words “Customs and Excise Group” by Finance Act, 2014.
64. Substituted for the word “five” by Finance Act, 2014.
65. Added vide Finance Act, 2016.
66. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017, At the time of substitution the position was :
"an order passed by the Board or the Collector of Customs under section 195"
67. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017.
68 Inserted by Finance Act, 2018.
69. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019.
70. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time of substitution the words was “one hundred
and twenty”
71. Substituted by Finance Act 2019. At the time of substitution the section was:
[194. Appellate Tribunal.- (1) The Federal Government shall constitute an Appellate Tribunal to be
called the Customs 58[Omitted] Appellate Tribunal consisting of as many judicial and technical members as it
thinks fit to exercise the powers and discharge the functions conferred on the Appellate Tribunal by this Act.
7
[(2) A judicial member shall be a person who has been a Judge of the High Court, or is or has been
a District Judge and is qualified to be a Judge of High Court, or is or has been an advocate of a High Court
and is qualified to be a Judge of a High Court.]
7a
[(3) A technical member shall be an officer of 63[Pakistan Customs Service] equivalent in rank to
that of a Member of the Board or Chief Collector of Customs or Director General or a senior Collector with
64
[three] years experience in that position.]
(4) The Federal Government shall appoint one of the members of the Appellate Tribunal to be the
Chairman thereof.
(5) The terms and conditions of appointment of the Chairman and judicial and technical members
shall be such as the Federal Government may determine.
8
[* * * * * * * ].
72. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019
73. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At time of substitution the words was “Collector of
Customs (Adjudication)”.
74. Added by Finance Act, 2019.
75. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time of substituteion the 195C section was :
[195C. 36a[Alternative] Dispute Resolution.- 36b[(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, or the rules made
there under, any aggrieved person, in connection with any dispute pertaining to liability of customs-duty,
admissibility of refund or rebate, waiver or fixation of penalty or fine, confiscation of goods, relaxation of any
232
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
time period or procedural and technical condition which is under litigation in any Court of law or an Appellate
Authority, except in the cases where first information reports (FIRs) have been lodged or criminal proceedings
have been initiated or where interpretation of question of law having larger revenue impact in the opinion of the
Board is involved, may apply to the Board for the appointment of a Committee for the resolution of dispute in
appeal.
(2) Subject to the provision of sub-section (1), the Board, after examination of the application of an
aggrieved person, may appoint a committee, within thirty days of receipt of such application, consisting of an
officer of customs [not below the rank of Collector]
and two persons from a notified panel of retired District and Sessions judge and retired judges of High Court or
Chartered or Cost Accountants, Advocates, Tax consultants or reputable taxpayers for the resolution of the
hardship or dispute.]
(3) The committee constituted under sub-section (2) shall examine the issue and may, if it deems
necessary, conduct inquiry, seek expert opinion, direct any officer of customs or any other person to conduct an
audit and make recommendations 38[, within 38a, 54[ninety] days of its constitution,] in respect of the resolution of
dispute as it may deem fit 39, 55[.]
40, 55
[Omitted]
56
[(3A) If the Committee constituted under sub-section (2) fails to make recommendations within a
stipulated period of ninety days, the Board may dissolve the committee and constitute a new committee which
shall decide he matter within a further period of ninety days, and after expiry of that period, if the dispute is not
resolved, the matter shall be taken up the by the appropriate forum for decision.]
(4) The Board may, on the recommendation of the committee, pass such order, as it may deem
appropriate 57[,within 65[ninety] days of the receipt of recommendations of the committee] 65[;
Provided that if such order is not passed within the aforesaid period, recommendations of the committee
shall be treated to be an order passed by the Board under this sub-section.]
47
[4A Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (4), the Chairman and a member
nominated by him may, on the application of an aggrieved person, for reasons to be recorded in writing and on
being satisfied that there is an error in the order or decision, pass such order as may be deemed just and
equitable.]
(5) The aggrieved person may make the payment of customs duty and other taxes as determined
41
[if any] by the Board in its order under sub-section (4) 65[or as per recommendations of the committee in terms
of proviso to sub-section (4), as the case may be,] and all decisions, orders and judgments made or passed shall
stand modified to that extent and all proceedings under this Act or the rules made thereunder by any authority
shall abate:
Provided that, in case the matter is already sub-judice before any authority, or tribunal or the court, an
agreement made between the aggrieved person and the Board in the light of recommendations of the committee
shall be submitted before that authority, tribunal or the court for consideration and order as deemed appropriate.
42
[(6) Omitted.
(7) The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the
purposes of this section.]
76. Finance Act, 2020 (Second amendment(30th March)
77. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
78. Inserted through Ordinance No.XXII (15.09.2021)
79. Substituted by Finance Act, 2022 (June)
80. Substituted/Inserted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
81. Substituted/Inserted by Finance Act, 2024(June)
82. Substituted/inserted by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
233
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
1
[CHAPTER XIX-A
SETTLEMENT OF CASES
2
[196K Omitted.
196L Omitted.
196M Omitted.
196N Omitted.
196O Omitted.
196P Omitted.
196Q Omitted.
196R Omitted.
196S Omitted.
196T Omitted.
196U Omitted.]
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.4(5), page 471.
2. Omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 2000 (XXI of 2000), S.4(13), page 204. At the time of
omission section 196-K to 196-U were as under:
“Chapter XIX-A
SETTLEMENT CASES
196K. Indirect Taxes Settlement Commission.- (1) The Federal Government shall
appoint an Indirect Taxes Settlement Commission to exercise the powers and discharge the
functions conferred on it under this Chapter.
(2) The Commission shall consist of a Chairman and as many members as
may be necessary, and shall function within the Division of the Federal Government dealing
with revenue.
(3) The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Federal
Government from amongst persons of integrity and outstanding ability having special
knowledge of, and experience in, matters relating to customs, central excise and sales tax
laws and procedures, and having not less than twenty-two years of service in the customs,
central excise or sales tax departments:
Provided that the Federal Government may also appoint suitable number of
associate member, not exceeding one associate member for each bench of the Commission,
from amongst persons of integrity and outstanding ability having not less than twenty years
experience as chartered accountants, cost accountants, industrial engineers, or advocates of
High Court or Supreme Court. –
234
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(4) The terms, conditions and tenure of service of associate members shall be
determined by the Federal Government.
(5) The Federal Government shall appoint the senior most member of the
Commission to be the Chairman thereof.
196L. Definitions.- In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(i) “associate member” means an associate member appointed under proviso to sub-
section (3) of section 196-K;
(ii) “case” means any proceedings initiated under section 193, 194-A or 195-A and
pending with any authority, court or tribunal on the date of making the application under sub-
section (1) of section 196-N:
Provided that the proceedings relating to smuggling of narcotics or narcotic and
psychotropic substances shall not be proceedings within the meaning of this clause:
Provided further that where an appeal or application for revision has been filed
after the period of limitation and which has not been admitted, such appeal or application for
revision shall not be deemed to be a proceeding pending within the meaning of this clause;
(iii) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Commission;
(iv) “Commission” means the Indirect Taxes Settlement Commission appointed under
section 196-K; and
(v) “member” means a member of the Commission and includes the Chairman thereof.
196M. Powers and functions of the Commission.-(1) The powers and functions of the
Commission may be exercised and discharged by benches constituted by the Chairman from
amongst the members and associate members.
(2) A bench shall, ordinarily, consist of two members and an associate
member and shall be prescribed over by the Chairman:
Provided that where the applicant makes an application under section 196-N, in writing, for
decision of his case without the associate member, the bench shall be so consumed:
Provided further that, where the Chairman is not a member of the bench, the Chairman may
authorise any member to discharge his functions on the bench.
(2) No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid merely on the ground
of existence of any vacancy of an associate member on the bench.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commission shall have the
power to regulate its own procedure; and the procedure of benches in all matters arising out
of the discharge of its functions, including the places at which the benches shall hold their
sittings.
(5) If the members of a bench differ in opinion as to the decision to be given
on any issue,-
(a) the issue shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority, if there is a
majority;
(b) if the members are equally divided and the Chairman of the Commission is not
himself a member of the bench, the case shall be referred to the Chairman and the
decision of the Commission shall be expressed in terms of the opinion of the
Chairman; and
(c) if the members are equally divided and the Chairman of the Commission is himself
a member of the bench, the opinion of the Chairman shall prevail, and the decision
of the Commission shall be expressed in terms of opinion of the Chairman.
(6) In addition to the powers conferred on the Commission under this
Chapter, it shall have all the powers which are vested in an officer of customs for the proper
discharge of its functions under this Chapter.
196N. Application for settlement of cases.- (1) Any person aggrieved by any order or
decision may, at any stage of his case, make an application in such form and in such manner
as may be prescribed, containing full and true disclosure of his circumstances and the facts
which he may not have disclosed earlier, the manner in which he evaded or avoided payment
of duty, the additional amount of duty payable in this regard and such other particular as may
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
be prescribed, to the Commission to have the case settled, and any such application shall be
disposed of in the manner provided hereinafter:
Provided that no such application shall be made unless the total amount of duty
payable exceeds one hundred thousand rupees.
(2) Every application made under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied by
such fee as may be prescribed by the Commission.
(3) An applicant, once having made an application under sub-section (1), shall not be
entitled to withdraw it.
196O. Disposal of applications by the Commission.-(1) The Commission may, before
disposing of any application, call for such particulars as it may require in respect of the
application brought before it, or cause further enquiries to be made by the Collector of
Customs and the basis of his report and having regard to the nature and circumstances of the
case, it may, by order, allow the application to be proceeded with or reject the application:
Provided that an application shall not be rejected under this sub-section unless an opportunity
of being heard is provided to the applicant.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), an application shall not be
proceeded with under that sub-section if the Collector of Customs objects to such application
on the ground that the particulars of evasion on the part of the applicant or perpetration of
fraud by him for evading customs duty under this Act and the rules made thereunder has been
established or is likely to be established by an Officer of Customs:
Provided that where the Commission does not agree with the objections raised by the
Collector, it may, after giving the Collector an opportunity of being heard, accept the
application to being proceeded with under sub-section (1).
(3) Where an application is allowed to be proceeded with under sub-section (1), the
Commission may call for the relevant records from the Collector of Customs, and after
examination of such records, if the Commission is of the opinion that any further inquiry in
the matter is necessary, it may direct the Collector to make or cause to be made such further
enquiry and furnish a report on the matters within such time as it may fix.
(4) After examination of the records and report of the Collector received under sub-
section (1) or sub section (3), and after giving an opportunity to the applicant and to the
Collector to be heard, in person or through their authorized representatives, and after
examining such further evidence as may be placed before it or obtained, the Commission
may, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, pass such
order as it thinks fit on the matters stated in the application and reported to it by the Collector
under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3).
(5) Every order passed under sub-section (4), shall provide for the terms of settlement,
including any demand of duty, regulatory duty, additional duty, surcharge, penalty, fine in
lieu of confiscation or prosecution proceedings and the manner in which any sum due under
the settlement shall be paid, and all the matters to make the settlement effective and shall also
provide that the settlement shall be void if it is subsequently found by the Commission that it
has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
(6) Where a settlement becomes void, the proceedings with respect to the matters
relating to the settlement shall be revived from the stage at which the application was
allowed, except the maters pending in appeal or revision before making an application under
sub-section (1) of section 196-N, and the concerned officer of customs may, notwithstanding
anything contained in any other provision of this Act and the rules made thereunder,
complete such proceedings.
(7) The Commission may, if it is of the opinion that any person who made an
application under section 196-N does not cooperate with the Commission in the proceedings
before it, send the case back to the Officer with whom such case was pending at the time
application under that section was made, who shall thereupon dispose of the case in
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, as if no application
under section 196-N had been made.
196P. Recovery of sums due under an order of settlement.- Any sum specified in an
order of settlement passed under sub-section (4) of section 196-O shall, subject to such
conditions as may be specified therein, be recovered, and any additional duty or penalty for
default in making payment of such sum, may be imposed and recovered in accordance with
the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder by the officer of customs having
jurisdiction in the case.
196Q. Bar on subsequent application for settlement in certain cases.- No fresh
application for settlement shall be made where –
(i) an order of the settlement passed under section 196-O provides for the imposition
of a penalty on
the person on the ground of evasion of customs duty; or
(ii) a person is convicted of any offence under section 156(1); or
(ii) a case is sent back to the officer of customs by the Commission for assessment or
re-assessment for any reason; or
(iii) the settlement becomes void under this Chapter.
196R. Order of Settlement to be conclusive.- Every order of the Commission passed
under section 196-O shall be conclusive as to the matter stated therein and no matter covered
by such order shall, save as otherwise provided in this Chapter, be re-opened in any
proceeding under this Act or under any law for the time being in force.
196S. Power of the Commission to re-open proceedings.- If the Commission is, for
reasons to be recorded in writing, of the opinion that for the proper disposal of the case
pending before it, it is essential to re-open any proceedings connected with the case but which
have been completed under this Act by any officer of customs before the application under
section 196-N was made, it may, with the concurrence of the applicant, re-open such
proceedings and pass such order thereon as it thinks fit, as if the case in relation to which the
application for settlement had been made by the applicant under that section covered such
proceedings as well:
Provided that no proceedings shall be re-opened by the Commission under this
section if the period between the finalization of such proceedings and the date of application
for settlement under section 196-N exceeds one year.
196T. Proceedings before the Commission to be judicial proceeding.- Any
proceedings before the Commission shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the
meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), and for the
purpose of section 196 thereof.
196U. Communications of orders.- The Commission shall communicate its order to the
applicant, the Collector, the adjudicating officer and the officer incharge of the Agency which
detected the evasion or seized the goods.”.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
CHAPTER XX
MISCELLANEOUS
197. Customs control over conveyances and goods.- The appropriate officer
shall, for the purposes of this Act, have control over all conveyances and goods in a
customs-area.
198. Power to open packages and examine, weigh or measure goods.- The
appropriate officer may open any package or container and examine, weigh or
measure any goods brought to the customs-station for importation or exportation and
may for that purpose unload any such goods from the conveyance on which they
have been imported or are to be exported 1[:]
2
[Provided that the Collector may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, defer
the examination of goods or class of goods belonging to a particular importer or class
of importers, exporters or class of exporters and cause it to be performed at a
designated place he deems fit and proper.]
199. Power to take samples of goods.- (1) The appropriate officer may, on the
entry or clearance of any goods or at any time while such goods are being passed
through the customs-area, take samples of such goods in the presence of the owner
thereof or his agent 3[or where the Customs Computerized System is operational in
the presence of the custodian of the goods], for examination or testing or for
ascertaining value thereof or for any other necessary purpose.
(2) After the purpose for which a sample was taken is carried out, such
sample shall, if practicable, be restored to the owner, but if the owner fails to take
delivery of the sample within one month of the date on which he is asked in writing
to take its delivery, it may be disposed of in such manner as the Collector of Customs
may direct.
(3) In the case of goods which consist of drugs or articles intended for
consumption as food, and in respect of which the taking of samples for the purposes
of this sub-section may have been authorised by a general or special order of the
Provincial Government, the appropriate officer may also in like circumstances take
samples thereof for submission to, and examination by, such officer of Government
or of a local authority as may be specified in such order.
200. Owner to make all arrangements and bear all expenses.- Any opening,
un-packing, 3[weighing], measuring, repacking, bulking, sorting, letting, marking,
numbering, loading, unloading, carrying, or lading of goods or their containers for
the purposes of, or incidental to, the examination by an officer of customs, removal
238
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
or warehousing thereof shall be done, and any facilities or assistance required for any
such examination shall be provided, by or at the expense of the owner of goods 5[:]
6
[Provided that at customs-stations with the operational Customs
Computerized System all the above functions shall be performed by the custodian of
the cargo and the importer 48[or exporter] shall bear all expenses.]
201. Procedure for sale of goods and application of sale proceeds.- (1) Where
any goods, other than confiscated goods, are to be sold under any provision of this
Act, they shall be sold after due notice to the owner 7[or his agent or custodian of
the goods] by public auction 55[omitted].
41
[(1A) The goods may be sold under sub-section (1) through electronic
means, as prescribed by the Board under the rules.]
(2) The sale proceeds shall be applied to the following purposes in their
respective order, namely:-
(a) first to pay the expenses of the sale;
(b) then to pay the freight or other charges, if any, payable in
respect of the goods, if notice of such charges has been given
to the person holding the goods in custody;
(c) then to pay the customs-duty, other taxes and dues payable to
the 8[Federal Government] in respect of such goods;
(d) then to pay the charges due to the person holding such goods
in custody.
(3) The balance, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the goods, provided
he applies for it within six months of the sale of the goods or shows sufficient cause
for not doing so 52[:
Provided that, in case wherein goods declaration has been filed, the share of
importer in sale proceeds shall not exceed the declared value of the goods.]
55[(4) No court shall stay the auction proceedings unless the person obtaining
stay order furnish pay order or bank guarantee not less than fifty per cent of the
reserve price of the goods before the nazir of the court.]
9
[202. Recovery of Government dues.- (1) When, under this Act or under any
other law for the time being in force, which provides for any tax, duty or other levy
being collected in the same manner as customs-duties are collected, a penalty is
adjudged against, or notice or demand is served upon, any person calling for the
239
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
payment of any amount unpaid which may be payable by way of penalty or by way
of duty, tax or other levy or under any bond 10[,guarantee] or other instrument
executed under this Act or such other law or the rules made there under, the
appropriate officer-
(a) may deduct or require any other officer of Customs, 49[or Inland
Revenue] to deduct such amount from any money owing to such
person which may be under the control of the Customs, 49[or Inland
Revenue] authorities; or
(b) if it cannot be so recovered, may recover, or may require any other
officer of Customs, 49[or Inland Revenue] to recover, such amount by
detaining and selling any goods belonging to such person which are
under the control of the Customs, 49[or Inland Revenue] authorities
10a
[:]
10a
[Provided that notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the
time being in force, if a defaulter sells or transfers ownership of his assets,
the defaulted amount of duty and taxes shall be the first charge on the
business so transferred.]
(2) If the amount cannot be recovered from such person in the manner
provided in sub-section (1), the appropriate officer may serve upon the defaulter a
notice in the prescribed form requiring him to pay the amount specified in the notice
within such time as may be so specified.
(3) If the amount referred to in the notice under sub-section (2) is not paid
within the time specified therein or within the further time, if any, allowed by the
appropriate officer, the appropriate officer may proceed to recover from the defaulter
the said amount by one or more the following modes, namely:-
(a) attachment and sale of any movable or immovable property of the
defaulter; and
11
[(b) may recover, or may require any other officer of Customs, 49[or
Inland Revenue] to recover, if it cannot be so re-covered, such amount
by detaining and selling an goods belonging to such person which are
under the control of the Customs, 49[or Inland Revenue] authorities; or
(a) may recover such amount by attachment and sale of any movable and
immovable property of the guarantor, person, company, bank or
financial institution, where a guarantor or any other person, company,
bank or financial institution fails to make payment under such
guarantee, bond or instrument 12[; or]
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
13
[(d) arrest of the defaulter and his detention in the prison for a period not
exceeding fifteen days:
Provided that this mode shall not be applied unless the period of limitation
prescribed for filing appeal has expired, or an appeal is pending.]
14
[(3A) A warrant of arrest issued against a defaulter in sub-section (3)(d)
shall not be executed if the arrears due from him are paid or the defaulter furnished
security to the satisfaction of appropriate officer.
(3B) Any defaulter who under sub-section (3) is being kept under detention
shall forthwith be set at liberty on the arrears due from him being paid.]
(4) For the purposes of recovery of duty, or other levy under 15[sub-
sections(1) and (3)], the appropriate officer shall have the same powers which, under
the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), a civil court has for the purpose
of the recovery of an amount due under a decree.
(5) The Board may make rules regulating the procedure for recovery of
duty, tax or other levy under this section and any other matter connected with or
incidental to the operation of this section 14a[:]
14a
[Provided that if any arrears which may be payable by way of duty,
surcharge, fee, service charges, fine or penalty or any other amount which is
adjudged or payable under any bond, guarantee or other instrument executed under
this Act or the rules made thereunder, cannot be recovered, the Board or any officer
not below the rank of Collector authorized by the Board, may for reasons to be
recorded, write off the arrears in the manner as may be prescribed by rules.]
16
[202A. Levy of surcharge.- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and
without prejudice to any other action that may be taken thereunder, if any person
fails to pay the arrears within the prescribed time, he shall, in addition to the arrears,
be liable to pay surcharge at the rate of 40[KIBOR plus three per cent per annum], of
the total amount of arrears.
Explanation.- For the purpose of calculating surcharge, the period of default shall be
reckoned from the day following the due date on which the arrears were required to
be paid to the day preceding the date on which the same are actually paid.]
4253[202B. Reward to officers and officials of Customs and law Enforcement
Agencies.-(1) In cases involving evasion of customs-duty and other taxes and
confiscation of goods, cash reward shall be sanctioned to the Officers of Customs
Service of Pakistan, as defined under the Occupational Groups and Services
(Probation , Training and Seniority) Rules, 1990 and officials including officers and
241
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
officials of other law enforcement agencies, who assist Customs officers and
officials or are actually instrumental in seizure of smuggled goods and vehicles as
confirmed by the respective Collector of Customs, for their meritorious conduct in
such cases, and to the informer providing credible information leading to such
confiscation or detection, as may be prescribed by rules by the Board, only after
realization of part or whole of the duty and taxes involved in such cases.]
(2). The Board may, by a notification in the official Gazette, prescribe the
procedure in this behalf and specify the apportionment of reward sanctioned under
this section for individual performance or to collective welfare of the personnel of
45
[Customs Service of Pakistan, as defined under the Occupational Groups and
Services (Probation, Training and Seniority) Rules, 1990.]
203. Wharfage or storage fees.- The Collector of Customs may from time to
time fix the period after the expiration of which goods left in any custom-house,
custom area, wharf or other authorised landing place or part of the custom-house
premises, shall be subject to payment of fees, and the amount of such fees 50[as
provided under the rules prescribed by the Board].
16a
[203A. Power to authorize expenditure.- The Board may authorize and
prescribe the manner in which fee and service charges collected including by
ventures of public-private partnership under section 18D are expended. ]
204. Issue of certificate and duplicate of customs document.- A certificate or a
duplicate of any certificate, manifest, bill or other custom’s document may, on
payment of a fee not exceeding 17[one hundred] rupees, be furnished, at the
discretion of an officer of customs not below the rank of an Assistant Collector of
Customs, to any person applying for the same, if the said officer is satisfied that no
fraud has been committed or is intended to be committed by the applicant.
205. Amendment of documents.- Except in the case provided for by sections 29,
45, 53 and 88, an officer of customs not below the rank of an 18/18A[Assistant
Collector] of Customs may, in his discretion, upon payment of a fee of 19[one
hundred] rupees, authorise any document , after it has been presented at the custom-
house to be amended.
206. Correction of clerical errors, etc.- Clerical or arithmetical errors in any
decision or order passed by the 8[Federal Government], the Board or any officer of
customs under this Act, or errors arising therein from accidental slip or omission
may, at any time, be corrected by the 8[Federal Government], the Board or such
officer of customs or his successor in office, as the case may be.
207. Customs-house agents to be licensed.- No person shall act 20[on behalf of
any principal] for the transaction of any business 21a[21[****] relating to the entrance
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
or departure of any conveyance 21b[or any customs clearance related activity] or the
import or export of goods or baggage at any customs-station unless such person
holds a license granted in this behalf in accordance with the rules 22[as a customs
agent 47[or a shipping agent].
23
[208. Person to produce authority if required.- (1) When any person licensed
under section 207 applies to any officer of Customs for permission to transact any
specified business with him on behalf of any principal, such officer may require the
applicant to produce a written authority from the principal on whose behalf such
business is to be transacted, and in default of the production of such authority refuse
such permission.
(2) Where the principal chooses to transact business directly without
using an agent licensed under section 207, he may do so himself or may authorize an
employee or representative that may transact business generally at the customs-port,
airport or land customs-station or custom-house for such principal:
Provided that the appropriate officer may refuse to recognize such an
employee or representative unless such a person produces an authority in writing
duly signed by the principal 54[:
Provided further that the Board may make rules regarding eligibility
of a person for self-filing of goods declaration as provided under sub-section (2) read
with section 155C of this Act.]
24
[209. Liability of principal and agents.- (1) Subject to the provisions of section
207 and 208, anything which the principal is required or empowered to do under this
Act may be done by any person expressly authorized by the principal for the
purpose.
(2) Where this Act requires anything to be done by the principal and if any such
thing is done, by an employee or representative expressly authorized by the principal
under sub-section (2) of section 208, unless the contrary is proved, shall be deemed
to have been done with the knowledge and consent of such principal so that in any
proceedings under this Act, the principal shall be liable as if the thing had been done
by himself.
(3) When any customs agent is expressly authorized by the principal to be
his agent under sub-section (1) of section 208 in respect of such goods for all or any
of the purposes of this Act, such agent shall, without prejudice to the liability of the
principal, be deemed to be the principal of such goods for such purposes:
243
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
Provided that where any duty is not levied or is short-levied or erroneously
refunded on account of any reason other than willful act, negligence or default of the
agent, such duty shall not be recovered from the agent.]
210. Liability of agent appointed by the person-in-charge of a conveyance.-
(1) Anything which the person-in-charge of a conveyance, is required or empowered
to do under this Act may, with the express or implied consent of the person-in-charge
and the approval of the appropriate officer, be done by his agent.
(2) An agent appointed by the person-in-charge of a conveyance, and any
person who represents himself to any officer of customs as an agent of any such
person-in-charge and is accepted as such by that officer, shall be liable for the
fulfillment in respect of the matter in question of all obligations imposed on such
person-in-charge by or under this Act or any law for the time being in force, and to
penalties (including confiscation) which may be incurred in respect of that matter.
25
[211. Maintenance of record. 43[All importers, exporters and claimants of duty
drawback, refunds or any notified concessions, terminal operators, owners of the
warehouses, customs agents and the licensed customs bonded carriers, transport
operators and tracking companies, carrying out business under this Act or rules made
thereunder or under any other law, directly or indirectly, relating to international
trade, shall be required to maintain and keep records and correspondence concerning
import, export and transit trade transactions.]
(2) The records required under sub-section (1) shall be kept for a period not
less than 25a[five] years in such form as the Board may by notification in the official
gazette, specify.
(3) The provision of sub-section (1) shall not be applicable to the baggage
of the passengers and crew of the conveyance and to the recipients of gifts.]
26
[211A. Access to the premises and records by the officers of Customs.- The
appropriate officer may, at any time after giving a notice in writing, visit any
business or manufacturing premises where any raw materials, components,
assemblies or sub-assemblies etc., imported at a notified reduced rate of the duties
and taxes are manufactured, processed or stored, and inspect the goods, stocks,
documents or records, data etc., and also take stock of the goods imported,
manufactured, processed or stored, and the quantity thereof.]
212. Regulation of business in gold, etc.- The 8[Federal Government] may, by
notification in the official Gazette, regulate business in, or connected with, gold or
silver or precious stones or ornaments made of gold or silver or precious stones,
within fifteen miles of the frontier or coastline of Pakistan.
244
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
47
[212A.- Authorized economic operator programme.- (1) The Federal
Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, devise authorized economic
operator programme to provide facilitations relating to secure supply chains of
imported and exported goods through simplified procedures with regard to
regulatory controls applicable thereon.
(2) The Board may, 51[Omitted], prescribe rules on matters pertaining to
authorized economic operator programme.]
52
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for
the time being in force, the Board may, subject to such conditions, limitations or
restrictions as it thinks fit to impose, grant benefits to the authorized economic
operators, in such manner as may be provided under the rules made, including-
(a) laying down any procedure or mode for collection of customs
duties, fee, surcharge, penalty or any other levy under this Act
or any other law;
(b) deferring collection of customs duties, fee, surcharge, penalty
or any other levy either in whole or in part;
(c) condoning or substituting whole or part of the bank guarantee
or pay order of a scheduled bank required under this Act with
any other financial instrument as deemed appropriate.]
52
[212B. Advance Ruling. - (1) An applicant desirous of Advance Ruling may
make an application in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed under the
rules, stating any of the questions as contained in sub-section (2) hereinafter on
which the Advance Ruling is sought.
(2) The question on which advance ruling is sought shall be in respect of,
-
(i) classification of goods under the first schedule to this Act;
(ii) determination of origin of the goods under the rules of origin notified
for bilateral and multilateral agreements; or
54
(iii) [Omitted]
(iv) any other matter as the Board may specify by notification in the
official Gazette.
(3) The proceedings for issuance of advance ruling shall be completed
within ninety days.
(4) The Ruling issued under sub-section (1) shall be binding on the
applicant.
245
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(5) The Ruling issued under sub-section (1) shall be binding on the
Customs for a period of 53[three years] unless there is a change in law or facts or
circumstances on the basis of which the advance ruling was pronounced.
(6) The appeal against the Ruling issued under sub-section (1) shall lie
with the Member Customs (Policy) within thirty days of issuance of Ruling:
Provided that during the appeal period of thirty days, the operation of
Ruling shall remain suspended unless the applicant accepts the Ruling.]
213. Recovery of money upon certain documents.- If any person knowingly
makes or brings into Pakistan, or causes or authorizes or is otherwise concerned in
the making or bringing into Pakistan of any invoice or paper used or intended to be
used as an invoice for the purposes of customs, in which any goods are entered or
charged at a price or value higher or lower than that actually paid or intended to be
paid for them, or in which goods are falsely described, no sum of money shall be
recoverable by such person, his representatives or assigns, for the price of such
goods or any part thereof, nor shall any sum of money be recoverable upon any bill
of exchange, note or other security made, given or executed for the whole or part of
the price of such goods unless such bill of exchange, note or other security is in the
hands of a bona fide holder for consideration without notice.
214. Remission of duty and payment of compensation to the owner in certain
cases.- Where, on prosecution by the owner of any goods, an officer of customs is
convicted of an offence connected with the removal of such goods from the
warehouse without payment of duty, the whole of the duty on such goods shall be
remitted, and, the Collector of Customs, shall, in accordance with the rules, pay to
the owner due compensation for the damage caused to the owner by such offence.
215. Service of order, decision, etc.- Any order or decision passed or any
summons or notice issued under this Act shall be served-
(a) by tendering the order, decision, summons or notice or sending it by
registered post 27[or the courier service or by any other mode of
transmission subject to acknowledgement receipt] 28[***] to the
person for whom it is intended or to his agent; or
(b) if the order, decision, summons or notice cannot be served in any
manner provided in clause (a), by affixing it on the notice board of the
custom-house 29[;or]
30
[(c) in case of electronic orders, decisions, notices or summons, when
these have been sent to the recipient from the Customs Computerized
System.]
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
216. No compensation for loss or injury except on proof of neglect or willful
act.- No owner of goods shall be entitled to claim from any officer of customs
compensation for the loss of such goods or for damage done to them at any time
while they remain or are lawfully detained in any custom-house, customs area,
wharf or landing place under the charge of any officer of custom, unless it be proved
that such loss or damage was occasioned by gross negligence or willful act of such
officer.
217. Protection of action taken under the Act.- 31[(1) No suit, prosecution or
other legal proceeding shall lie against the 8[Federal Government] or any public
servant for anything which is done or intended to be done in good faith in pursuance
of this Act or the rules 32[and notwithstanding anything in any other law for the time
being in force no investigation or enquiry shall be undertaken or initiated by any
governmental agency against any officer or official for anything done in his official
capacity under this Act, rules, instructions or directions made or issued thereunder
without the prior approval of the 31a[Board] ].
33
[(2) No suit shall be brought in any civil court to set aside or modify any
order passed, any assessment made, any tax levied, any penalty imposed or
collection of any tax made under this Act.]
218. Notice of proceedings. - No proceeding in a court other than a suit shall
be commenced against any officer of customs or any other person exercising any
powers conferred or discharging any duties imposed by or under this Act for
anything purporting to be done in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or the rules
without giving to such officer or person a month’s previous notice in writing of the
intended proceeding and of the cause thereof; or after the expiration of one year from
the accrual of such cause 34[:]
35
[Provided that this section shall not be deemed to apply in the case of the
prosecution of an officer of customs or such other person for an offence punishable
under this Act.]
219. Power to make rules.- (1) The Board may, by notification in the official
Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act 36[, including for
charging of fees for processing the customs documents and preparation of copies
thereof].
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, rules
may be made on matters enumerated in the 37[Third Schedule].
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
(3) No rules relating to matters enumerated at items 19 and 22 of the
37
[Third Schedule] shall be made without previous approval of the 8[Federal
Government] in writing.
47
[(3A) Rules made under this section shall be subject to the condition of
previous publication.]
(4) All rules under this section shall, as soon as may be, be laid at the
table of the National Assembly.
(5) All such rules for the time being in force shall be collected, arranged,
and published at intervals not exceeding two years and shall be sold to the public at a
reasonable price.
46[219A. Power to enter into mutual legal assistance agreements on
customs matters.- (1) The Board may, of its own motion or upon request from an
international organization, a foreign customs administration or any other foreign
competent authority, enter into memorandum of understanding pertaining to mutual
legal assistance in customs matters or in pursuance of any bilateral or a multilateral
agreement, undertake activities, which, inter alia, include-
(a) coordinated border management;
(b) information and data sharing;
(c) bilateral and multilateral international special operations, including,
by the method of controlled delivery;
(d) capacity building and technical assistance initiatives; and
(e) any other matter to which both or all parties agree.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, for the time
being in force, the Board may, on behalf of the Federal Government, request an
international organization, a foreign customs administration or any other foreign
competent authority for legal assistance on any matter or offence under this Act or
upon request received therefrom.
(3) The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, prescribe the
rules for any of the matters enumerated in this section.]
38
[220. Omitted.
221. Savings.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 6 of the
General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897), anything done, or any action taken under the
repealed enactments in so far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
248
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
shall, without prejudice to anything already done or any action already taken, be
deemed to have been done or taken under this Act:
Provided that nothing in this Act shall be so construed as to have the effect of
enhancing the punishment of an offence committed before the commencement of this
Act:
Provided further that where the period of limitation for the submission of an
application or the filing of an appeal or revision prescribed under any of the repealed
enactments had expired or had begun to run before the commencement of this Act
the provisions of those enactments shall continue to apply to such limitation.
(2) The provisions of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897), in
particulars, section 6, section 8 and section 24 thereof, shall apply to the repeal and
re-enactment of the said enactments by this Act, subject to the provisions of sub-
section (1).
(3) Nothing in this Act shall affect any law for the time being in force
relating to the constitution and powers of the trustees of any port or other port
authority.
46[221-A. Validation.-47[(1)] All notifications and orders issued and notified in
exercise of the powers conferred upon the Federal Government, before the
commencement of Finance Act, 2017 shall be deemed to have been validly issued
and notified in exercise of those powers.]
47
[(2) Notwithstanding any order or judgment of any court, a High Court
and the Supreme Court, the regulatory duty already levied, collected and realized in
exercise of any powers under this Act, before the commencement of the Finance Act,
2018 and after the commencement of the Finance Act, 2017, shall be deemed to have
been validly levied, collected and realized under this Act, in exercise of the powers
conferred on the commencement of the Finance Act, 2018, and where any such
regulatory duty has not been levied, collected or realized, the same shall be
recoverable in accordance with the provisions of this Act.]
222. Removal of difficulties.- If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the
provisions of this Act, particularly in relation to the transition from the enactments
repealed by this Act to the provisions of this Act, the 5[Federal Government] may,
by general or special order made during the period of one year from the
commencement of this Act, direct such action to be taken as it considers necessary or
expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty.
249
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
39
[223. Officers of Customs to follow Board’s orders, etc.- All officers of customs
and other persons employed in the execution of this Act shall observe and follow the
orders, instructions and directions of the Board:
Provided that no such orders, instructions or directions shall be given so as to
interfere with the discretion of the appropriate officer of customs in the exercise of
their quasi-judicial functions.
224. Extension of time limit.- The Federal Government, the Board or the
appropriate officer of customs, may, upon being approached by an aggrieved party if
satisfied that the delay was beyond the control of the applicant and that by granting
such extension there is a possibility of some loss or hardship to the applicant being
mitigated or prevented, 44[condone the delay and extend the time limit laid down in
this Act or the rules made thereunder.]
55[225. Establishment of Customs Command Fund (CCF).- (1) There shall be
established a fund to be called the Customs Command Fund.
(2) Allocation for the Customs Command Fund shall be made by the
Federal Government from the sale proceeds of auction of smuggled goods, for
supporting anti-smuggling activities, as per the share notified by the Board with the
concurrence of the Finance Division.
Explanation.- Sale proceeds shall become part of the Federal Consolidated Fund
before budgetary allocation of amount to the Customs Command Fund established
under this section.
(3) The Board may prescribe the manner for utilization of the funds received
in the Customs Command Fund and impose any conditions, limitations or
restrictions as it may deem necessary.
226. Digital Enforcement Station.- (1) The Board may, by a notification in the
official Gazette, declare places to be Digital Enforcement Stations at such locations
as deemed appropriate for the prevention of smuggling and illicit trade. The Board
may notify any existing customs check-post as Digital Enforcement Station.
(2) The Board, may by notification in the official Gazette, make rules for
staffing, operations and technological enablement of Digital Enforcement Station.
(3) The Board may subject to rules hire retired junior-commissioned
officers and soldiers of the armed forces against the available posts of customs on
contract for the purpose of this section.]
250
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
LEGAL REFERENCE
1. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2005.
2. Added by the Finance Act, 2005.
3. Inserted by Finance Act, 2004.
4. In the original text the word is “waiving”. This does not give any sense, hence the change.
5. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(35), page 41
6. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(35), page 41.
7. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2006.
8. Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Finance Ordinance, 1972 (XXI of
1972), S.3, page 56 and Second Schedule, S.1, page 76.
9. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5(7), page 119. At the time of
substitution section 202 was as under:-
“202. Recovery of Government dues.- (1) When, under this Act, a penalty is adjudged
against any person or notice or demand is served upon any person calling for the payment of
any amount unpaid which may be payable by way of duty or under any bond or other
instrument executed under this Act or the rules, the appropriate officer-
(a) may deduct or require any other officer of customs to deduct such amount from any
money owing to such person which may be under the control of the customs
authorities; or
(b) if it cannot be so recovered, may recover or may require any other officer of
customs to recover such amount by detaining and selling any goods belonging to
such person which are under the control of the customs authorities.
(2) If the amount cannot be recovered from such person in the manner
provided in sub-section (1), the appropriate officer may send to the Collector of the District
in which such person resides or owns any property or carries on his business a certificate
signed by him and specifying the amount recoverable from such person: and such Collector
shall on receiving such certificate proceed to recover the amount specified in the certificate as
a public demand or an arrear of land revenue.”.
10 Inserted by the Finance Act, 1994 (XII of 1994), S.6(4)(a), page 254.
10a. Added by the Finance Act, 2007.
11. Substituted by the Finance Act, 1994 (XII of 1994), S.6(4)(b), page 254. At the time of
substitution this was as under:-
“(b) appointment of a receiver for the management of the movable or immovable
property of the defaulter.”.
12. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 1999 ((IV of 1999), S.10(12)(I), page 769.
13. Added by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(12)(I), page 769.
14. Inserted by the Finance Act, 1999 (IV of 1999), S.10(12)(ii), page 769.
14a. Added by the Finance Act, 2007.
15. Substituted for the word, brackets and figure “sub-section (3)” by the Finance Act, 1994 (XII
of 1994), S.6(4)(c), page 254.
16. Added new section 202A by the Finance Act, 2006.
16a. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
17. Substituted for the word “ten” by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(14),
page 227.
18. Substituted for the words “Assistant Collector” by the Finance Act, 1996 (IX of 1996), S.
18A. By the Finance Act, 2006 the words ”or Deputy Collector” were omitted.
19. Substituted for the word “five” by the Finance Ordinance, 2002 (XXVII of 2002), S.4(15),
page 227.
20 Substituted for the words “as an agent” by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(36)(a),
page 41.
21. Inserted the words” or issuance of bill of lading” by Finance Act, 2005.
21a Omitted the words” or issuance of bill of lading” by Finance Act, 2007.
21b. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2007.
22. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(36)(b), page 41.
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THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
23. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(37), paged 41. At the time of
substitution section 208 was as under:-
“208. Agent to produce authority if required.- (1) When any person applies to any
officers of customs for permission to transact any specified business with him on behalf of
any other person, such officer may require the applicant to produce a written authority from
the person on whose behalf such business is to be transacted, and in default of the production
of such authority refuse such permission.
(2) the clerk, servant or agent of any person or mercantile firm may transact business
generally at the custom-house on behalf of such person or firm:
Provided that the appropriate officer may refuse to recognize such clerk, servant or agent
unless such person or a member of such firm identifies such clerk, servant or agent to the
appropriate officer as empowered to transact such business and deposits with the said officer
an authority in writing duly signed, authorizing such clerk, servant or agent to transact such
business on behalf of such person or firm:
Provided further that the Central Board of Revenue may, by an order, published in the official
Gazette, prohibit transaction with customs of any specified business through a clerk, servant
or agent.”.
24. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(38), page 42. At the time of substitution
section 209 was as under:-
“209. Liability of principal and agent.- (1) Subject to the provisions of sections 207 and
208, anything which the owner of any goods is required or empowered to do under this Act
may be done by any person expressly or impliedly authorized by the owner for the purpose.
(2) Where this Act requires anything to be done by the owner, importer or exporter of
any goods, any such thing done by an agent, clerk or servant of the owner, importer or
exporter of any goods shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to have been done with
the knowledge and consent of such owner, importer or exporter so that in any proceedings
under this Act the owner, importer or exporter of the goods shall also be liable as if the thing
had been done by himself.
(3) When any person is expressly or impliedly authorised by the owner, importer or
exporter of any goods to be his agent in respect of such goods for all or any of the purposes
of this Act, such person shall, without prejudice to the liability of the owner, importer or
exporter, be deemed to be the owner, importer or exporter of such goods for such purposes:
Provided that where any duty is not levied or is short-levied or erroneously refunded or
account of any reason other than willful act, negligence or default of the agent, such duty
shall not be recovered from the agent.”.
25. Substituted by the Finance Act, 2006. At the time of substitution section 211 was as under:-
“211. Principals and agents to maintain records.- All principals and agents transacting
business under this Act, except those importing or exporting goods for bonafide private or
personal purposes, shall, for a period of not less than [three years] maintain records in such
form as the Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify.”
25a. For the word “three” the word “five” was substituted by the Finance Act, 2007.
26.. Inserted section 211A by the Finance Act, 2006.
27. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2005.
28. The word “acknowledgement due” omitted by the Finance Ordinance, 1982
29. Substituted for the full stop by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(40)(a),
30. Added by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(40)(b), page 43.
252
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
31. Re-numbered as sub-section (1) by the Finance Act, 1992 (VII of 1992), S.6(6), page 114 and
substituted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003).
“(1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the 5[Federal
Government] or any public servant for anything which is done or intended to be done in
good faith in pursuance of this Act or the Rules.”.
31a. For the word “Central Board of Revenue” the word “Board” was substituted by the Finance
Act, 2007.
32. Inserted by the Finance Act, 2003 (I of 2003), S.5(41), page 43.
33. Added by the Finance Act, 1992 (VII of 1992), S.6(6), page 114.
34. Substituted for the “full stop” by the Prevention of Smuggling Act, 1977.
35. Added by the Prevention of Smuggling Act, 1977 (XII of 1977), S.51(viii), page 229.
36. Added by the Finance Act, 1994 (XII of 1994), S.6(5), page 254.
37. Substituted for the words “First Schedule” by the Finance Act, 1975 (L of 1975),
38. Omitted by the Federal Laws (R&D) Ordinance, 1981. At the time of omission section 220
was as under:-
“220. Repeals and amendments.- The enactment specified in the 38a[Fourth Schedule]
are repealed or amended to the extent specified respectively in columns 3 and 4 thereof.”.
38a. Substituted for the words “second Schedule” by the Finance Act, 1975.
39.. Added by the Finance Act, 1975 (L of 1975),S.7(7), page 10.
40. The words “one and a half per cent per month” substituted with the words KIBO plus three
per cent per annum” by Finance Act,2009.
41. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012.
42. Inserted by Finance Act, 2012
43. Substituted for the word “(1) All importers, exporters and claimants of duty drawback,
refunds or any notified concessions, terminal operators, owners of the warehouses, customs
agents and the licensed customs bonded carriers, carrying out business under this Act or any
other law, directly or indirectly, relating to international trade, shall be required to maintain
and keep records and correspondence concerning import and export transactions” by the
Finance Act, 2012.
44. Substituted for the word “extend the time limit laid down in any section” by the Finance Act,
2012.
45. Substituted for the words “Pakistan Customs Service” by Finance Act, 2013.
46. Inserted by Finance Act, 2017
47. Inserted by Finance Act, 2018.
48. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019.
49. Substituted by Finance Act, 2019. At the time of substitution the words was “Central Excise
and Sales Tax” .
50. Inserted by Finance Act, 2019.
51. Omitted the Finance Act, 2019. At the time of omission the words was ”with approval of
Federal Government”
52. Inserted/substituted by Finance Act, 2020 (June)
53. Inserted by Finance Act, 2021 (June)
54. Inserted/Substituted by Finance Act, 2023(June)
55. Inserted/substituted by Finance Act, 2025 (June)
253
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
THE FIRST SCHEDULE
(See section 2(16)
(See Finance Act, 2022)
4[THE SECOND SCHEDULE]
(See section 18)
THE THIRD SCHEDULE
(See section 219)
1. Regulation of proceedings for the detention and confiscation of the prohibited
goods imported or intended to be exported, including verification of
information relating to such goods, notices to be given to the owner or other
parties, security for the custody or release of such goods, examination of
evidence, reimbursement by the informant of expenses and damages caused
by incorrect information supplied by him.
2. Cases in which the goods or material imported with a view to subsequent
exportation, or to be used in the production, manufacture, processing, repair
or refitting of goods specified in the rules may be delivered without payment
of the whole or part of the duty; and repayment of duty on such goods and
material.
3. Valuation of the goods imported or intended to be exported, submission by
the importer or exporter of information necessary for the proper valuation of
the goods; and production of the relevant books and documents by him,
furnishing of information by the importer relating to the sources, nature and
amount of the funds or assets by which the goods were acquired or the
consideration for which and the manner in which it was disposed of.
4. Determining denatured spirit, and testing and denaturing of spirit.
5. Matters pertaining to drawback; drawback in respect of used goods, the
amount of duty which shall be repaid as drawback on such goods; prohibition
of drawback on any specified goods or class of goods; conditions for the
payment of drawback; limiting the period during which such goods must be
exported; limiting the time during which drawback may be claimed.
6. The extent to which and the conditions subject to which drawback may be
allowed on the imported material used in the manufacture of goods in
Pakistan which are exported.
7. Matters relating to port clearance or to departure of conveyances; grant of
special pass permitting bulk to be broken; conditions relating to the grant of
port clearance to the master of a vessel when the agent furnishes security for
the delivery of export manifest and other documents.
8. Sealing of conveyances carrying transit goods and in other cases. licensee;
conditions and restrictions applying to the license including furnishing of
254
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
security; circumstances in which license may be suspended or revoked;
appeals against the suspension or revocation of the license.
9. Matters pertaining to any business for the regulation of which a notification
may be issued under section 212; the accounts and records to be maintained ,
and the information to be furnished, by persons engaged in such business.
10. Expenses to be charged when customs officer is specially employed to
accompany the owner to the warehouse under section 93; fees to be charged
for permitting the owner of any goods to deal with them as provided in
section 94.
11. Matters pertaining to the manufacturing and other operators carried on in the
warehouse.
12. Transshipment and prohibition and regulation and restriction of
transshipment; transshipment of goods without payment of duty; powers of
officers of customs in that behalf; and the fees for transshipment.
13. Export of frustrated cargo under section 138.
14. Transport of goods from one part of Pakistan to another foreign territory;
conditions as to the due arrival of such goods at the destination.
15. Conditions and restrictions applying to the transit of goods to a foreign
territory without payment of duty.
1
16. [Goods declaration]
17. Baggage of passengers and the crew, definition, declaration, custody,
examination, assessment and clearance of such baggage, transit and
transshipment of such baggage; circumstances and conditions under which
such baggage or any specified class of goods included in such baggage would
be exempt from duty; extent of such exemption.
18. Matters pertaining to the import or export of goods by post; examination,
assessment, clearance, transit or transshipment of the goods so imported or to
be exported.
19. Prevention of the taking out of Pakistan of any coastal goods the export of
which is dutiable or prohibited under this Act or any other law; prevention of
the substitution of imported goods or export goods by coastal goods on board
a vessel; prohibiting the conveyance of any specified class of goods
generally; or to or between specified ports in a coasting vessel.
20. Powers to be exercised by an officer stationed at a factory or building under
section 176.
21. Licensing of agents; the form of the license and fee payable therefore; the
authority competent to grant the license; the period of validity of the license;
255
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
qualifications of the licensee; conditions and restrictions applying to the
license including furnishing of security; circumstances in which license may
be suspended or revoked; appeals against the suspension or revocation of the
license.
22. Matters pertaining to any business for the regulation of which a notification
may be issued under section 212; the accounts and records to be maintained ,
and the information to be furnished, by persons engaged in such business.
2
[22A. Registration, and regulating the conduct, of the customs-practitioners
appearing before any officer of customs, the Central Board of Revenue or the
Federal Government in connection with any proceedings under this Act or the
rules made thereunder.]
3
[22B. The form in which the memorandum of appeals shall be made under Chapter
XIX, the manner in which appeals shall be verified and matters relating to
hearing of appeals, revisions and references under the said Chapter which are
not provided for or not sufficiently provided for in the Act.]
5
[22C. Matters pertaining to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme,
including criteria for granting status of AEO to an applicant, suspension and
revocation of the AEO status; and the extent of benefits under AEO
programme.]
23. Any other matter necessary for giving effect to the provisions of this Act.
6[THE FOURTH SCHEDULE]
(See section 219)
7[THE FIFTH SCHEDULE]
(See section 4 (30)
(See Finance Act, 2025)
LEGAL REFERENCES
1. Substituted the words” Bill of Export” by the Finance Act, 2006.
2. Inserted by Finance Act, 1977 (XXX of 1977), S.9(3), page 301.
3. Added by Finance Act, 1989 (V of 1989), S.5, Part-III, page 174.
4. Omitted by Finance Act, 2012.
5. Inserted by Finance Act, 2018
6. Omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision & Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981),
S.3 and Second Schedule w.e.f. 8th July, 1981.
7. Inserted by Finance Act, 2014
256
THE CUSTOMS ACT,1969
257
Source: Pakistan Code, Ministry of Law and Justice (pakistancode.gov.pk). Text on this page is reproduced verbatim from the official PDF and is provided for reference only. For the authoritative version, always consult the source document or a current reported edition.
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