FBR Mandates Rs200k-500k Deposit for Forwarders

Islamabad, July 12, 2025, 05:25 PM PKT — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has unveiled stringent new licensing requirements for freight forwarders, mandating security deposits of Rs200,000 for single customs station operations and Rs500,000 for multiple stations, as outlined in SRO 1222(I)/2025, amending the Customs Rules, 2001 to formalise the process for new applicants. Applicants must submit a Form-A request, supporting documents, and a non-refundable Rs5,000 processing fee to the Collector of Customs, with approval contingent on meeting eligibility conditions, including a Defence Saving Certificates (DSCs) deposit, pledged to the Collector, and a bond ensuring good conduct and customs compliance.

This move aligns with FBR’s broader push to standardise regulations, enhance compliance, and secure cargo handling via licensed intermediaries. Web context confirms regulatory updates in the sector, while posts found on X show mixed reactions—some support compliance efforts, others worry about cost burdens. Critically, the narrative of “standardisation” may mask implementation challenges—web data suggests past compliance gaps, and X sentiment hints at distrust in smooth execution, pointing to potential resistance.