FBR extends anti-smuggling powers of customs officials to LEAs
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the anti-smuggling powers of customs officials to law enforcement agencies, including the Pakistan Rangers, Frontier Corps (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North/South), Frontier Corps Balochistan, Pakistan Coast Guard (PCG) and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), until June 30, 2027.
The FBR issued four notifications in this regard on Tuesday. In exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969, and in supersession of Notification No. SRO 1508(I)/2024, the FBR has entrusted officers of the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North/South) with the functions of Customs officers under the provisions of the said Act within their respective jurisdictions.
Through another notification, the FBR has entrusted specified functions of Customs officers to Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps (KP North/South) within their respective jurisdictions, primarily to strengthen anti-smuggling operations along international borders.
The FBR, through SRO 1130(I)/2026 issued under sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969, has superseded its earlier notification SRO 901(I)/2023 dated July 7, 2023, with immediate effect.
Under the notification, the functions assigned to Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel are to be exercised within 50 kilometres of international borders. However, this jurisdiction excludes city municipal limits, Customs areas, Customs stations, ports, Border Customs stations, international airports and bonded warehouses, among other specified areas.
The FBR has entrusted certain functions of Customs officers to the personnel of the Pakistan Coast Guard (PCG) within their respective jurisdictions, particularly for checking and seizing goods suspected of being smuggled.
The FBR issued SRO 1733(I)/2026 on August 27, 2026, in exercise of powers under sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969, superseding its earlier notification SRO 903(I)/2023 dated July 7, 2023. The notification has been issued with immediate effect.
Under the notification, the assigned Customs functions are to be exercised by PCG personnel within 50 kilometres of the coastline, subject to specified exclusions. The jurisdiction does not include city municipal limits, Customs areas, Customs stations, ports, Border Customs stations, international airports and bonded warehouses.
The FBR notification will remain in force until June 30, 2027. Before its expiry, the Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement) will submit a report to the Board on the performance of the Pakistan Coast Guard. Based on the report, the FBR may extend the PCG’s operations, subject to satisfactory performance and fulfilment of the conditions prescribed in the notification.
The FBR has entrusted officers of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) with specified functions of Customs officers under the Customs Act, 1969, within their respective jurisdictions, with immediate effect.
According to an FBR notification issued on August 2, 2026, the decision has been taken under sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969, and supersedes Notification No SRO 902(I)/2023 dated July 7, 2023.
The notification specifies various provisions of the Customs Act, 1969 whose functions have been entrusted to PMSA personnel. These include provisions relating to detention, seizure, and other Customs enforcement functions. The notified powers are to be exercised within the respective jurisdictions of PMSA officers.
The FBR has, however, imposed several conditions on the exercise of these functions. PMSA personnel have been directed to exercise due care and ensure that legitimate trade, imports and exports, as well as the general public, are not obstructed while performing their assigned functions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026