Govt reviews proposed EFS amendments to facilitate exporters
- Proposed changes aim to reduce export-related overheads, encourage new investment and local value addition
The Pakistan government is reviewing amendments to its Export Facilitation Scheme to simplify procedures, reduce costs, and improve access for exporters, while also strengthening safeguards against misuse and ensuring uniform application of rules.
- Simplifying exporter categorisation and authorisation periods.
- Reducing export-related overheads and encouraging investment.
- Ensuring uniform application of eligibility requirements.
Pakistan government is reviewing proposed amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs, and improve access for exporters while strengthening safeguards against misuse.
The development came during the fifth meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee to Review the EFS, held at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), representatives of exporters’ associations, including the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as prominent exporters.
- Export Facilitation Scheme allows eligible exporters to import raw materials, inputs, and machinery without paying upfront customs duty, sales tax, or withholding taxes, provided those inputs go directly into export production.
According to a Finance Division press release, the committee reviewed proposals to simplify exporter categorisation, rationalise authorisation periods, and improve access to the scheme for new and existing exporters.
Discussions also focused on facilitating compliant exporters, introducing a transparent mechanism and streamlining security requirements while maintaining safeguards against potential misuse.
The proposed changes aim to reduce export-related overheads, encourage new investment and local value addition, and ensure that concessions remain linked to genuine export performance.
Kayani stressed that relevant procedures should be simplified without compromising revenue safeguards. He also emphasised that eligibility requirements and prescribed procedures must be applied uniformly, with no exemptions.
The minister of state reiterated the government’s commitment to continued consultations with exporters and trade bodies to make the scheme more responsive to the needs of the exporting community.