Containers sans international specifications: No transit movement of Afghan exports goods from February 1: DGTT

Pakistan will not allow the transit movement of exports goods from Afghanistan in containers, lacking international specifications from February 1, 2020.

According to a notice issued by the Directorate General of Transit Trade, the decision was made in order to facilitate the trade and smooth flow of export goods from Afghanistan in transit whether through seaports or land customs stations across Pakistan.

Therefore, the Directorate in compliance with provisions of Article 21(l)(a) to (d) of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, 2010 and others ordered the movement of all export goods except fresh fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan in transit whether by seaports or land customs stations across Pakistan, to be taken place in containers of international specification.

Moreover, the transit cargo, being transported in containers of international specifications/ open trucks, will also be secured through tracking device, installed by the tracking company licensed by the FBR, along with installation of seals by the PCCSS staff of Pakistan Customs.

Apart from fresh fruits and vegetables, the transit movement of all other cargo/non perishable cargo including dry fruits, medicinal herbs and spices, etc, will only be allowed in containers of international specifications by February 1, 2020 and all vehicles carrying containerized/open truck cargo, are also subject to tracking and monitoring.