The government is likely to announce a new amnesty scheme for legalization of smuggled and illegally imported mobile phones on payment of duties/taxes and fine up to 20-25 percent. Sources told Business Recorder here on Monday that the proposed amnesty scheme for the legalization of smuggled and illegally imported mobile phones was discussed during the visit of Finance Minister Asad Umar to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Asad Umar was informed about the FBR's strategy to meet revenue collection target for second quarter (October-December) of 2018-19, estimated revenue from the Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and action against high-net individuals.
The finance minister was also informed about the positive impacts of international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) system for mobile handsets on revenue collection of the FBR. A meeting between chairman FBR and chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is expected on Tuesday (October 16) on the issue of IMEIs system for mobile handsets and deadline of October 20 for verification of IMEIs.
According to sources, the FBR shared the salient features of the amnesty scheme for legalization of smuggled and illegally imported mobile phones in Pakistan.
Under the proposed amnesty scheme, an option would be given to regularise the illegally imported mobile devices on one-time basis and on payment of duty/taxes along with 20-25 percent fine. This would be subject to the issuance of Certificate of Compliance (COC) by PTA in relaxation of their policy/rules applicable thereon. The amnesty scheme would be available on the phones to be activated after October 20, 2018 up to November 30, 2018.
The FBR is legally empowered under section 181 of the Customs Act, 1969 to regularise such mobile devices.
Tax authorities have informed finance minister that the mobile phone and DIRBS mobile devices are brought into the country either through commercial imports or imported by individuals in accompanied baggage/ courier. Such mobile phones are also brought into Pakistan illegally through informal channels/ smuggling.
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