FBR sets 90-day deadline for customs classification disputes, introduces 30-day appeal period

The Federal Board of Revenue has shortened the time allowed to decide certain customs classification cases to 90 days, down from 120, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. The new limit applies to imported goods assessed provisionally under Section 81 of the Customs Act and takes effect on January 1, 2027; other classification disputes retain the 120-day period.

A customs order issued on October 27 also gives aggrieved parties 30 days from publication of a decision to appeal to the board. The changes revise the framework established in 2002, under which routine cases are handled by Customs Collectorates and contested matters can go to the Classification Centre in Karachi. The centre issues rulings and keeps a record of its decisions.