PAKISTAN: Ban on Import of Raw Materials, Pet Food and Energy Savers Lifted

Pakistan has withdrawn its 19 May 2022 import ban on certain goods. In a notification issued on 30 May 2022, the Ministry of Commerce said the import of raw materials; intermediate goods and industrial equipment or machinery for the manufacturing sector; and foreign grant-in-aid projects are now exempted from the ban. 

This is the second time the ministry has released exemptions from its May 19 restriction importing 38 categories of non-essential and luxury items. The first clarification was issued on 26 May and revoked restrictions on pet food and energy savers. Bans on sanitary pads and LED spare parts have also been lifted, the ministry said in another announcement, along with the conditional import of completely-built-unit (CBU) motor vehicles. 

The 19 May ban was on about 800 imported items falling under 38 categories, including food, automobiles and electronics. The government also stepped up enforcement by designating airport personnel to prevent restricted goods smuggling in personal baggage.