FBR moves to combat cigarette smuggling

July 16, 2025 (MLN): To conduct raids on cigarette retail outlets, warehouses, and motor vehicles on the roads to seize illicit or smuggled cigarettes, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has authorized provincial officials, including Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners—with new enforcement powers.

The FBR granted powers to provincial tax and revenue officials for the seizure of smuggled and non-duty-paid cigarettes, as per the press release issued.

According to the notification, the following officers are authorized to exercise powers and perform functions under Section 26 of the Federal Excise Act: Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, and Central Assistant Revenue.

Any equivalent designation within the provincial revenue hierarchy will also hold the same authority under Sub-section (1) of Section 27.

In addition, Excise and Taxation Officers and Assistant Excise and Taxation Officers, not below BS-16, will also be authorized to act.

These officials will have the power to seize counterfeit cigarettes or beverages unlawfully manufactured or produced, as well as other dutiable goods on which excise duty has not been paid.

Any such goods, along with the means of transport used for their movement, will be subject to seizure.

The FBR stated that cigarettes or beverages confiscated due to counterfeiting will face outright confiscation and destruction as per prescribed procedures.

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