Govt reviews EFS changes to cut exporters’ compliance costs

November 12, 2026 (MLN): The government has reviewed proposed amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) aimed at making it simpler, more predictable and more responsive to exporters’ operational needs, while tightening risk-based oversight, cutting compliance costs and export-related overheads, encouraging new investment and local value addition, and ensuring concessions are tied to genuine export performance.

The review took place at the fifth meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee to Review the EFS, chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Ministry of Finance.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) attended, along with representatives of exporters’ associations including APTMA, PTEA and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and several prominent exporters, said a press release issued.

Bilal Kayani said eligibility requirements and prescribed procedures must be applied uniformly, with no exemptions.

The committee focused on simplifying how exporters are categorised, rationalising authorisation periods and widening access to the scheme for both new and existing exporters.

It also discussed facilitating compliant exporters, introducing a transparent mechanism and streamlining security requirements, while keeping safeguards in place against misuse.

According to the proposals, the revisions are meant to bring down compliance costs, draw new investment, support export growth and keep the scheme in step with the needs of the exporting community.

Bilal Kayani stressed that procedures should be simplified without weakening revenue safeguards, and said the government remains committed to continued consultations with exporters and trade bodies.

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