The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued the Shipping Agent Licensing Rules, 2025 in a move aimed at streamlining maritime trade and enhancing transparency, introducing a dedicated regulatory framework for shipping agents for the first time.
The new rules, promulgated through a notification on Tuesday, are designed to ensure greater accountability and fair competition across all sea and river ports in the country, the NBR said in a press release.
Previously, there were no standalone regulations governing shipping agents, whose licences were issued under the Customs Agent Licensing Rules, 2020. The NBR said the introduction of specialised rules marks a step towards modernising and simplifying shipping agent operations.
Under the new framework, the licensing process has been significantly streamlined. Licensing authorities will no longer require prior approval from the NBR to determine the number of licences issued at each customs station, allowing permits to be granted more quickly.
Another major change is the abolition of written and oral examinations at the Customs Excise and VAT Training Academy. Provided that all submitted documentation is accurate and complete, the NBR has committed to issuing licences within a maximum of 30 working days.
The 2025 rules also expand the jurisdiction of shipping agent licences. Previously limited to the sea or river port under the issuing customs station, licence holders will now be able to operate at any sea or river port across the country.
The NBR said the reforms are part of its broader efforts to create a more investment-friendly environment and to facilitate smoother and more efficient import-export activities.
Source: BSS
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
