The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued the Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agent Licensing Rules, 2026, with the aim of enhancing service quality for importers and exporters in a competitive trade environment, reports BSS.
The new rules were promulgated through a gazette notification (SRO No. 04-Law/2026/Customs) on January 8, 2026, repealing the Customs Agent Licensing Rules, 2020 in line with the provisions of the Customs Act, 2023, the NBR said in a press release.
Previously, there was no separate and dedicated regulatory framework for issuing C&F agent licences, which were granted under the Customs Agent Licensing Rules, 2020. To modernise and streamline the operations of customs clearing and forwarding agents, the NBR has now introduced an independent and updated regulatory structure under the C&F Agent Licensing Rules, 2026.
Under the new framework, prior approval from the NBR will no longer be required to determine the number of C&F agent licences for individual customs stations. All candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and pass the prescribed examinations will be eligible to obtain licences.
The licensing process will be conducted through regular examinations each year and completed within a fixed timeframe, a move intended to ensure transparency, predictability and administrative efficiency.
In another major reform, licences issued in favour of C&F agents at land customs stations that are later declared closed will no longer be automatically cancelled. Instead, licence holders will be allowed to continue clearing and forwarding activities at other operational customs stations through jurisdictional inclusion.
The NBR said the new rules are expected to significantly improve service delivery, promote ease of doing business and facilitate smoother trade operations across the country.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
