NBR aim to tackle customs, tax evasion with new regulations
Staff Reporter :
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a notification to address economic risks such as money laundering and terrorism financing through the “Customs Risk Management Regulations, 2025.”
According to the notification, “economic risk” encompasses proceeds of crime, other illegal financial activities, customs and tax evasion, and transnational organised economic crimes.
As part of this initiative, a dedicated Customs Risk Management Commissionerate (CRMC) will be established.
The CRMC will be responsible for collecting, analysing, and reviewing risk-related information to identify and categorise customs risks.
It will create and manage risk profiles, update online risk registers, and classify goods consignments into risk-based lanes-Red, Yellow, Blue, or Green-using targeting intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analysis techniques.
The CRMC will determine risk trends and nature by collecting data from national and international sources and analysing it.
It will gather information to monitor and review economic conditions, geographical factors, customs duty rates, customs valuation, customs duty exemptions, regional and international agreements, market arrangements, and other aspects that affect customs duties and functions.
Additionally, it will conduct necessary surveys and research activities and provide advice on remedial measures and the formulation of customs policies.
The CRMC will establish criteria for the selection of consignments based on random selection for all Customs Stations and Bond Commissionerates, updating these criteria as necessary.
It will monitor and supervise the effectiveness of risk management activities, inform the Board, make necessary adjustments, and review the results of activities against Key Performance Indicators.
The CRMC will collect information and data from any government, semi-government, and autonomous organisations, as well as from individuals or institutions related to import and export, banks, financial institutions, and other organisations.
It may seek assistance from other organisations in analysing this information if required. The CRMC will maintain confidentiality in the storage and use of sensitive information and may sign agreements or memoranda of understanding related to its functions on behalf of the NBR, with prior approval.
The CRMC will issue risk warnings to all relevant departments, identify risk areas, and, where appropriate, advise the concerned Customs House or Customs Station VAT Commissionerate to take timely action to address them.
It will regularly review necessary information related to risks and update risk management indicators.