Afghan imports: Pakistan extends e-form exemption

KABUL (Pajhwok): Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has extended the exemption from the electronic import form (EIF) requirement for imports from Afghanistan until June 14, says a media report.

According to an official letter issued by the ministry, the decision has been made to prevent a disruption in bilateral trade and ensure that mutual economic activity was not adversely affected amid the absence of a formal banking channel between the two countries.

Imports from Afghanistan had been exempted from EIF until a banking channel was established, Samaa TV reported.

The exemption allows Afghan imports to continue without the mandatory EIF requirement, which is essential for import documentation and payment processing through banks.

The previous deadline for EIF exemption and rupee-based trade settlement was May 15, 2025.

The EIF exemption will remain in place until a formal banking mechanism is established between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which is expected to stabilise and streamline trade in the long term.

kk/mud