The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to launch a nationwide crackdown on marketers selling smuggled and non-custom-paid goods through social media platforms, beginning January 1.
According to FBR sources, tax authorities will start monitoring social media accounts suspected of selling smuggled items and will compile detailed data on sellers involved in such activities.
As part of the operation, tax officials will pose as customers, contact sellers directly, obtain their mobile numbers, email addresses, and other identifying details, and use this information to trace those behind the illegal trade.
Wide Range of Smuggled Goods Identified
FBR sources said that a broad variety of smuggled products are currently being marketed online, including:
- Electronics and household appliances
- Shoes, clothing, makeup products and tools
- Chocolates, toffees, chewing gum
- Blankets, bedsheets, carpets
- Tyres, auto parts and accessories
- Laptops, Chromebooks and computers
Other items include stoves, cooking ranges, ovens, crockery, juicers, choppers, as well as dry fruits, canned foods, jams, jellies, olive oil, olives, imported food products, furniture, decorative items, tiles, sanitary fittings, and related goods.
Identification and Enforcement Measures
Sources said sellers will be traced using mobile numbers and email addresses, with NADRA’s assistance to verify identities. Once identified, notices will be issued, and enforcement teams will locate shops, warehouses, and storage points for further legal action.
In a statement, the FBR reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement through intelligence-based operations and inter-agency coordination to curb smuggling and protect the national economy.
Parallel Action Against Tax Evaders
Earlier, the FBR also announced a crackdown on tax evaders who display lavish lifestyles on social media while failing to file income tax returns.
The FBR’s Social Media Monitoring Team has already collected data on individuals showcasing luxury assets online without being registered taxpayers, and action is expected in the coming weeks.
