The federal government has decided to introduce a new regulatory framework for marine bunkering in Pakistan, for which the Federal Board of Revenue ( FBR) has issued a draft of new amendments to the Customs Rules 2001 to bring the mechanism of marine bunkering ( supply of fuel to ships) under a regular, transparent and digital system at the ports of Pakistan. According to the document available to Express, under the proposed amendments, a new chapter Customs Marine Bunkering Rules 2026 will be added to the Customs Rules, which will be applicable to Karachi Port, Port Qasim, Gwadar Port and their outer anchorages, while FBR can moreover include other ports in this scope as per requirement. The announcement is expected to have broad implications in the days ahead.

Background

Understanding what led to this point requires a closer examination of the circumstances involved.

As per the proposed rules, all bunkering operations will be conducted fully electronically through the Port Community System ( PCS) established under the Pakistan Single Window ( PSW).

The proposed amended rules state that the aim of the move is to ensure transparency, oversight and fuel supply in port activities as per international standards.

It has also emerged that under the new rules, only those institutions or companies that are licensed by the Mercantile Marine Department and registered as Authorized Bunker Operators ( ABOs) with Customs will be able to provide marine bunkering services.

Analysis

With opinions divided in some quarters, the overall assessment remains significant.

Complete registration of barges ( tankers) employed for bunkering, technical certificates, environmental protection documents, mass flow meters, safety equipment and personnel training information will have to be submitted to the customs system.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, according to the proposed regulations, it will be necessary to obtain Permit to Work ( PTW) before supplying fuel to the ship while all operations will be done through the port community structure.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the rules also include a mandatory sampling procedure to verify fuel quality whereby representative samples of fuel shall be obtained during each bunkering operation and retained by Customs, the bunker operator and the ship's captain for at least twelve months.

National Impact

The impact of this situation is expected to be felt across multiple areas.

A separate procedure has also been introduced for bunkering activities under international transshipment under which all cargo details will be mandatory to be displayed in the port community system.

Notably, similarly, bunkering activities from bonded storage facilities will be governed by the existing Customs Bonded Facilities Rules.

At the same time, the proposed rules also provide extensive powers to Customs authorities to inspect any registered barge, obtain fuel samples, demand records, or seal a barge suspected of violation.

Observers have also noted that action will be taken against the violators of the rules under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969.

It has also emerged that the FBR has invited objections and suggestions from the concerned parties on the proposed amendments within five days, after which the final rules will be issued following review.

What Happens Next

With key questions still unanswered and the situation continuing to develop, observers are watching closely for the next steps. This outlet will continue to provide updates as the story progresses.