NA committee passes two key bills to revamp tariff commission, boost export promotion

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce approved two key bills on Monday aimed at modernising Pakistan's trade and export systems. The committee, chaired by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, unanimously passed the National Tariff Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Export Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2026, according to a news report. 

During the meeting, committee member Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig proposed amendments to the Export Development Fund (EDF) bill, which were adopted before the bill’s passage. 

The revised law will now include four exporters on the EDF Board of Administrators, including one from the non-textile sector, selected based on their historical export performance. The amendments are designed to increase private sector participation in export promotion, improve governance, and enhance the fund's efficiency.

The committee also passed the National Tariff Commission (NTC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to modernize the NTC and develop a more robust trade-remedy regime. 

Currently, the NTC has mainly relied on anti-dumping measures but has faced challenges in addressing trade issues due to gaps in its legal and institutional framework. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen the NTC’s capacity by increasing its members from five to seven and enhancing its legal and quasi-judicial abilities.

The NTC’s modernisation follows recommendations from a review committee and a high-powered committee, led by the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The reforms are especially critical as tariff liberalisation under the National Tariff Policy 2025–30 has increased the exposure of domestic industries to import surges.

Both bills are seen as vital steps in addressing trade challenges and enhancing Pakistan’s export and tariff systems. The chairman of the committee expressed appreciation for the members’ input and participation in the discussions. The meeting was attended by several Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) both in person and virtually, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Commerce, and the National Assembly Secretariat.