FBR begins cargo tracking, e-Bilty mechanism to digitise goods movement, curb tax evasion, smuggling

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday initiated the development of a National Cargo Tracking System (CTS) and an integrated e-Bilty mechanism aimed at digitising the monitoring of goods movement across Pakistan, improving tax compliance and curbing smuggling.

The contract-signing ceremony was held at the FBR headquarters to launch the design phase of the project, which officials described as a major step in the organisation’s digital transformation and modernisation agenda.

The project, financed by the World Bank under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Program (PRRP), is spearheaded by the National Targeting Center (NTC).

It aims to replace the traditional manual, paper-based goods transport document, locally known as the “Bilty”, with a centralised, technology-driven electronic transport waybill (e-Bilty).

Currently, reliance on manual checks by multiple agencies and paper documentation causes significant bottlenecks, prolongs transit times for legitimate traders and creates opportunities for tax evasion and smuggling.

The envisioned CTS platform will enable real-time tracking of commercial cargo from the point of origin to the destination. By generating an e-Bilty with a unique, instantly verifiable QR code, the system will allow Customs enforcement teams to efficiently segregate compliant from non-compliant cargo.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial said that the initiative is a cornerstone of the broader vision for a digital and transparent economy.

“By integrating the CTS with existing systems like WeBOC, STRIVE (Sales Tax Real-time Invoice Verification) and the Anti-Smuggling Portal, we are closing the loopholes that allow fake sales tax invoices and mis-declaration of goods. This ensures a level playing field for honest businesses and secures the nation’s revenue,” Rashid added.

The chairman said that the design phase is expected to be completed within a few months, while full project implementation could take up to three years. He added that the reform programme includes three major interventions: production monitoring at manufacturing sites, digital invoicing for commercial transactions and cargo tracking for the physical movement of goods.

“Once these components are integrated, we will have visibility over production, invoicing and movement of goods. When all legitimate economic activity is on the system, the only items left outside it will be smuggled goods, making them easier to identify,” he said.

Member Customs Operations Syed Shakeel Shah said the goal is to facilitate trade by minimising en-route physical inspections and delays.

“The CTS will empower our officers with risk-based data, transforming operational enforcement from manual roadblocks to intelligent, digital monitoring,” he said.

The contract signed initiates a comprehensive assessment and technical design phase. The selected consulting firm will analyse international best practices, evaluate ICT infrastructure needs, review the legal and policy framework and deliver a detailed system architecture and implementation roadmap.

This blueprint will pave the way for the eventual nationwide deployment of the CTS, bringing Pakistan’s logistics and transit trade regulations in line with global standards.