Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has exempted 57 items from the requirement of a Certificate of Origin (COO) for trade with Iran, a step welcomed by the business community as a key measure to promote formal cross-border trade.
According to a news report, the decision was announced during an online meeting between the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and private sector representatives, chaired by Member Customs Policy Ashhad Jawad.
The meeting discussed long-standing barriers in Pakistan-Iran trade, particularly the Electronic Import Form (EIF) and COO requirements.
Jawad said the exemption is part of the government’s broader effort to promote legal trade with Iran, adding that such measures are crucial for national and provincial economic growth.
QCCI President Mariani welcomed the move, saying the chamber had consistently raised traders’ concerns over the mandatory COO and EIF requirements. He called the decision “business-friendly” and urged traders to make full use of the facility to expand trade with Iran.
Mariani also revealed that the chamber has submitted a second list of 37 additional items to the commerce ministry for possible exemption. “We hope the second list will also be approved soon,” he said, reaffirming QCCI’s commitment to supporting provincial traders and enhancing regional trade.
