The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a strong crackdown on illegal, counterfeit, and non-Federal Excise Duty (FED) stamped cigarettes across Pakistan, issuing formal orders under Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 1279(I)/2025, effective immediately.

The directive empowers provincial tax officials to seize illicit cigarettes and aims to curb tax evasion, boost government revenue, and protect legitimate manufacturers in the tobacco industry.

According to the FBR’s notification, cigarettes lacking valid FED stamps or bearing counterfeit stamps will be confiscated and transferred to Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) for further action. Authorized officers, including Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and Excise and Taxation Officers (not below BS-16), are instructed to identify and seize such products in retail outlets, warehouses, and vehicles on roads, as outlined in Sections 26 and 27(1) of the Federal Excise Act, 2005.

The FBR has mandated a comprehensive report within 48 hours, detailing seized or identified illicit cigarettes, their locations, and the names and designations of officers involved, to ensure transparency and accountability. These reports will be submitted to FBR headquarters, Chief Secretaries, and intelligence officials to facilitate inter-provincial coordination.

The FBR’s action is expected to reduce the open sale of illegal cigarettes, deter smuggling networks, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. The agency has also appealed to the public and consumers to report counterfeit or non-stamped cigarettes to FBR or intelligence authorities, emphasizing that such cooperation is crucial to safeguarding the national exchequer.