The government of Pakistan has taken a major step to support its leather industry by removing the requirement for health quarantine certificates on the import and export of leather. The decision is expected to make trade faster and reduce costs for businesses dealing in leather products.
The Ministry of Commerce shared that this move is in line with the federal government’s plan to simplify and cut down non-tariff measures at the import and export stage.
Public sector stakeholders including ministries, divisions and regulators were consulted before finalizing the decision. The aim is to reduce the cost of doing business and improve the industry’s competitiveness in global markets.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) recommended the removal of health certificates earlier required by the Animal Quarantine Department for leather products.
This change will apply to specific PCT codes listed in the Export Policy Order 2022 and Import Policy Order 2022. Until now, exporters and importers had to obtain health certificates and release orders from AQD which created delays and additional costs.
Meetings were also held between the Animal Quarantine Department and the Pakistan Tanners Association to finalize the HS codes that should no longer require certification.
It was agreed that in addition to previously approved codes, two more categories under pickled leather will also be excluded from the policy. These are pickled lamb skins under HS code 4102.2110 and pickled sheep skins under HS code 4102.2120.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has now asked the Commerce Ministry to move a summary for amendments in both the import and export policy orders so these HS codes can be officially removed from AQD’s regulatory requirements
Source – Business Recorder
