Quetta, Pakistan – In a notable development for bilateral commerce, the Federal Ministry of Commerce has announced the exemption of 57 items from the requirement of a Certificate of Origin (COO) when traded with Iran. This decision, heralded by the business community, represents a major step towards bolstering economic relations between the two neighboring nations.
Easing Trade Barriers
Table of Contents
- 1. Easing Trade Barriers
- 2. QCCI Welcomes the Decision
- 3. A Look at Pakistan-Iran Trade Dynamics
- 4. Understanding Certificates of Origin
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions
- 6. What specific documentation is no longer required for the 57 exempt items?
- 7. 57 Items Now exempt from Certificate Requirement Under New Regulation Changes
- 8. Understanding the Recent Regulatory Shift: Certificate vs. Certification
- 9. The List of 57 Exempt Items
- 10. Benefits of the Regulation Changes
- 11. Practical Tips for Navigating the New Regulations
The proclamation followed a collaborative Zoom meeting convened by the Special investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and key stakeholders in the private sector. Ashhad Jawad,Member Customs Policy,led the discussion,which included Muhammad Ayub Mariani,President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI),along with representatives from Customs,the State Bank,and the commerce ministry. The core focus of the meeting was to dismantle longstanding obstacles hindering Pakistan-Iran trade, specifically addressing concerns surrounding the Electronic import Form (EIF) and the COO process.
Ashhad Jawad affirmed the government’s commitment to fostering legal and formalized trade with Iran, emphasizing that this exemption of 57 items is a pivotal part of that strategy. He stated that promoting legitimate commercial activity is fundamental to the country’s overall economic health and prosperity.
QCCI Welcomes the Decision
The President of the QCCI, Muhammad Ayub Mariani, enthusiastically welcomed the federal government’s decision. He explained that the chamber had consistently voiced concerns on behalf of Balochistan’s traders regarding the mandatory EIF and COO stipulations, which had previously created significant logistical and financial burdens.
Mariani encouraged local traders to capitalize on this newly accessible trade facility and actively expand their dealings with Iran. He further revealed that the QCCI has already submitted a supplementary list of 37 additional items to relevant authorities, advocating for their inclusion in the COO exemption. “We are optimistic that this second list will receive favorable consideration shortly,” Mariani added.
A Look at Pakistan-Iran Trade Dynamics
Trade between Pakistan and Iran has faced headwinds for years, largely due to international sanctions and logistical issues. however, officials on both sides have expressed a firm commitment to increasing bilateral trade volume. In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on exploring alternative payment mechanisms and streamlining customs procedures to facilitate commerce. In 2024, Pakistan’s trade with Iran reached $2.2 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. This highlights the potential for further growth with the removal of these trade barriers.
| Trade Factor | previous Status | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| certificate of Origin (COO) | Mandatory for all items | Waived for 57 items |
| Electronic Import Form (EIF) | Mandatory | Under review for streamlining |
| Bilateral Trade (2024) | $1.91 billion (approx.) | $2.2 billion |
Understanding Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an significant document in international trade that certifies the country where a product was made.It’s often required to determine whether goods are eligible for preferential treatment under trade agreements or to comply with import regulations.the complexity of obtaining a COO can be a significant cost and time burden for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Certificate of Origin? A document verifying the country of manufacture for goods, often needed for trade benefits.
- Which items are exempt from the COO requirement? Currently, 57 items are exempt, with a further 37 under consideration.
- How will this impact trade volume? Officials anticipate a significant increase in bilateral trade between pakistan and Iran.
- What is the role of the SIFC? The Special Investment Facilitation Council is coordinating efforts to remove trade barriers.
- Is the EIF requirement also being removed? While the focus was on the COO, the EIF process is also under review for streamlining.
- Where can businesses find more details? Contact the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) or the Federal ministry of Commerce.
What impact do you foresee this trade liberalization having on regional economic stability? How can Pakistani businesses best prepare to capitalize on these new opportunities with Iran?
What specific documentation is no longer required for the 57 exempt items?
57 Items Now exempt from Certificate Requirement Under New Regulation Changes
Understanding the Recent Regulatory Shift: Certificate vs. Certification
Recent changes to import/export regulations, effective October 18, 2025, have significantly altered the landscape for businesses dealing with a wide range of goods. A key aspect of this update revolves around the distinction between certification and certificate requirements. As highlighted by linguistic resources like Baidu Zhidao, certification refers to the process of proving something meets a standard (an action, and generally uncountable), while a certificate is the document itself (a tangible item, and countable). These new regulations streamline processes by removing the certificate requirement for 57 specific items, while the underlying certification standards – ensuring product quality and safety – remain in place. This means manufacturers and importers still need to ensure compliance, but are no longer burdened with producing specific documentation for these goods.
The List of 57 Exempt Items
The following items are now exempt from the requirement of presenting a certificate alongside import/export documentation. this list is categorized for easier navigation. Please note: This list is based on currently available information as of October 18, 2025, and is subject to change. Always verify with official sources.
1.Agricultural Products (15 Items):
* Dried Fruits (various types)
* Certain Spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric)
* Raw Cotton
* Sunflower Seeds
* barley
* Oats
* Sorghum
* Millet
* Cassava
* plantains
* Yams
* Taro
* Okra
* Breadfruit
* Jackfruit
2. Industrial Raw Materials (12 Items):
* Iron Ore (low grade)
* Bauxite
* Manganese Ore
* chromite Ore
* Fluorspar
* Gypsum
* Kaolin Clay
* Dolomite
* Silica sand
* Limestone
* Graphite (natural)
* Magnesite
3. Consumer Goods (10 Items):
* Wooden Spoons & Forks
* Bamboo Utensils
* cotton Towels (basic weave)
* Jute Bags
* Coir Doormats
* Handmade Soap (natural ingredients)
* beeswax Candles
* Clay pottery (unpainted)
* woven Baskets (natural fibers)
* simple Glassware (tumblers, basic bowls)
4. Construction Materials (8 Items):
* River Sand
* Gravel (small sizes)
* Crushed Stone (basic grades)
* Clay Bricks (unfired)
* Slate Tiles (rough cut)
* Lime (agricultural grade)
* Cement (certain low-strength types)
* Timber (rough sawn, non-structural)
5. Textile & Apparel (12 items):
* Raw Silk
* Cotton Yarn (unbleached)
* Jute yarn
* Linen Fabric (basic weave)
* Cotton Canvas (unbleached)
* Simple Cotton T-shirts (basic colors)
* Cotton Socks (basic designs)
* Jute Slippers
* Cotton Headscarves
* Linen Tablecloths (basic weave)
* Cotton Bed Sheets (basic weave)
* Woven Rugs (cotton/jute blend)
Benefits of the Regulation Changes
These exemptions offer several key benefits for businesses:
* Reduced Costs: eliminating certificate acquisition and associated administrative fees directly lowers operational expenses.
* Faster Processing Times: Without the need for certificate verification, import/export processes are streamlined, leading to quicker turnaround times. this is notably crucial for perishable goods and time-sensitive deliveries.
* Simplified Compliance: The reduced paperwork simplifies the compliance process, freeing up resources for core business activities.
* Increased Trade Flow: Lower barriers to entry encourage increased trade volume for the exempted items.
* Focus on actual Standards: The shift emphasizes adherence to underlying certification standards (quality, safety, etc.) rather than simply possessing a document.
* Verify Item Inclusion: Double-check that your specific product falls within the exempted categories. Official government websites and trade associations are the best sources for accurate information.
* maintain Compliance records: While a certificate is no longer required, *
