ISLAMABAD:( The COW News Digital)-According to a notification issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the sweeping changes aim to make everyday essentials more affordable while supporting industries that rely heavily on imported raw materials. The Finance Act 2025 is being hailed as a game-changer for consumers, especially amid inflationary pressures.
From imported dairy products like milk, yogurt, butter, and cheese, to fruits such as avocados, guavas, mangoes, and apples, the reduction in taxes and regulatory duties is expected to bring down retail prices across the board. Even luxury goods like imported cosmetics, makeup items, and skincare products have seen duty cuts—from 55% to 44%—making them more accessible to the public.
The new policy particularly favors the poultry and seafood sectors, with duties on live fish, frozen fish, and breeding poultry now slashed to as low as 5%. Similarly, imported dry fruits, including dates, coconuts, cashews, and Brazilian nuts, have had their duties reduced by up to 16%, a move expected to ease costs during festive seasons.
In the automotive sector, the duty on imported new cars and minivans has been reduced by one-third, with SUV duties dropping 44%, signaling potential price cuts for vehicle buyers.
Furthermore, industrial raw materials are also included in the duty reduction list, a move likely to stimulate local manufacturing. Beauty salons and personal care businesses will benefit from lower duties on imported sunscreen, shaving creams, aftershave lotions, and facial cleansers.
The FBR has also lowered the regulatory duty on mobile phone SIM cards from 15% to 12%, and reduced the duty on instant coffee, cocoa powder, pasta, cornflakes, and even pet food.
The notification highlights that the government is focused on creating a consumer-friendly economic environment, offering relief where it’s needed most—on kitchen staples and daily-use items. By lowering costs on imports like powdered milk, wheat flour, maize, and edible oils, the Finance Act 2025 is expected to control inflation and improve purchasing power.
With import duty reduction now official, stakeholders across industries—from food and beverages to cosmetics and livestock—are optimistic that this will boost demand, lower retail prices, and create a ripple effect across the economy.
