ISLAMABAD, Aug 10: The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has enhanced the duty credit to be available on import of unaccompanied baggage of the overseas Pakistani in a bid to encourage remittances through normal banking channels.

The CBR amended the Revised Baggage Rules 2006 through a customs notification issued here on Thursday. The CBR also restricted the scope of the duty free imports of electronic goods to give due protection to some local manufacturers.

To encourage remittances through normal banking channel, the CBR has increased the duty credit for a Pakistani national holding Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC), which could be utilised for the unaccompanied baggage or any purchase from one of the duty free shops.

In case of $2,500 remitted through normal banking channel, the duty credit in Pakistani rupee has been enhanced to Rs10,000 from Rs2,500; for $5,000 or more, it has been increased to Rs20,000 from Rs5,000; for $10,000 or more, it has been increased to Rs30,000 from Rs10,000; $25,000 or more, the duty credit has been jacked up to Rs50,000 from Rs25,000; and for $50,000 or more, it has been enhanced to Rs100,000.

According to amendments, the CBR has withdrawn the facility of 50 per cent payment of the total duty and taxes on television; deep freezer; refrigerator; microwave oven; cooking range; washing machine; and air-conditioner.

Similarly, in case of non-transfer of residence or transfer of residence, the CBR has also withdrawn the purchase of duty free items -- television; deep freezer; refrigerator; microwave oven; cooking range; washing machine; and air-conditioner from duty shops in case the value not exceeding $500 within 60 days of the arrival.

However, under the baggage rules a passenger allowed a laptop computer and its accessories even the stay abroad is less than seven days.

In case of transfer of residence, the CBR allowed import of weapon of non-prohibited bore for the personnel of armed forces, customs, police or any other law enforcement agency.