ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: The commerce ministry has introduced various amendments to the trade policy 2006-07 to facilitate export of goods to Afghanistan.

The amendments were made through a notification issued here on Tuesday by amending the Export Policy Order 2006.

According to amendments, the government has done away with the condition of verification of documents by Afghan customs authorities on export proceeds to international assistance force (ISAF) and defence logistic support center (DLSC) in Afghanistan.

To claim the facility of zero-rating of sales tax or duty drawbacks as well as federal excise duty refund against goods exported to ISAF and DLSC, the customs authorities will allow refunds on the basis of receipts issued by the Afghan offices of these agencies confirming that they have received the goods.

The receipt will be reconfirmed by the representatives of these agencies in Pakistan.

The government has also done away with the condition of indemnity bond if there is no revenue implication in cases where defective goods have to be exported for which replacement has already been received.

The containers / packages of vegetable ghee and cooking oil exported to Afghanistan will contain ingredient information printed on them in ‘Dari’ and ‘Pushto’ languages.

A new provision has been included in the export policy order which relates to restricted goods-- the Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 (V of 2004).

Another new provision included in the trade policy is “Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 (V of 2004).”