ISLAMABAD, April 8: The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has decided to allow duty free import of compressed natural gas (CNG) machinery, equipment, conversion kits and cylinders without prior approval of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

The government had exempted all these items from the levy of customs duty and sales tax in case imported by CNG companies or the local automotive manufacturers and assemblers.

A relevant customs official told Dawn that the decision to this effect was taken following the recommendation of the Petroleum Ministry to abolish the condition of seeking prior approval of the ministry for getting the duty exemption on these items.

Earlier, only such machinery, equipment, conversion kits, and cylinders were entitled to the exemption under SRO38, which were to be certified by the petroleum ministry.

The official said that now the importers will not require to seek the approval of the ministry.