QUETTA: The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) on Tuesday welcomed the federal government’s approval of a 45-day Electronic Import Form (EIF) wai­ver allowing the import of goods originating from Central Asian Republics (CARs) and Azerbaijan through Iranian territory, terming the move a “breath of fresh air” for the business community.

QCCI President Haji Muhammad Ayub Maryani thanked the Ministry of Commerce for facilitating the waiver, stressing that the decision was significant not only for Balochistan but for the entire country’s trading community.

The Electronic Import Form is a mandatory trade document used by commercial banks and regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan to process and monitor import transactions involving foreign exchange. It records key details of an import consignment, including the origin of goods, supplier information and payment terms.

The 45-day EIF waiver is significant because it temporarily relaxes procedural requirements, enabling traders to import goods from Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan via Iran with fewer regulatory hurdles. This facilitation is expected to speed up clearance, reduce transaction costs and help stabilise trade flows amid regional disruptions.

Move seen as step towards regional trade integration

Mr Maryani also acknowledged permitting trade through Iran’s land routes would substantially boost commercial and economic activity in the region. He noted that land routes are comparatively more cost-effective and faster, making them more suitable for traders. He added that lower freight charges would reduce overall business costs and could positively impact consumer prices.

He said the arrangement would ease the import process and create opportunities for Pakistani products to be exported to Central Asian states and Azerbaijan at lower costs.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026