The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced an electronic auction system for the disposal of seized and confiscated goods, setting a minimum registration fee of Rs25,000 for bidders and a 72-hour online bidding period under amendments to the Sales Tax Rules, 2006.
According to SRO 1889(I)/2026, issued on October 22, the FBR has added a new chapter to the rules under sections 50 and 40F of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. The new framework outlines procedures for electronic registration, valuation, bidding, payment and delivery of auctioned goods.
Under the system, individuals holding a valid Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) can register through the FBR’s online auction platform after paying a one-time fee of at least Rs25,000.
Successful applicants will receive a unique identification number, while registration details will be communicated through their registered email address or mobile number.
The authorised officer may verify registration details and reject applications on valid grounds, provided the reasons are recorded in writing. These may include non-compliance with relevant procurement rules.
The electronic auction system will cover confiscated goods and seized items that have been cleared for disposal through an adjudication order.
Custodians will be responsible for uploading inventories, photographs and supporting documents to the online platform. They will also be required to ensure the safe custody of goods and facilitate inspections by prospective bidders.
Before an auction begins, the authorised officer must verify the legal basis for disposal, check for any judicial stay orders, review available release or redemption options and ensure compliance with applicable restrictions.
Goods covered by a judicial stay order cannot be auctioned until the stay expires or is withdrawn.
The reserve price for each auction lot will be determined on the recommendation of a valuation committee comprising an additional commissioner, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner of Inland Revenue.
The committee will assess the age, condition and remaining shelf life of the goods. Depending on the items, valuations may be based on declared sales tax invoice prices from the preceding three tax periods, printed retail prices, customs-assessed values or market quotations.
In a separate development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed the relevant authorities to submit comprehensive data on government employees by October 27, 2026, including details of recruitment under reserved quotas for women, minorities and persons with disabilities.
According to an official circular, the FBR has sought employee records up to July 1, 2026, along with details of women recruited on merit, including their numbers and designations, and appointments made under the 10% quota reserved for women.
The department has also requested details of positions allocated under the 5% quota for minorities, including the total number of sanctioned posts, filled positions and vacancies. Similarly, information regarding the 2% quota reserved for persons with disabilities has been sought.
The FBR has declared the matter extremely urgent and directed the relevant officers to ensure the timely submission of the required information. Separately, the FBR has expressed concern over a delay of more than four months in receiving records concerning urban and rural quota positions allocated to Sindh. The department noted that the required information had not been provided despite repeated reminders.
