ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is set to introduce a digital e-Bilty system under its flagship Cargo Tracking System (CTS), marking a major shift from paper-based documentation to a centralized, real-time digital platform.
According to sources, the existing reliance on manual bilty documents and physical check-posts has long created bottlenecks for legitimate trade while enabling opportunities for smuggling and tax evasion. The upcoming CTS aims to address these inefficiencies by generating digital e-Bilty documents through a central portal, ensuring transparency and streamlined cargo movement across the country.
The new system will provide real-time visibility of goods in transit, allowing authorities to minimize unnecessary inspections for compliant traders while focusing enforcement efforts on suspicious or non-tax-paid consignments. This transition is expected to significantly reduce delays and improve trade facilitation.
The FBR has recently achieved a key milestone by signing a contract for the Strategic Feasibility Assessment and Solution Design of the National Cargo Tracking System and e-Bilty mechanism. This phase will lay the foundation for a fully integrated digital infrastructure.
Officials noted that the current paper-based framework is frequently exploited by tax evaders through fake documentation and underreporting. The digital system will enable enforcement teams to instantly identify irregularities, helping curb smuggling and ensuring proper payment of sales tax. It also aims to reduce administrative burdens on customs officials and the logistics sector by replacing physical road checks with digital verification.
Under the new mechanism, each shipment will be assigned a unique QR-coded e-Bilty, and advanced technologies such as RFID and IoT devices may be deployed to track vehicles. This will allow authorities to verify cargo details instantly and match them with declared information. Integration with digital invoicing systems will further help eliminate fake or “flying” invoices.
A key component of the project includes the development of a robust data governance and cybersecurity framework, ensuring secure integration with internal FBR systems as well as external databases such as the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and motor vehicle registration authorities.
The design phase, which has now officially commenced, will continue over the next five months. During this period, consultants will assess existing infrastructure, benchmark global best practices, and develop a comprehensive roadmap for implementation.
The FBR is drawing inspiration from international models adopted in countries like China, Brazil, and Turkey, tailoring these solutions to Pakistan’s economic environment.
Experts believe that a digitized and transparent supply chain will not only enhance revenue collection but also create a level playing field for compliant businesses, ensuring that the national exchequer receives its due share.
