FBR initiates design phase for digital cargo tracking and e-Bilty system

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has commenced the design phase for a Digital National Cargo Tracking System (CTS) and an electronic Bilty (e-Bilty) mechanism, aiming to address issues such as smuggling, fake invoices, and to support legitimate trade activities.

The FBR signed a contract on Thursday with a South Korean-based company to undertake a strategic feasibility assessment and develop the solution design for both the CTS and the e-Bilty mechanism. The company is expected to complete the design phase within six months.

This initiative is being financed by the World Bank under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Programme (PRRP) and is led by the National Targeting Centre (NTC). The project is intended to replace the traditional manual and paper-based goods transport document, known locally as the ‘Bilty’, with a centralized, technology-driven electronic transport waybill, the e-Bilty.

FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial stated that, following the completion of the design work, the project is expected to be implemented within one and a half years. He emphasized that the implementation of the digital cargo tracking system and e-Bilty will help in curbing smuggling and the use of fake or flying invoices, while also facilitating legitimate trade.

The move to digitize cargo tracking and transport documentation is seen as a significant step towards modernizing Pakistan’s trade and customs processes. The FBR aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in goods transportation across the country through this technology-driven approach.