FBR moves auctions of seized goods online, with bidder registration from Rs25,000
New sales tax rules let Inland Revenue sell confiscated goods through an electronic module, with online bidding, electronic payment and a digital record of every offer.
Goods seized by Pakistan's tax officers will now be sold to the highest online bidder. The Federal Board of Revenue notified the rules on 22 October as S.R.O. 1889(I) of 2026, a new chapter of the Sales Tax Rules, 2006. They cover confiscated goods and seized goods cleared for disposal under an adjudication order, held by Inland Revenue. Customs auctions follow separate rules.
Who can bid
Anyone with a valid CNIC or NICOP can register online as a bidder. Registration carries a one time fee of not less than Rs25,000, and each bidder receives a unique identification number. An authorised Inland Revenue officer can reject an application, but must record the grounds in writing.
The custodian of the goods uploads the inventory, photographs and documents to the module and arranges physical inspections for prospective bidders. Goods under a judicial stay cannot be sold until the order lapses or is withdrawn.
Reserve prices and bidding
A three member valuation committee of an additional commissioner, a deputy commissioner and an assistant commissioner of Inland Revenue sets the reserve price for each lot. It weighs declared sales tax invoice values, printed retail prices, customs assessed values or market quotations, along with depreciation, condition and remaining shelf life. If a lot fails to sell in three consecutive auctions, the committee can cut the reserve by up to 10 percent of the reference price at a time.
Bidding stays open for 72 hours from the first bid. The system shows the highest valid bid and keeps an electronic record of every offer, with the bidder's ID and the time it was submitted. The authorised officer must process the highest offer within 72 hours of bidding closing.
Bids below the reserve are not ordinarily accepted. The Commissioner Inland Revenue can approve a lower offer, with reasons recorded in writing, but not below 80 percent of the reserve. The Chief Commissioner can also approve lower bids.
Payment and release
The winning bidder pays the accepted amount plus applicable taxes, duties and charges through designated electronic channels, using a payment slip identification number or another method the FBR specifies. Goods are released only after full payment is verified.
