FBR to seal businesses not linked to its monitoring system

Under the new rules, the relevant businesses must install a production monitoring, video surveillance or digital eye system and link it to the monitoring system of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Registered businesses that are not linked to the system will face action.

According to the FBR, police assistance can also be sought to seal a business premises if required. The procedure for sealing a business has also been explained in the notification.

According to the rules, an Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue or an officer above that rank will submit a written report to the Commissioner Inland Revenue, on the basis of which action can be initiated. After an inquiry, the Commissioner will send the report to the Chief Commissioner, who will issue a written order on whether or not to seal the business premises.

According to the notification, the business premises can be sealed fully or in part. However, the businessperson must be given a copy of the order before the premises are sealed.

According to the FBR, the premises will remain sealed until the monitoring system is linked to the FBR system. To have a sealed business reopened, the owner will have to pay a fine and install the monitoring system.

A technical team of the FBR will be present when the monitoring system is installed. Once the system is installed and linked to the FBR, the Commissioner will issue a certificate within three days.

According to the FBR, these rules on electronic monitoring may also be applied to more businesses and manufacturers in future.