The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially issued the Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agent Licensing Regulations, 2026, marking a significant update in the regulatory framework governing customs agents. The announcement was made public on Wednesday through an NBR press release.
The new regulations replace the previous C&F Agent Licensing Regulations, 2020, with the aim of enhancing service standards for importers and exporters within a more competitive environment. According to the NBR, the move is part of ongoing efforts to streamline licensing procedures, ensure transparency, and modernise the operational framework for C&F agents.
The NBR stated that prior to these regulations, no separate, comprehensive guidelines existed specifically for issuing C&F agent licences. Previously, licences were issued under the 2020 regulations, which were aligned with broader customs provisions but lacked certain procedural and operational clarifications.
The 2026 regulations, drafted in accordance with the Customs Act, 2023, were promulgated by the NBR on 8 January. They aim to simplify licensing processes while providing greater flexibility and operational efficiency for C&F agents across the country.
Key provisions of the C&F Agent Licensing Regulations, 2026, include the following:
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Licence Allocation | No prior approval from NBR is required to determine the number of C&F agent licences per customs station. All candidates who pass the licensing examination are eligible to obtain a licence. |
| Annual Examination | Licensing procedures will be completed annually within a predetermined timeframe, ensuring regular assessment and standardisation. |
| Station Closure | If a land customs station is closed, previously issued licences associated with that station remain valid and are not automatically cancelled. |
| Operational Flexibility | Licensed C&F agents may conduct clearing and forwarding operations at any active customs station through the addition of extra operational areas. |
| Objective | To enhance service quality, simplify procedures, and promote a competitive and transparent customs environment. |
By introducing these updated regulations, the NBR intends not only to modernise the licensing process but also to provide C&F agents with greater operational freedom. Licensed agents will now be able to conduct their activities across multiple customs stations without administrative hindrance, a move expected to benefit both the trade community and the broader logistics sector.
The NBR emphasised that the reforms are part of a wider strategy to improve service standards, encourage fair competition, and support the country’s import-export growth by making customs operations more efficient and reliable.
