ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has amended its barter trade framework to restrict transactions under the business-to-business (B2B) mechanism to Afghanistan, Iran and Russia, tightening oversight of non-cash trade conducted outside the dollar system, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce this month.
Pakistan first introduced the B2B Barter Trade Mechanism through SRO 642 in June 2023, enabling trade in goods such as energy, food and minerals with Afghanistan, Iran and Russia.
The updated order now limits eligible partners, imposes new compliance obligations and integrates sanction-screening requirements aligned with the Foreign Office notifications.
“This Order shall apply to Afghanistan, Iran and Russia only,” the notification, dated Oct. 17, said.
The amendment also introduced new definitions and responsibilities for traders.
