The federal government has imposed a ban on the import of chloroform, citing serious health and environmental hazards, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
According to the report, following approval from the federal cabinet, the Ministry of Commerce issued an official notification enforcing the restriction.
According to the notification, amendments have been made to the Import Policy Order 2022, under which the import of chloroform has now been prohibited.
However, the government has allowed limited exemptions for pharmaceutical companies, which may import chloroform solely for essential production requirements.
The notification further states that this permission is conditional and will only be granted upon obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Officials stated that the decision aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and prevent misuse of the chemical, which poses significant risks if handled improperly.
The government’s move is part of broader efforts to enhance chemical safety standards and address environmental concerns linked to hazardous substances across the country.
Reporter: Waqas Azeem