Pakistan's Indus River Valley has been home to a series of civilizations over the last 5000 years, which has led to Pakistan being the world's 6th most populous nation. Modern Pakistan is renowned for having won numerous international cricket events and produced the world's winningest squash player: Jahangir Khan.
While Pakistan's economy remains cash-based, e-commerce is making fast inroads with the value of those transactions having doubled in the last 5 years. With the number of internet subscribers also expected to double in the next half decade, the future of e-commerce looks bright for Pakistan.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Pakistan through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Pakistan. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Pakistan
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Bannu, BA, PA
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Bagh, BA, PA
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Badin, BA, PA
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Karachi, KA, PA
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Pakistan before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
There are no exemptions for gift shipments to Pakistan. Gift parcels will incur duties and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 17% as with all other shipments.
To ensure that your parcel clear customs most efficiently, be sure to follow the steps below:
The words "Gift Shipment" or "Unsolicited Gift" are included on the commercial invoice (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided.
The value is declared on the commercial invoice.
NOTE:
Shipping a gift to an individual to their work address will cause an issue - it'll be seen as a commercial shipment and will not be exempt from duties and taxes.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Sending Multiple Gifts to Pakistan
Be sure to:
Words "Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package" appear in General Description of Goods as well as the Detailed description of goods
(see sample)
Individually wrap and tag each gift separately
Ensure the names on each tag are different and clearly marked on the commercial invoice
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
You may ship personal effects duty-free to Pakistan providing:
You are a foreign national moving to Pakistan for 2 years or more
you are a Pakistani national returning to Pakistan after staying abroad for a period of 2 years or more and you have not visited Pakistan for more than 120 days in the last 2 years.
Moving Temporarily
If you are on your first visit to Pakistan in a year after staying abroad for more than 7 days, you can bring the following duty-free:
One Radio or one ordinary tap recorder.
One VCP, VCR, VCD or DVD Player.
One still camera and one video camera.
Personal jewellery in reasonable quantity.
Professional tools up to the value of US $500 (about $650 CDN)
Used furniture, kitchen utensils, crockery and cutlery, linen and blankets
Moving Permanently
Pakistani citizens are eligible for a transfer of residence allowance providing the owner of the goods has stayed abroad for 2 or more years and has not visited Pakistan in those 2 years for a cumulative period of 120 days or more.
Foreign nationals are also eligible for a transfer of residence duty discount if they are arriving in Pakistan for a stay of 2 or more years.
This is usually stated in their employment letters
If you are moving to Pakistan you will need to complete a Transfer of Residence (ToR) form before your move to claim exemption from duties and taxes on selected items. Duty-free goods that qualify for a Transfer of Residence allowance are:
Used clothing and accessories
Toiletries and an electric shaver
One electric iron and one hair dryer
One wrist watch
One mobile phone
One desktop or laptop computer
One still camera and one video camera
Professional tools not exceeding $500 USD (about $650 CDN)
Prizes, trophies and medals given to you
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 g of manufactured tobacco
250 mL of eau de toilette and 125 mL of perfume
Gifts and souvenirs providing they are a reasonable number and quantity
Personal Effects Checklist
Transfer of Residence (ToR) form (include with your shipment)
Clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' in the "General Description" or "Remarks" section on the commercial invoice
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Most food, chocolate and candy products can be imported to Pakistan at a 20% tax rate. There are a few regulations that are easy to meet but nonetheless very important.
When shipping food to Pakistan you must ensure that the:
What You Can Send
Food has a shelf life of six months or longer.
Food is in the original manufacturer's packaging or wrapping.
Food labels list all ingredients and include an expiry date.
Packaging is sealed and intact.
Halal certificate is attached to the parcel
Generally you can send 1- 2 kg of food for personal consumption. Above that, you may be charged duties and taxes. The same rules apply for businesses. There are different rules for 2 special cases: foreign employees and privileged personnel.
1. A foreign employee of an industrial venture is entitled to import foodstuffs duty and tax-free up to the customs and freight value of US $100 (about $130 CDN) per month. (This excludes alcoholic beverages.)
2. Privileged personnel (defined as foreign experts, consultants or technicians visiting or residing in Pakistan under a proper Aid Agreement) are allowed to import the same values of foodstuffs as described in (1) above.
However, they are entitled to import foodstuffs and goods comprising liquor and tobacco up to the customs and freight value of US $200 (about $260 CDN) but must pay taxes and duty. Also, the value of liquor must not exceed US $100 (about $130 CDN) per month.
Chocolates
Chocolates can be imported easily into Pakistan. The duty and tax rates vary based on the type and brand of chocolate being imported. See
here
for details.
NOTE: Pakistani nationals are NOT exempt from duty and taxes on imported food, chocolate and candies.
Importing Food to Pakistan
Food can be imported into Pakistan providing the following restrictions and policies are observed:
Labels in English or Urdu are required.
When the foodstuffs are cleared, they must have a minimum of 66% of their shelf life.
Labelling of nutritional values and usage instructions in Urdu and English.
The exporter must provide a certificate of origin for all shipments.
For animal products and products containing animal products, the exporter must ensure that the product is 'Halal certified'.
Alcoholic beverages cannot be imported for commercial sale.
NOTE: Food samples, product samples and free samples must follow the same regulations as commercially imported items.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Small parcels sent to Pakistan as samples have no value restriction. The aggregate customs,
insurance and freight (CIF) value of samples must not exceed US $10,000 (about $13,000 CDN) or equivalent, per firm in a calendar year.
This valuation has an exception for medicines, which is PKR 25,000 (about 206 CDN), and for leather products it is 50 samples per calendar year.
In Pakistan, commercial samples are items only used for demonstration purposes. Their aim is to encourage people to buy or place orders.
You can import your commercial samples free of duties and taxes if:
The consignee (a.k.a. the recipient) is an established commercial entity* within Pakistan
An indemnity bond or bank guarantee ensures that the items will be re-exported to Canada
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking that clearly indicates the item as a commercial sample.
The items are declared as 'Commercial Sample' on the commercial invoice (See example below)
For Food Samples, Product samples and free samples must follow the same regulations as commercially imported items
Examples of consignees that are established commercial entities:
A government agency or department
A public institution or public establishment recognised and approved by the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material / Marketing Material
Unfortunately, there is limited information on this topic.
Our research shows that printed advertising/marketing material can be imported into Pakistan free of duties and taxes however, sources on this are limited.
Advertising Material Checklist
The commercial invoice clearly indicates 'Promotional material' or 'Advertising material' in the General Description or Remarks section (See example below.)
Price lists
The shipper can only send advertising material to a single receiver. If they are sent to multiple receivers, duties and taxes will apply.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Sending Product for Repair to Pakistan:
Goods exported from Pakistan that are under warranty may be returned to Pakistan for the purpose of repair or correcting defects.
Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce requires an indemnity bond in order to obtain a duty-free exemption.
Ensure to complete the following on the Commercial Invoice:
Write the words 'REPAIR & RETURN' under General Description or Remarks
Write the Serial or Product number under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include a copy of the Repair Contract with all your export documentation
Returning Product after Repairs are Completed:
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to Pakistan, then the following conditions must be met in order to obtain a duty-free exemption:
The words 'REPAIR & RETURN' are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks
The value of the product, INCLUDING the cost of the repair, must be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Pakistan
Note: If you don't have the original tracking information or documentation then your shipment may be delayed by Customs, and taxes may be charged on the shipment.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Generally, goods imported temporarily to Pakistan must be re-exported within 6 months of the date of admission.
However, if required by extenuating circumstances, this can be extended by an additional 6 months.
In the case of professional equipment, they can remain in Pakistan for 12 months.
Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:
Scientific and professional equipment.
Commercial samples.
Items that will be used or displayed at a fair, exhibition or event.
Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing.
Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth.
Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment.
Equipment and supplies for a mountaineering expedition.
If goods are to be temporarily imported for use in Pakistan, there are 3 options you can exercise in order to avoid having to pay any import duties or taxes.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI).
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided).
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
Indemnity Bond or Bank Guarantee
Very Low
3
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial invoice only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty or tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL), nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. CI + Indemnity Bond or Bank Guarantee
Temporary import-cum-export (a.k.a. Import combined with export) of goods is allowed with a monetary guarantee that they will be re-exported from Pakistan within the agreed time.
The amount of the bond or bank guarantee is equivalent to the customs duties and VAT. It will be refunded when the items are re-exported and forfeited if they remain in Pakistan.
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information
here.
In addition to using 1 of the 3 options outlined above, the following conditions must also be met:
The goods leave Pakistan within 1 year
The goods remain in the same condition as they were imported.
The words 'Temporary Import/Not for Resale' are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description.
NOTE: If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Exporting sold goods to Pakistan is a straightforward process. Generally, you should only need a commercial invoice.
If you are shipping personal belongings, you will also need to include a packaging list.
We recommend you consult a licensed Pakistan customs broker if you are considering exporting goods on a regular basis.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Kashmiri Mohalla Sialkot, Punjab Pakistan
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Pakistan. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Pakistan, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Import duty and taxes are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF. In Pakistan, an additional 17% VAT is added to the CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Tax is payable on all shipments. Be aware, certain goods attract other taxes which will be payable before the package can be delivered.
Pakistan provides detailed guidance on how to value imports for customs duty
here
and
here
.
Thresholds
Pakistan DOES NOT employ a duty and tax threshold (i.e. de minimis), which means all imports incur fees, except for those that have a duty value of 0% (see list below).
Currency
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
TAX (VAT / GST)
17%
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
0 PKR
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
0 PKR
Threshold Method
CIF
Tax & Duty Calc Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Fashion20%
Dry Food and Supplements20%
Home and Garden Supplies20%
Books3%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles11%
Computers & Laptops2%
Tablets10%
Mobiles10%
Cameras10%
Accessories for Electronics3%
Pet Accessories20%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
Jewellery3%
Luggage25%
Home Appliances20%
Toys20%
Sports equipment10%
Watches5%
Audio Video20%
NOTE: The numbers above are based on the item's Country of Origin (the manufacturer) being a part of the Most-Favored Nation (MFN).
If the Country of Origin is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), then it is part of the MFN and the duty rates above apply.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Additional Resources
Questions about Shipping to Pakistan
Can I ship to Pakistan?
Shipping to Pakistan from Canada can take between 3-8 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.
