Sending a package to Pakistan: Customs, sales tax and delivery time
From Germany to Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad: How to properly prepare business shipments
Pakistan is one of South Asia's largest markets and boasts significant industrial, commercial, and logistics centers. For German companies, machinery, spare parts, electrical engineering products, medical technology, IT products, and industrial equipment can be particularly attractive export goods.
- Shipping from Germany to Pakistan
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad
- Prepare customs and goods data digitally
- 18% sales tax included
- Check current PCT tariff
- Obtain import permits before shipping
- Provide full recipient and product description
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In Pakistan, the HS code determines more than just the customs duty rate.
For a business shipment, the goods description, PCT code, value of goods and recipient should be determined before pickup.
The tariff number can also determine whether additional permits or approvals from Pakistani authorities are required.
Include 18% sales tax.
Pakistan normally levies an 18 percent sales tax. However, certain products are exempt from certain exceptions, have zero rates, or are subject to special tax regulations.
Check current PCT code
Pakistan publishes a separate Pakistan Customs Tariff for each financial year. The current tariff for 2026/27 is already available.
Don't discover the import permit only at customs.
The Pakistan Single Window automatically assigns approval requirements to the relevant authorities based on HS and product code.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Pakistan: Check import eligibility first.
When shipping to Pakistan, it should be clarified who will handle the import clearance before booking the shipment.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
Import clearance and the agreed import costs are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can include:
- Customs Duty
- 18% Sales Tax
- Additional Customs Duty
- Regulatory Duty
- Federal Excise Duty (if applicable)
- Import permits
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
For DDP The seller assumes further obligations and agreed import costs, provided that the carrier and the Pakistani import situation allow this.
In the case of Pakistan, it is particularly important that the recipient or importer meets the necessary local requirements.
Before making a DDP offer, at least the following should be checked:
- PCT code
- Customs value
- Customs Duty
- Additional Customs Duty
- Regulatory Duty
- Sales tax
- Importer status
- product-specific approvals
- Carrier and handling costs
What is the import duty in Pakistan?
Pakistan does not have a uniform customs tariff.
The decisive factor is the respective one. Pakistan Customs Tariff Code.
Therefore, the following should be checked for a specific shipment:
- PCT code
- regular customs duty
- possible customs relief
- Additional Customs Duty
- Regulatory Duty
- cart value
- Country of origin
Pakistan is reforming its import tariffs
Pakistan is implementing a gradual reform of import tariffs with its National Tariff Policy.
This includes, among other things, reducing various industrial tariff positions.
This can be particularly interesting for machines, spare parts, technical components and production equipment.
A customs duty rate from an older calculation should therefore not be used for a new delivery without being checked.
How is the customs value calculated?
Pakistan generally uses the transaction value.
This refers initially to the price actually paid or to be paid for the goods sold for export to Pakistan.
The following can be added, among others:
- Transport costs to the point of import
- Loading and unloading costs
- Handling costs
- Insurance
- certain commissions
- Packaging costs
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Pakistan?
Pakistan refers to its general excise tax on goods as Sales tax.
The regular rate is:
18%.
Sales tax generally also applies to taxable imports of goods.
However, for individual products:
- Tax exemptions
- Zero sentences
- Special rates
- special design rules
be valid.
In addition to sales tax, import duties and other charges may apply.
Therefore, for DDP calculations, a flat rate of 18 percent should not simply be added to the invoice value.
Regular sales tax rate: 18%
Pakistan Single Window: Digitally bundle import, documents and permits
One of the most important special features for shipping to Pakistan is that Pakistan Single Window, PSW.
The platform consolidates import, export, and transit procedures at a single digital access point.
PSW can be used, among other things, to:
- Import declarations
- Product information
- Commercial documents
- permits
- Certificates
- Payment Information
be processed electronically.
Single Declaration instead of multiple official notifications
For imports, the Single Declaration – Import are available to support you.
The importer or customs agent records, among other things:
- Type of shipment
- Financing information
- Goods items
- HS codes
- Documents
- Payment Information
Relevant information can then be automatically forwarded to the responsible authorities.
This reduces duplicate reports, but at the same time increases the importance of clean source data.
If the invoice, product description, and HS code don't match, digitization simply makes the error visible more quickly. At least it's efficient.
Product-specific authorities may be involved
Depending on the goods, additional authorities may be involved.
This includes, for example, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, PSQCA.
However, for medications and medically regulated products, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, DRAP relevant.
Additional permits may also be required for food, plants, chemicals and other controlled goods.
Sending a package to Pakistan: What companies should know beforehand
Pakistan lies between India, China, Afghanistan, Iran and the Arabian Sea.
The most important economic and logistics locations include:
- Karachi
- Lahore,
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi,
- Faisalabad
- Sialkot
- Multan
Karachi is particularly important for international sea and air transport.
Lahore and Faisalabad are among the country's important industrial centers.
What documents do I need for Pakistan?
For a standard commercial delivery, the following information and/or documents should typically be prepared:
- Commercial Invoices
- Packing List
- Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
- precise product description
- PCT/HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Sender and recipient data
- Import permit (if applicable)
- If applicable, conformity or product certificates
The additional documents required depend heavily on the goods.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Pakistan?
For a normal German export to Pakistan, there is currently no general reciprocal EU customs preference where an EUR.1 automatically leads to a cheaper Pakistani import duty.
Pakistan does indeed possess GSP+ at the European Union.
However, this regulation applies to the other direction of trade:
Pakistan → European Union.
For goods delivered from Germany to Pakistan, the current Pakistani customs tariff must always be checked.
Therefore, an EUR.1 certificate should not simply be issued as a precautionary measure.
How long does it take for a package to Pakistan to arrive?
For standard parcel shipments, depending on the carrier and service, you should expect to pay approximately... 12 to 20 working days be expected.
Express shipments can reach key destinations such as Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad significantly faster.
Additional time can be gained through:
- Customs inspection
- missing import permits
- product-specific authorities
- Recipient region
- missing documents
What language should the customs declaration be in?
For international business shipments, a precise English product description is recommended.
Not:
“Electronic Parts”
but for example:
“24 V electronic control module for industrial packaging machine”
This makes it much easier to identify the product and its intended use.
Write the address to Pakistan correctly
International addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible address format is:
PAK INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS LTD.
24 INDUSTRIAL AREA
GULBERG III
LAHORE 54660
PAKISTAN
Additionally, the recipient's phone number and email address should be provided.
Especially when there are questions during import clearance, having complete contact details can prevent delays.
These errors are delaying shipments to Pakistan
The Pakistani import process is highly digitized.
However, this does not mean that incomplete data would suddenly be less problematic.
Typical causes for delays include:
- incorrect or outdated PCT code
- The product description is too general.
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- The importer is not correctly registered.
- The import permit was not checked.
- PSQCA or DRAP requirements were overlooked.
- The packing list and invoice do not match.
- Recipient data is incomplete
Especially for goods whose customs tariff or regulatory requirements have changed, old item master data should be checked regularly.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Pakistan?
Pakistan has a large textile, food, pharmaceutical, automotive and manufacturing industry.
The demand for machines, components and technical products is correspondingly diverse.
For German companies, the following goods, for example, may be of interest:
- Machines and production facilities
- Machine spare parts
- Textile and packaging machines
- Electrical Engineering
- Automation and control technology
- Measurement and testing technology
- medical equipment
- Laboratory and pharmaceutical technology
- IT and communication technology
- Pumps and water technology
- Tools and industrial components
Especially with computers and electronics, additional transport regulations for contained lithium-ion batteries should be taken into account.
Practical advice can be found at Send laptops and PCs internationally.
Pakistan uses its own PCT codes
The Pakistani commodity classification is described in:
Pakistan Customs Tariff, PCT
published.
The tariff numbers are based on the Harmonised System and are further subdivided for specific imports.
For the financial year:
2026/27
The Pakistani Federal Board of Revenue already provides the current customs tariff. FBR
Therefore, old customs tables should not simply be adopted from past offers.
Shipping information: Pakistan
Standard, express or freight to Pakistan.
The most suitable shipping method depends primarily on weight, size, and urgency.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical goods, an international parcel service can be used.
As a guideline, standard packages can be used with approximately... 12 to 20 working days be expected.
For retailers with smaller shipments, international shipping services may also be of interest.
For more information, please visit DHL Goods Mail and International Goods Solutions.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, IT products or production materials, Express is significantly faster.
The specific delivery time should be checked based on the destination address, type of goods and the selected service.
Freight shipping
Air and sea freight are options for machinery, pallets, and larger quantities of goods.
Karachi is Pakistan's most important gateway to international trade.
The southern coastal region plays a central role in larger deliveries of goods.
The greater Karachi area contains several important port facilities.
This includes in particular:
- Port of Karachi
- Port Qasim
In addition, Pakistan possesses Try it another deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea.
For German machinery and container deliveries, the established port and logistics structures in the Karachi area are primarily used.
From there, the transport continues, for example, to:
- Lahore,
- Faisalabad
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi,
- other industrial areas
For smaller and time-critical goods, air freight via international airports such as Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad may be more practical.
The most suitable route therefore depends heavily on the size of the shipment and the recipient's location.
What import costs might arise in Pakistan?
The actual cost of an import can consist of several components.
Depending on the product, the following may be relevant:
- Customs Duty
- 18% Sales Tax
- Additional Customs Duty
- Regulatory Duty
- Federal Excise Duty (if applicable)
- Import license costs
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
The current Pakistan Customs Tariff should therefore always be checked for the specific tariff item.
This is particularly important because Pakistan is gradually reforming its customs structure, and customs duties and additional levies may change.
How much does a package to Pakistan cost?
The transport price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Package dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Carrier
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
Therefore, a shipment to Karachi can be calculated differently than a delivery to a smaller or more remote region.
Potential import costs may also apply.
Especially when comparing flights to Pakistan, it's not enough to simply compare the carrier price.
For more complex international shipping processes, comparing different shipping platforms can also be useful.
For more information, please visit Jumingo alternative for international shipping solutions.
Online trade to Pakistan: Small shipments are not automatically duty-free.
For German online shops, Pakistan is a classic third-country shipping destination.
In addition to the cost of goods and shipping, the following may apply during import:
- Customs Duty
- 18% Sales Tax
- Additional Customs Duty
- Regulatory Duty
- Carrier handling fees
Pakistan has a very low de minimis threshold for courier and postal shipments.
Online retailers should therefore not calculate with a generous general duty-free allowance.
A low value of goods does not automatically mean that the shipment will be delivered without import duties.
Product data should be taken directly from the shop if possible.
For international orders, the following information should ideally already be entered into the shop system:
- specific product description
- cart value
- Weight
- Country of origin
- HS code
The less of this data needs to be manually supplemented later, the lower the risk of conflicting customs information.
Pakistan combines strict product regulations with a digital import process
Pakistan is interesting for shipping because two developments are running in parallel.
On the one hand, there are extensive regulatory requirements for various types of goods.
On the other hand, the procedures are increasingly being digitized via the Pakistan Single Window.
The Import Policy fundamentally distinguishes between freely importable, restricted and prohibited goods.
This means that for regulated goods, the customs tariff should not be the only factor examined.
Examples of relevant examples include:
- PSQCA compliance requirements
- DRAP approvals
- phytosanitary permits
- Special permits for controlled goods
The Pakistan Single Window digitally processes many of these permits and links them to the actual import declaration.
Which carrier is suitable for Pakistan?
For shipments from Germany to Pakistan, various international parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the broadcast, the following can be used, for example:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- international air freight partners
- Sea freight and forwarding partner
When making a comparison, one should not only consider the transport price.
Other important criteria include:
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Tracking
- Insurance
- maximum weight
- maximum package dimensions
- Target region
- possible surcharges
Therefore, a different service may be appropriate for a desperately needed spare part to be shipped to Lahore than for a pallet of machine components to Karachi.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Pakistan?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Pakistan. Since Pakistan is outside the EU, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take for a package to Pakistan to arrive?
Standard parcel shipments typically take 12 to 20 business days, depending on the carrier and service. Express shipments to Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad can be significantly faster.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Pakistan?
Pakistan levies a standard sales tax of 18 percent on most taxable goods. Exceptions or special regulations apply to certain goods.
What are the customs duties in Pakistan?
Customs duties depend on the specific PCT tariff classification. Pakistan publishes its own Customs Tariff for this purpose. Additional charges such as Additional Customs Duty or Regulatory Duty may also apply.
What is the Pakistan Customs Tariff?
The Pakistan Customs Tariff contains the commodity classifications and customs duties used for imports. The specific PCT code is therefore the basis for determining the import duty.
What is the Pakistan Single Window?
The Pakistan Single Window is the central digital platform for import, export, and transit procedures. It allows for the processing of customs information, documents, permits, and payments, among other things.
Do I need an import permit for Pakistan?
It depends on the goods. Certain regulated products require permits or certificates. Many of these procedures are handled through the Pakistan Single Window.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Pakistan?
There is no general EU tariff preference for ordinary German exports to Pakistan. Pakistan's GSP+ status primarily concerns Pakistani-origin products imported into the European Union.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
For business shipments, the product description should be in English. It should clearly identify the product, material, and intended use.
Is there a duty-free allowance for packages to Pakistan?
Pakistan has a very low de minimis threshold for courier and postal shipments. Therefore, goods of small value should not automatically be considered duty-free or tax-free.
What documents do I need for Pakistan?
Typically, a commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents, and complete product data are required. Depending on the goods, import permits, certificates of conformity, or other certifications may also be necessary.
Can I ship DDP to Pakistan?
DDP may be possible depending on the carrier and import configuration. Beforehand, importer status, PCT code, customs duty, sales tax, additional charges, and required permits should be checked.
