International convention and customs procedures of Pakistan

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

International Economic Cooperation

Pakistan does not belong to any Customs Union.

It is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

Pakistan has signed Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with nearly 40 countries. It has also signed ‘Double Taxation Agreements’ with nearly 50 countries.

The country has signed a trade agreement with 21 other countries in the São Paulo Round of the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP).

For more details, visit:

Pakistani Government

Pakistani state

Pakistan Customs

Federal Board of Revenue

Non Tariff Barriers

According to the Trade Policy-2006 of Pakistan, the import of 30 items is banned into the country. This ban is based on religious, environmental, security, and health issues.

Moreover the government reserves the power to grant sector-specific duty exemptions, concessions, and protections under Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs), though the use of SROs has decreased during recent years.

For more details, visit:

Central Board of Revenue

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Customs duties in Pakistan are levied on ad-valorem basis. The maximum customs duty is 25%. In addition to the customs duty, the government charges 15% sales tax on the duty paid value of a variety of goods imported into the country. Customs duty and other charges are payable in rupees. For more details, visit: Pakistan Customs

The WTO gives a sheet summarizing the Customs tariffs of the country

Customs Classification

The Customs duty in Pakistan is based on the International Harmonized System.

Import Procedures

The following documents are required for imports:

1. Bill of lading;
2. Invoices;
3. Packing list;
4. Certificate of origin;
5. Copies of letters of credit (triplicate); and
6. Insurance certificates.

For more details on import procedures, please visit: Pakistan Customs Authority

Importing Samples

Government of Pakistan allows duty-free import of samples (not for commercial use) provided a bank guarantee or indemnity bond is provided to Customs to ensure that the items will be returned.

The same is applicable to the re-export of goods; but with a minimum value-addition of 2.5% over their FOB price.

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

For Further Information

Pakistan Customs
Asia Trade Hub