Asia
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Importing to Pakistan
As a budding tech powerhouse, there are many opportunities to export and import to Pakistan. However, it has stringent trade regulations and requirements. An expert IOR can facilitate seamless shipments to Pakistan on your behalf.
Tax
up to 17%
Duties
up to 43%
Lead Times
±4 weeks
Restricted Items
Certain goods from Israel and India, all secondhand and refurbished goods
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Sunday and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
English and Urdu
Importing to Pakistan
Pakistan’s tech sector boasts impressive growth, offering importers various opportunities. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), Pakistan faces notable cybersecurity threats but lacks companies that provide services to combat this. Companies with cybersecurity software solutions and equipment can import these goods and grow the industry in Pakistan.
However, importing tech goods to Pakistan requires a range of permits, licenses, approvals, and boxes to tick, like obtaining a NOC. Navigating compliance requirements and trade regulations is best done with an experienced Importer of Record (IOR) partner like TecEx.
Interestingly, Pakistan encourages exports by offering subsidized financing and rebates on import duties, sales, and income taxes.
Temporary Imports and Re-exports
Pakistan’s temporary imports and re-exports are complex. Certain companies are allowed to temporarily import goods like commercial samples, tests, and trials.
Exports of imported goods are prohibited, except for scraps like old battery cells. Conversely, old or secondhand machinery may be exported, but no duties or taxes will be refunded to the original importer.
Export-Cum-Imports are permitted by the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce to export imported goods for repair or replacement, as long as an indemnity bond has been signed to confirm their re-importation.
Population
254 million
Biggest Industry by Export
Textiles
Biggest industry by Import
Petroleum
Capital City
Islamabad
Free Trade Agreements
Pakistan has a range of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that shippers can utilize for smooth trade:
- The US has a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with Pakistan,
- Pakistan has FTAs with China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka,
- It is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),
- It has preferential trade agreements with Indonesia, Iran, Mauritius, and Turkey,
- It has double tax agreements and bilateral investment agreements with a vast range of countries, and
- Pakistan has nine Free Trade Zones.
Importer of Record IOR Pakistan
TecEx can tailor a solution for your exports and imports to Pakistan. Acting as your Importer of Record (IOR), we take on your risk and seamlessly import your goods to Pakistan. With our expertise in NOCs, IRCs, ERCs, and other requirements for successfully importing to Pakistan, we can ensure your trade compliance for seamless customs clearance.
Importing tech goods to Pakistan is not easy, but with TecEx, you can obtain Type Approval and Bank Approval for your shipments with ease. Additionally, navigating imports of secondhand and refurbished goods requires special care, which our specialists can ensure. As revaluations are common in Pakistan customs, we can also assist in optimizing your goods classification and valuation to avoid incurring additional duties and taxes.
Temporary imports and re-exports are particularly tricky, with stringent requirements and regulations. We can ensure you navigate these shipments correctly to avoid errors and penalties.
Additionally, with our in-depth understanding of free trade agreements and free trade zones, we can ensure your shipments leverage off of these.
Exporter of Record EOR Pakistan
As an Exporter of Record (EOR), TecEx can assist you with smooth exports from Pakistan. Our EOR services can prevent stuck shipments and penalties by taking on your compliance responsibilities, obtaining the required export documentation, and fulfilling financial obligations.
Unique Pain Points
Pakistan can be a challenging destination for importers. According to the ITA, one of its trade barriers is Pakistan customs’s incorrect valuation of goods.
Goods imported to Pakistan can be subject to revaluation at customs’ discretion, making accurate goods valuation vital for customs clearance in Pakistan. Undervalued goods will incur additional costs for increased taxes and duties. While end-of-life tech can be of lower value, customs may still evaluate them. TecEx can ensure the accurate valuation of your goods to avoid penalties and delays.
Refurbished and secondhand goods are particularly tricky to import to Pakistan. Refurbished items need a correct valuation and must be declared refurbished on the Commercial Invoice (CI). However, secondhand goods with specific HS codes and all ICT goods are prohibited from being imported. You must ensure that your secondhand goods are permitted, correctly valued, and declared on the CI.
Pakistan had import prohibitions on specific goods, including tech products like mobile phones and home appliances, that were lifted in August 2022. However, these goods now require import licenses. Additionally, goods from Israel are prohibited from being imported, while certain Indian-origin products are prohibited. Certificates of Origin play a significant role in seamless Pakistani customs clearance.
Pakistan also has some holidays that last a few days, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-al-Azha, and Ashura. Importers and exporters need to keep these days in mind to know when to expect minor delays.
Countries Associated with Pakistan
North America
United States of America (USA)
Asia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Specific Compliance Regulations
Pakistan NTN and STRN
A national tax number (NTN) and a sales tax registration number (STRN) are critical when applying for an import (IRC) or export (ERC) registration certificate in Pakistan. This is obtained from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Pakistan NOC
Importing electronic media equipment to Pakistan is challenging. These goods cannot be imported to Pakistan without a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Applying for an NOC has various requirements, such as importing two samples to Pakistan for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to review. Only existing PEMRA Licensees can also apply for an NOC to import Android or Smart TV boxes.
Type Approval
Encrypted & Communication Goods need Type Approval before import to Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) must approve items with a range of specific HS codes, covering goods from telephone sets to routers. The application requires a sample to be sent to the PTA, which will not be returned after testing if valued under $3,000.
Certain shipments may require a Certificate of Conformity (COC), which can only be applied for with a Manufacturer Type Approval. TecEx can help you determine what approvals your shipment needs to enter Pakistan.
Bank Approval
All shipments to Pakistan require Bank Approval, which is granted at the bank’s discretion and can cause delays.
Your global trade solution for Pakistan
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