Sourcing & Importing Products from China to Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing import markets for Chinese goods in South Asia, but its duty structure is more layered than most: a shipment typically owes Customs Duty, Additional Customs Duty (ACD), Sales Tax, and an advance/withholding income tax — all stacked on the same declaration. Getting the HS code and importer status right matters more here than in most markets, because misclassification compounds across four separate tax lines rather than one.
There's also no meaningful de minimis exemption: unlike some markets that waive duty on small parcels, Pakistan taxes commercial shipments from the first rupee of assessed value, and even low-value postal parcels above roughly PKR 5,000 attract duty. That makes accurate landed-cost forecasting essential before you commit to a supplier's quote — which is exactly what we calculate for you up front.
Key import facts
Duties, taxes & tariffs
| General Customs Duty (most consumer goods) | 3%–20% |
| Additional Customs Duty (ACD) | 0%–7% |
| Regulatory Duty (selected/non-essential items, capped under the National Tariff Policy 2025–30) | up to 20% |
| Sales Tax (GST) at import | 18% standard (12%–18% by category) |
| Advance/Withholding Income Tax at import | ~1%–6% (depends on FBR active-filer status) |
- WeBOC / Pakistan Single Window (PSW) processing: Nominal, per Goods Declaration
- Port handling & terminal charges (Karachi / Port Qasim): Varies by container size and terminal operator
Compliance & certifications
Shipping from China
- ▸ Sea FCL (20ft / 40ft) — lowest per-unit cost for full-container volume
- ▸ Sea LCL — shared container for smaller shipments
- ▸ Air freight — time-sensitive or higher-value goods
- ▸ Express courier — samples and small parcels
Customs clearance
- ✓ Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) or NTN for commercial importers
- ✓ Goods Declaration (GD) filed electronically via WeBOC / Pakistan Single Window
- ✓ Commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading / air waybill
- ✓ Correct PCT (Pakistan Customs Tariff) code — duty, ACD, and regulatory duty all key off this
- ✓ PSQCA / Electronic Import Form (EIF) registration completed before shipment for regulated categories
Top imported categories
Frequently asked questions
Q.Is there a duty-free threshold for small shipments from China to Pakistan?
No. Pakistan does not offer a general de minimis exemption for commercial imports — Customs Duty and 18% Sales Tax apply from the first rupee of assessed value, and even low-value postal parcels above roughly PKR 5,000 are taxed.
Q.Do I need PSQCA certification to import from China?
Only for products on PSQCA's compulsory list — mainly household appliances, electrical goods, and other regulated categories. Telecom and wireless devices additionally need PTA type approval. We confirm exactly which certifications your product needs before production starts.
Q.How long does shipping from China to Pakistan take?
Sea FCL to Karachi or Port Qasim typically takes 18–25 days port-to-port (28–35 days door-to-door, longer during peak-season congestion). Air freight is 3–7 days door-to-door; express courier is 4–7 days for samples and small parcels.
Q.What import taxes apply on top of customs duty?
Most shipments also owe Additional Customs Duty (0–7%), Sales Tax (18% standard rate), and an advance/withholding income tax (roughly 1–6% depending on your FBR filer status). We calculate the full landed cost — duty, ACD, sales tax, and freight — before you commit to an order.
Get an accurate landed-cost quote
We'll classify your product, confirm compliance and price in current duties — no surprises at the port.
Request a quote