Pakistan
PK · PAK
As of: 7/28/2026
Transitland CPEC / Textil-Exporteur
Capital: Islamabad
SAFTA / CPFTA / EU GSP+SeefrachtStrasseSchieneLuftfrachtImport VAT: Sales Tax (GST) Standardsatz 18 Prozent auf den Importwert (seit 2023)Customs: hochRisk: mittel bis hochPharma/Cold Chain: mittel bis hochDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: mittel
Overview
Pakistan (PK) lies in South Asia on the Arabian Sea and acts as the CPEC transit country between western China, Central Asia and the Gulf, as well as a major exporter of textiles and rice. Imports are subject to 18 percent sales tax plus customs duty, additional customs duty and advance taxes; clearance runs electronically through WeBOC and the FBR's Pakistan Single Window. Almost all seaborne trade moves through Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar; air cargo runs via Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE) and Islamabad (ISB), complemented by dry ports such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot. Key corridors are the N-5 Karachi–Peshawar, motorways M-1/M-2, the Karakoram Highway (N-35) to China and the ML-1 main rail line (CPEC upgrade). Main exports are textiles, rice, leather goods and sporting goods; imports centre on petroleum products, machinery and chemicals, with the USA, China, the EU and the Gulf states as leading partners. EU market access runs via GSP+; there is no FTA with Switzerland/EFTA.
Mentioned countries
Area881,913 km²
Population241,499,431
CurrencyPakistani Rupee (PKR)
Economic areaSAFTA / CPFTA / EU GSP+
ContinentAsien
ReligionsIslam
ISO codePK / PAK
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) - Pakistan CustomsImport system
Elektronische Abwicklung über WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) und das Pakistan Single Window (PSW) der FBR / Pakistan Customs; Einfuhr per elektronischer Goods Declaration.
Export system
Ausfuhr ebenfalls über WeBOC und Pakistan Single Window (PSW); elektronische Export-Goods-Declaration bei Pakistan Customs.
Import VAT
- Sales Tax (GST) Standardsatz 18 Prozent auf den Importwert (seit 2023)
- dazu Additional Customs Duty und Steuervorauszahlungen beim Import (FBR).
Customs complexityhoch
Import documents
- Goods Declaration (WeBOC/PSW)
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Ursprungszeugnis
- Letter of Credit / Bankunterlagen
Export documents
- Export Goods Declaration (WeBOC/PSW)
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Ursprungszeugnis (Form E/REX)
- E-Form (Bankausfuhrnachweis)
Origin proofs / FTA
CPFTA-Phase-II mit China (Certificate of Origin), SAFTA, FTA mit Malaysia und Sri Lanka; EU-Marktzugang über GSP+ (REX). Kein FTA mit der Schweiz/EFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Verboten u.a. Alkohol, Schweinefleisch, Waffen, Drogen, anstössige Medien; Lizenzen/Verbote laut Import Policy Order. Halal-Vorgaben für Lebensmittel.
Export controls & sanctions
Strategische Exportkontrolle über SECDIV nach SECA-2004 mit National Control Lists (revidiert 2025). Pakistan seit Oktober 2022 von der FATF-Greylist; keine umfassenden Sanktionen.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Air
mediumSea
highRoad
highRail
mediumInland Waterway
n/aCargo airports
- Karachi - Jinnah International (KHI)
- Lahore - Allama Iqbal International (LHE)
- Islamabad International (ISB)
Seaports / access ports
- Karachi Port (KPT)
- Port Qasim (Bin Qasim)
- Gwadar (COPHC/CPEC)
Inland ports & terminals
- Dry Port Lahore
- Dry Port Faisalabad
- Dry Port Sialkot
- Dry Port Islamabad/Rawalpindi
- Dry Port Multan
Road corridors & border crossings
- N-5 (Karachi-Peshawar)
- Karakoram Highway N-35 nach China (CPEC)
- Motorways M-1/M-2
Rail corridors
- Main Line ML-1 Karachi-Lahore-Peshawar (CPEC-Ausbau)
- Main Line ML-2
- Main Line ML-3
Top trade lanes
- Pakistan-China
- Pakistan-EU
- Pakistan-USA
- Pakistan-Golfstaaten (VAE/Saudi-Arabien)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel bis hoch
Customs delay riskhoch
Port congestion riskmittel bis hoch
Risk notes
Sicherheitslage regional unterschiedlich (Belutschistan, KP). Bürokratie und Zollkontrollen können Lieferketten verzögern; Währungsvolatilität (PKR) und Importrestriktionen je nach Devisenlage.
Seasonal & weather risks
Sommermonsun (Juli bis September) mit Überschwemmungsgefahr (schwere Fluten 2022); extreme Sommerhitze im Süden; Winternebel in der Indus-Ebene beeinträchtigt Strassen- und Flugverkehr.
Current logistics notes
Hormuz-Krise: Karachi und Port Qasim profitieren als Umleitungs- und Transshipment-Hubs — Karachi mit Achtjahreshoch bei Schiffsanläufen (über 2000 im FY 2025/26). Keine Kriegszuschläge auf Pakistan-Routen laut Regierung, Lagergeld-Erlasse 25-50 Prozent an Karachi-Terminals; auf Golf-Routen dagegen War-Risk-Zuschläge bis ca. 4000 USD/TEU. Finance Act 2026 (ab 1.7.2026): E-Invoicing-Pflicht und Faceless Customs ausgebaut, Sales Tax bleibt 18 Prozent. Kein neuer Transporteurstreik verifiziert. (Stand 2026-07-28)
As of: 2026-07-28
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 25, 2026
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 5, 2026 | Kashmir Day | National | |||
| Mar 21, 2026 | Eid al-Fitr (Day 1) | National | Multi-day closures; customs, port and banking operations slow down significantly. | ||
| Mar 22, 2026 | Eid al-Fitr (Day 2) | National | |||
| Mar 23, 2026 | Pakistan Day (also Eid al-Fitr, Day 3) | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| May 27, 2026 | Eid ul-Azha (Day 1) | National | Multi-day closures (27-29 May, five days incl. weekend); customs and port handling slow down significantly. | ||
| May 28, 2026 | Youm-e-Takbeer (also Eid ul-Azha, Day 2) | National | |||
| May 29, 2026 | Eid ul-Azha (Day 3) | National | |||
| Jun 25, 2026 | Ashura (9th Muharram) | National | Processions cause extensive road closures in cities; expect traffic disruption. | ||
| Jun 26, 2026 | Ashura (10th Muharram) | National | |||
| Aug 14, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Aug 25, 2026 | Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) | National | |||
| Nov 9, 2026 | Allama Iqbal Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | National |
Kashmir Day
Feb 5, 2026
Customs closed
Eid al-Fitr (Day 1)
Mar 21, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Multi-day closures; customs, port and banking operations slow down significantly.
Eid al-Fitr (Day 2)
Mar 22, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Pakistan Day (also Eid al-Fitr, Day 3)
Mar 23, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Customs closed
Eid ul-Azha (Day 1)
May 27, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Multi-day closures (27-29 May, five days incl. weekend); customs and port handling slow down significantly.
Youm-e-Takbeer (also Eid ul-Azha, Day 2)
May 28, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Eid ul-Azha (Day 3)
May 29, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Ashura (9th Muharram)
Jun 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Processions cause extensive road closures in cities; expect traffic disruption.
Ashura (10th Muharram)
Jun 26, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Independence Day
Aug 14, 2026
Customs closed
Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
Aug 25, 2026
Customs closed
Allama Iqbal Day
Nov 9, 2026
Customs closed
Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas
Dec 25, 2026
Customs closed
Sources: Cabinet Division Pakistan, Public Holidays 2026 · Cabinet Division Pakistan, Eid-ul-Azha Notification 20.05.2026 · Cabinet Division Pakistan, Public Holidays 2026 / Eid-ul-Azha Notification 20.05.2026 · Cabinet Division Pakistan, Public Holidays 2026 (mondabhängig) · Jährlicher Fixtermin; Cabinet-Notifikation 2027 ausstehend
Airports in this country
Allama Iqbal International Airport
LHE · Lahore
Islamabad International Airport
ISB · Attock
Jinnah International Airport
KHI · Karachi
Bahawalpur Airport
BHV · Bahawalpur
Chitral Airport
CJL · Chitral
Dera Ghazi Khan Airport
DEA · Dera Ghazi Khan
Dera Ismael Khan Airport
DSK · Dera Ismael Khan
Faisalabad International Airport
LYP · Faisalabad
Gilgit Airport
GIL · Gilgit
Mangla Airport
XJM · Mangla
Mianwali Air Base
MWD · Mianwali
Minhas Air Base
ATG · Kamra
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-28
Official sources
- fbr.gov.pk
- psw.gov.pk
- pbs.gov.pk
- secdiv.gov.pk
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import sales tax in Pakistan?
The standard sales tax (GST) rate is 18 percent and has applied to imports since February 2023. Customs duty, additional customs duty and advance taxes are added; some goods are reduced-rated or exempt.
Which system is used for customs clearance?
Clearance is handled electronically through WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) and the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) of the FBR / Pakistan Customs via an electronic goods declaration.
Is there a free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA?
No, there is no free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA. However, EU imports from Pakistan benefit from the GSP+ preference scheme, and Pakistan has FTAs with China (CPFTA), Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
Which seaports and airports matter for cargo?
The key seaports are Karachi Port, Port Qasim and the CPEC port of Gwadar, handling almost all foreign trade. Air cargo runs mainly through Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE) and Islamabad (ISB).
Which goods are prohibited or restricted?
Prohibited items include alcohol, pork, weapons, drugs and offensive media. Food is subject to halal requirements; further licensing and import restrictions follow from the Import Policy Order.
What role does the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) play?
CPEC links Gwadar port via roads (Karakoram Highway) and the ML-1 railway to western China and drives the expansion of ports, roads, rail and energy. This positions Pakistan as a transit hub.
What should be noted on export control and sanctions?
Pakistan operates strategic export controls through SECDIV under the SECA-2004 with national control lists (last revised 2025). Since October 2022 it is off the FATF grey list; there are no comprehensive international sanctions.
Which trade partners are important for Pakistan?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Pakistan?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Last updated: