Importing from China to Pakistan
We help Pakistani importers and traders buy from Chinese factories and ship to Karachi or Port Qasim. Sea freight usually takes about 15 to 25 days. Customs clearance runs through the WeBOC system, and many goods qualify for lower duty under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement with a proper certificate of origin.
3 min readUpdated
At a glance
- Sea freight from China to Karachi usually takes about 15 to 25 days.
- Clearance runs through WeBOC, and you need a registered importer (NTN) and a bank import form.
- Many goods pay lower duty under the China-Pakistan FTA, with a valid certificate of origin.
- The consignee name on the bill of lading must match your registered name exactly.
Who we work with in Pakistan
China is Pakistan's largest source of imports. Our Pakistani clients include traders in Karachi and Lahore, retailers and e-commerce sellers, manufacturers buying machinery and parts, and companies supplying construction and hospitality projects.
Pakistani buyers often find suppliers themselves at fairs or online. Where we help most is checking those suppliers, inspecting the goods before payment, and getting the paperwork right for a smooth clearance.
Shipping from China to Pakistan
| Route | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Sea freight to Karachi Port | About 15 to 25 days |
| Sea freight to Port Qasim | About 15 to 25 days |
| Air freight to Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad | About 4 to 8 days |
Karachi handles most of Pakistan's imports, and Port Qasim, about 35 km east, handles much of the rest.
Customs clearance through WeBOC
Pakistan Customs processes imports through WeBOC, its online clearance system. To import commercially you'll typically need:
- A National Tax Number (NTN) and registration as an importer.
- An electronic import form through your bank before the goods ship.
- A goods declaration filed in WeBOC, usually by a licensed customs agent.
- Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading.
Check that the consignee name on the bill of lading matches your registered company name exactly. A mismatch is a common reason for goods being held.
Not sure what you need?
Tell us about your product and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Duties and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement
Imports can attract several charges: customs duty, regulatory duty, additional customs duty, sales tax and advance income tax. Together they can add a large share to the landed cost, so work it out before you order. Our landed cost calculator helps.
Under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, many products qualify for reduced or zero customs duty, provided they meet the rules of origin and come with a valid certificate of origin issued in China. Ask us for it when we arrange the order. Rates and the list of goods change, so confirm the current tariff for your product with the Federal Board of Revenue or your customs agent.
Product standards
Some products must meet Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) requirements, especially electrical goods, food products and some consumer goods. Ask your customs agent which apply to your product, and we'll ask the supplier for the relevant test reports.
How we help Pakistani buyers
- 1We find and check suppliers, including ones you've already met.
- 2We collect and check samples before you order.
- 3We inspect the goods before you pay the balance, so you're not paying for faulty stock.
- 4We arrange freight to Karachi or Port Qasim, and make sure the documents and certificate of origin are correct.
Common questions
How long does shipping from China to Karachi take?
By sea, usually about 15 to 25 days port to port. By air, about 4 to 8 days.
Can I get lower duty on goods from China?
Many goods qualify for lower duty under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, if they meet the rules of origin and come with a valid certificate of origin.
Do I need an NTN to import from China?
For commercial imports, yes. You'll also need an electronic import form through your bank and a customs agent to file the goods declaration.