Do you need an import or export licence in Pakistan?

No. Pakistan has no general import or export licence. Under the Import Policy Order 2022 and Export Policy Order 2022, any goods can be traded unless they’re specifically banned or restricted. What you need instead is an NTN, sales tax registration if you import, and a Pakistan Single Window (PSW) subscription, which costs Rs 500 for two years. Only restricted goods need specific permits.

What do I actually need?

FBR lists all importers among those who must register for sales tax. For exporters, TDAP’s guide says commercial exporters don’t have to, though registering lets them claim input tax back.

See the full import/export checklist and PSW registration.

Which goods are banned or restricted for import?

The Import Policy Order 2022 says goods can be imported from anywhere unless banned, prohibited or restricted:

• Banned (Appendix A, the “negative list”): for example alcoholic drinks, pork products, factory rejects, job lots and stock lots (with exceptions), used cooking oil and ghee, narcotics, and hazardous waste under the Basel Convention.
• Also banned: goods from or originating in India (except DRAP-regulated medicines) or Israel, and counterfeit products.
• Banned if used (Appendix C): listed goods in second-hand condition, unless exempted.
• Restricted (Appendix B): importable only on conditions, often a permit or registration from DRAP, the Department of Plant Protection, the Animal Quarantine Department or OGRA.

Imported goods must also meet the same quality standards as local ones; PSQCA’s standards are listed in Appendix N.

Which goods are banned or restricted for export?

The Export Policy Order 2022 allows all exports except Schedule I. Banned items include wheat, wheat flour and wheat products, fertilisers such as urea and DAP, wood, timber, charcoal and firewood, and antiquities at least 75 years old. Schedule II goods need conditions met. Exports to India are banned except DRAP-regulated medicines.

Some sensitive goods on the government’s controlled list need a licence from the Strategic Export Control Division, and nuclear or radioactive materials need authorisation from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

How do I get a permit for restricted goods?

Through PSW, which handles LPCOs (licences, permits, certificates and other documents) for over 22 government agencies. Two examples:

• Medicines (DRAP): apply for entity registration, drug import licences and release orders on PSW, and pay DRAP’s fees there.
• Plants and seeds (Department of Plant Protection): apply for import permits and phytosanitary export certificates on PSW, paying the permit fee through a PSID.

Can I bring in a car?

Overseas Pakistanis can import a vehicle under the personal baggage, transfer of residence or gift schemes, with conditions on time spent abroad and the vehicle’s age. We couldn’t confirm the latest amendments to the vehicle rules because the Ministry of Commerce site was unreachable when we checked, so confirm with Customs before you ship.

More guides: Import & Export.