# TDAP registration for exporters: do you need it, and how REX works URL: https://which.pk/business/guides/tdap-registration/ Author: Ahtisham Imtiaz Updated: 7 Oct 2026 ## Summary You don't need to register with TDAP to export: its own FAQ says registration for importers and exporters is no longer required. You deal with TDAP through Pakistan Single Window when you need one of its services, mainly an electronic certificate of origin for trade-agreement countries, or REX registration to self-certify origin for EU, Swiss, Norwegian and Turkish GSP exports. REX registration is a one-off with no expiry, but you must send TDAP a monthly statement-on-origin return by the 15th. ## Key facts - General registration: Not required - Apply through: PSW (LPCO) - REX validity: No expiry - REX return: Monthly, by 15th You **don't need to register with TDAP** to export. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan's own FAQ says registration for importers and exporters "is no longer required". You deal with TDAP through **Pakistan Single Window (PSW)** only when you need one of its services: an **electronic certificate of origin**, or **REX registration** to self-certify origin for EU GSP exports. **Why people search for 'TDAP registration':** Many guides still treat TDAP registration as a first step for exporters. Today the TDAP services you need run through PSW, so get your PSW subscription first. See [PSW registration](/business/guides/psw-registration/). ## How do I get a certificate of origin? TDAP issues **electronic certificates of origin (E-CO)** for shipments under trade agreements and GSP schemes. Since 30 September 2024 it issues no manual certificates. 1. Log in to **psw.gov.pk**, open **LPCO** on the dashboard, choose **Electronic Certificate of Origin** and click **Create New Request**. 2. Select the **trade agreement**. 3. Select your **goods declaration(s)**. Only those marked "Consignment Shipped" appear; up to three can go on one E-CO if the consignee, destination and transport are the same. 4. Fill in the TDAP office, producer, consignee, transport, goods and origin criterion, and upload the **bill of lading** and **invoice**. 5. **Pay** TDAP's processing fee through the PSID PSW generates. TDAP's guide doesn't state the amount. 6. TDAP **approves, e-signs and QR-codes** the E-CO. Print it on plain A4, sign and stamp the exporter's declaration, and send it to your buyer. ## What is REX, and how do I register? **REX** (Registered Exporter System) lets you **certify origin yourself** with a "statement on origin" for GSP exports to the **EU, Switzerland, Norway and Turkey**. You need a REX number when the originating goods in a shipment are worth more than **EUR 6,000**. TDAP is Pakistan's REX authority. 1. In PSW, go to **LPCO**, then **REX Registration Endorsement**, then **Create New Request**. 2. Follow the link to the European Commission's **REX pre-application** and fill it in. Your TIN is **PK plus your NTN without the hyphen**, for example PK76598431. 3. Print it, **sign and seal boxes 5 and 6**, and attach your **SECP certificate** or, if you're not SECP-registered, your **chamber of commerce or trade association membership certificate**, attested by that body. 4. **Upload** both on the same PSW screen and submit. 5. TDAP sends your **REX number and certificate** to your PSW inbox. ## What do I have to do after REX registration? - **Issue your own statements on origin** for GSP exports to the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Turkey. You can't get TDAP certificates of origin for these any more. - **Send TDAP copies of all statements made in a month**, with a summary, by the **15th of the next month**. - **Keep records for three years** and allow TDAP to verify your accounts and production. - **Tell TDAP about any change** to your registration details. REX registration **doesn't expire** while Pakistan qualifies for GSP, but TDAP can revoke it for breaking these terms. ## What else does TDAP offer? TDAP organises **international trade fairs** and subsidises part of the cost: for example 30% for textiles, 50% for leather, footwear and carpets, and 80% for new exporters and women entrepreneurs. Selected exhibitors pay a participation fee and a **refundable Rs 50,000 security deposit**. For the full export process, see [how to export from Pakistan](/business/guides/how-to-export-from-pakistan/) and the [import/export checklist](/business/guides/how-to-start-import-export-business/). More guides: [Import & Export](/business/import-export/). ## Questions people ask ### Is TDAP registration compulsory for exporters? No. TDAP's own FAQ says registration for importers and exporters is no longer required. You use TDAP's services through PSW only when you need them, such as a certificate of origin or REX registration. ### How do I register for REX through TDAP? In PSW go to LPCO, then REX Registration Endorsement, then Create New Request, and fill in the EU's REX pre-application using PK plus your NTN as the TIN. Upload the signed, attested pre-application with your SECP certificate or chamber membership certificate. ### How do I get a certificate of origin from TDAP? In PSW go to LPCO, choose Electronic Certificate of Origin and create a request against your shipped goods declaration. Pay the processing fee through the PSID; TDAP approves and e-signs it, and you print it on plain A4 paper. ### How long is REX registration valid? It has no expiry date and stays valid while Pakistan qualifies for the GSP preferences, but TDAP can revoke it for non-compliance. ### What does TDAP charge for trade fairs? For international exhibitions it subsidises part of the cost by sector, and selected exhibitors pay a participation fee plus a refundable Rs 50,000 security deposit. ## Sources - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://tdap.gov.pk/frequently-asked-questions/), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [Commissioning of the Electronic Certificate of Origin (E-CO) system (12 Aug 2024)](https://tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Commissioning-Of-the-Electronic-Certificate-of-Origin-E-Co-System-by-The-Tdap-Notice-for-The-Information-of-Exporters-and-Tdap-Offices.pdf), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [Steps for obtaining a new or amended E-CO (Feb 2026)](https://tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.-Obtaining__Amending_E-CO_Rev1.pdf), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [Simple steps for registration to REX (Feb 2026)](https://tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Simple-Steps-to-REX-Reg.pdf), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [Main terms for REX-registered businesses](https://tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Main-Terms-for-REX-Registered-Businesses.pdf), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [REX operational guide (Dec 2023)](https://tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/7-REX_Operational_Guide_V3_Dec-2023.pdf), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [Registered Exporter (REX) system](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/online-services/online-services-and-databases-customs/registered-exporter-rex-system_en), European Commission (accessed 7 Oct 2026) - [Guidelines for participation in international exhibitions (June 2026)](https://tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Guide-lines-for-Participation-exhibitions.pdf), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)