How to Import from China to Pakistan

1. Confirm that your product can be imported

Most goods can be imported freely, but some are banned, restricted or need a no-objection certificate or a standard approval. Check the current import policy and the specific product's requirements before you negotiate a single price.

2. Get your business ready

• Register your business and obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) with FBR; sales-tax registration applies to many commercial importers.
• Open a business bank account that can handle foreign-currency payments.
• Make sure you or your customs agent have access to the customs and trade-facilitation systems used to file Goods Declarations.

3. Find the HS code and estimate duties

Every product is classified under an HS code, which decides the customs duty, additional duties and taxes that apply. Classification errors are a leading cause of clearance delays and penalties, so confirm the code with your clearing agent before you order.

4. Find and verify a supplier

• Shortlist several manufacturers rather than trading companies posing as factories.
• Ask for the business licence, product certificates and references.
• Order samples and test them against your specification.
• Agree specifications, packaging, labelling and quality tolerances in writing.

5. Agree price, terms and payment

Settle the Incoterm (for example FOB or CIF), minimum order quantity, lead time and payment method. Common options are telegraphic transfer (part advance, balance against documents) and letter of credit. All payments must follow State Bank of Pakistan banking rules.

6. Arrange freight

Choose sea freight for volume and cost, or air freight when speed matters. Decide between a full container (FCL) and a shared container (LCL), and make sure insurance is in place. Ask the supplier for the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill in good time.

7. Clear the goods through customs

Your licensed customs agent files the Goods Declaration, you pay duties and taxes, and the consignment may be examined. After release, containers should be collected promptly — port storage and demurrage charges build up quickly.

8. Inspect and receive

Check quantity, quality and packaging on arrival and record any damage immediately for insurance and supplier claims. Better still, arrange a pre-shipment inspection so problems are found in China, not in your warehouse.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying a large advance to an unverified supplier.
• Ignoring landed cost — the factory price is only part of the real cost (see our landed cost guide).
• Wrong HS code or under-declared value.
• Missing documents or inconsistent descriptions between the invoice, packing list and bill of lading.

Need help?

Delta Enterprises offers import sourcing and sourcing agent services: we shortlist and verify suppliers, negotiate, coordinate inspection and freight, and support documentation. Request a quote to get started.