Customs Clearance Procedure for New & Individual Importers in Pakistan

If you are importing into Pakistan for the first time, decide whether your shipment is a by-name import or a commercial import before placing the order. The correct category, banking arrangement and regulatory approvals can help prevent avoidable clearance delays.

1. By-Name Import

For small, personal-use shipments, a by-name import may be possible where the goods value is below USD 500 and the importer does not have a registered company in his name. This facility is intended for personal or individual use, not regular commercial trading.

2. Commercial Import — Arrange FI Before Shipment

If you are importing for business or trading purposes, complete the required FBR/PSW registration and banking arrangements before shipment. Where the payment mode requires a Financial Instrument (FI), it must be available for association with the import declaration through PSW. PSW confirms that financial instruments are associated with import declarations through the system.

3. Medicines, Medical Equipment & Supplements

Do not assume these items can be cleared like ordinary goods. Medicines, medical devices/equipment and health products can require DRAP approval, NOC or other documentation, depending on the product and purpose of import. DRAP provides specific procedures for personal-use medicines and medical devices.

4. One-Time By-Name Facility

For low-value by-name imports, our practical guidance is to treat the facility as a limited personal-use facility rather than a method for repeated commercial imports. Repeated imports may raise questions about commercial quantity or trading purpose. FBR defines commercial quantity as goods imported for trading or pecuniary gain rather than personal use or gift.