Moving to Pakistan

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original passport
  • Original computerized national identity card (CNIC) (Pakistani nationals)
  • Copy of visa
  • Original or express bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Inventory list in English
  • Packing list with purchase invoices
  • Certificate of employment
  • Transfer of residence certificate
  • Exemption certificate (diplomats)
  • Copy of diplomatic ID card (diplomats)

Specific Information

  • Pakistani citizens are eligible for a transfer of residence facility in case the owner of the goods has stayed abroad for 2 or more years and has not visited Pakistan in those 2 years for a cumulative period of 120 days or more.
    • Foreign nationals are also eligible for a transfer of residence duty discount in case they are arriving in Pakistan for a stay of 2 or more years which is usually given in their employment letters.
  • Pakistani citizens must pay full Customs duties and taxes on electrical items.
  • Owners of the goods can import shipments duty free for the first 6 months by completing a CBR booklet (non – citizens).
  • All import duties are charged on the costs, insurance, and freight of the shipment (CIF) value; the value is determined by Customs officials.
  • Only used clothing and used household effects can be imported on a duty-free basis.
  • A letter of authority from the organization is required for all shipments.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 4 – 5 days after arrival of the shipment.
  • Consignee should be present for Customs clearance.
  • All items are dutiable; the value and depreciation of the goods can be negotiated with the examiner at the time of clearance.
  • Do not send insurance or any documents showing value of the household goods with the shipment to avoid payment of heavy import duties.
  • Diplomats may import shipments duty free with presentation of a diplomatic exemption certificate to Customs authorities.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Original or express release bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original technical passport / certificate of title
  • De-registration certificate
  • Invoice of purchase showing the engine number, model, and horsepower

Specific Information

  • Pakistani national citizens cannot import vehicles older than 3 years.
  • Diplomats can import vehicle with an impmort exemption certificate from the Minsitry of Foreign Affairs. 

Pets

Documents Required

  • Original passport of owner of the goods
  • Health certificate and vaccination certificate (issued by origin country)
  • Quarantine certificate issued by the Government of Pakistan / veterinary certificate
  • Pet passport

Specific Information

  • Document required must accompany animals and pets.
  • Pets may be transported as baggage, as cargo, or with passengers traveling by air.
  • Clearance in 1 – 2 days depending on the availability of all documents.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (1/2 kg)
    • Eau de toilette (1/4 L) and perfume (1/8 L)
    • Gifts and souvenirs (reasonable number and quantity)
    • Electronic items of any kind are dutiable even under the transfer of residence

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Alcohol
  • Pornography
  • Narcotics
  • Toxic and radioactive materials
  • Any literature, CD, DVD material against Islam or Pakistan
  • Any art, painting, or object which is obscene and shows nudity
  • Hides / ivory of animals
  • Any goods of Israeli origin

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information