Pakistan is now a significant trade partner of the UK, especially for textiles, leather products, ceramics, surgical items, and agri-products. Importing from Pakistan is cost-effective if done for businesses, but it also needs to be handled properly. From the customs documents to transit time, there are several aspects to get it right if you want timely and hassle-free delivery.
Shipping outside of the EU adds an extra level of responsibility, and importation from suppliers in Pakistan involves coping with extended lead times, global regulations, and potential port delays. Whether it’s your first time importing or you’re looking to increase trade, knowing how shipping works out of Pakistan will prevent you from experiencing delays, reduce expenses, and ensure safe passage of your products.
Understanding Shipping Options
The majority of products exported from Pakistan to the UK are transported by sea freight. It is the cheapest mode of transportation, particularly for bulk orders. The preferred ports are Karachi and Port Qasim, with the shipments usually taking between four and six weeks depending on where the shipments are going in the UK.
Sea shipping has two primary options — less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). FCL is perfect if you’re receiving big volumes since you have the entire container to yourself. LCL provides you with space-sharing with other importers. It is suitable for small shipments but might involve slightly longer handling since it will be consolidated and unpacked.
Alternatively, air freight also exists for products that have to be delivered faster or are urgent. It costs more, but for some products — like electronics, small clothes or samples — it’s worth the additional cost. Most of the air cargo from Pakistan leaves from main airports in Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad and reaches main UK airports like Heathrow or Manchester in a couple of days.
Customs and Import Rules
Shipping goods into the UK means going through customs, and getting the paperwork right is essential. Every product must have a valid commodity code and be declared with the correct customs value. This affects what duties and VAT you’ll pay and helps avoid delays at the port.
You will also require a commercial invoice, packing list, and perhaps certificate of origin, depending on the product. The importation of textiles and clothing, for instance, is highly regulated and has special requirements for labelling and safety.
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, all imports from Pakistan are treated as international, which means you’ll need an EORI number to clear customs. If you’re not sure how to handle the documentation, working with a freight forwarder or customs broker can save a lot of time and hassle. They’ll make sure everything is submitted correctly and help avoid unexpected charges.
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Managing Costs and Timelines
One of the largest issues with shipping out of Pakistan is timing. Production may be rapid, but transport, port handling, and clearing customs can take days — or weeks — to tack on. It’s imperative to factor in additional time for shipping, particularly if your products are seasonal or a launch.
Costs can also vary depending on exchange rates, fuel prices, and local port charges in Pakistan. That’s why it’s important to get a clear quote from your freight provider upfront and understand what’s included. For example, if your supplier quotes using EXW (Ex Works) terms, you’ll be responsible for everything from pickup in Pakistan to delivery in the UK. Conversely, CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) insures the trip to the UK port but not customs clearance or ultimate delivery.
Building Strong Trade Links
Sourcing from Pakistan has the potential to be an incredible value proposition for companies in fashion, homeware, and retail. However, success relies on more than prices. Establishing long-term partnerships with reliable suppliers, learning how shipping works, and having the correct support in place will provide you with a better experience — and cost you a lot less in costly errors along the way. Contact us if you are planning to Shipping from Pakistan to the UK.
