Government of Pakistan — Updated Baggage Regulations (Effective July 1, 2016)
Brought to you by Nova Packers, your trusted relocation partner. This comprehensive guide outlines the latest customs rules to help you move household items, personal effects, vehicles, and pets into Pakistan with clarity and ease.
Moving Household Goods & Personal Belongings
What You’ll Need:
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Original passport
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CNIC (for Pakistani nationals)
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Valid visa copy
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Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (OBL)
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Detailed inventory (in English)
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Purchase invoices & packing list
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Proof of employment
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Certificate for transfer of residence
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Exemption & diplomatic ID (for diplomats only)
Key Guidelines:
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Returning Pakistani Citizens: Can apply for duty exemptions if they’ve lived abroad for 2+ years and haven’t spent more than 120 days in Pakistan during that time.
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Foreign Nationals: Can qualify for discounted duties if employed in Pakistan for 2+ years (must be supported by a letter).
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Electronics: Subject to full import duties for Pakistani citizens.
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Duty-Free Window: Newcomers may bring items duty-free within the first 6 months using a CBR booklet (non-citizens).
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Customs Charges: Based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
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Allowed Duty-Free: Only used personal clothing and household goods.
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On-Ground Clearance: Usually takes 4–5 business days; consignee presence is required.
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Authorization Letter: Required from the employing organization.
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Valuation Negotiations: The customs examiner may accept depreciation-based valuations.
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Important Tip: Do not attach value-based insurance or pricing documents to your shipment to avoid inflated duty estimates.
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Diplomatic Shipments: Duty-free with valid exemption documents.
Importing a Vehicle
Documents Needed:
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Passport copy
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OBL / AWB (original or express)
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Technical registration or title
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Certificate of deregistration
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Invoice with details (engine no., model, power, etc.)
Vehicle Rules:
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Pakistani Nationals: May only import vehicles up to 3 years old.
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Diplomatic Staff: May import vehicles up to 2 years old.
Relocating with Pets
Required Paperwork:
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Owner’s passport
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Health and vaccination certificates from origin country
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Quarantine clearance from Pakistan authorities
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Pet passport (if available)
Pet Entry Details:
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Pets may travel as carry-on, cargo, or baggage.
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Clearance usually takes 1–2 days, provided documents are complete.
Items with Restrictions or Duty
Free Import Limits Include:
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200 cigarettes
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50 cigars
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0.5 kg of tobacco
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Limited amounts of perfume and toiletries
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Souvenirs and gifts in reasonable quantities
Note: Electronic and electrical goods are not exempt, even for those eligible under transfer of residence.
Prohibited Items — Strictly Not Allowed
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Weapons, ammunition
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Alcohol and narcotics
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Pornographic or obscene materials
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Literature or media offensive to Islam or Pakistan
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Products made in Israel
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Wildlife hides, ivory
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Radioactive or toxic substances
Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC) Benefits
For overseas Pakistanis sending money home between USD 2,500 and USD 50,000 annually, the following duty credits apply:
| Card Type | Annual Remittance (USD) | Duty Credit (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 2,500+ | 10,000 |
| Silver Plus | 5,000+ | 20,000 |
| Gold | 10,000+ | 30,000 |
| Gold Plus | 25,000+ | 50,000 |
| Platinum | 50,000+ | 100,000 |
Additional Perks:
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Fast-track passport services
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Priority lanes at international airports in Pakistan
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Fixed-duty discounts on key home appliances
Before You Ship
Always coordinate with your relocation expert — Nova Packers is ready to handle all your documentation, packing, shipping, and customs needs. For both air and sea shipments, advance guidance is critical to avoid delays or duty surprises.
Useful Resources
Relocate with peace of mind. Let Nova Packers handle the details, so you can focus on settling into your new chapter. Contact us now for tailored moving support.
