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Are you about to import (or export) products between Pakistan and China? You still have a doubt regarding the regulation or transport method? This is because it is very difficult to find decent information among the ton of online advice that SINO Shipping has done its “country guide”.
SUMMARY
What is the best method to ship your goods from China to Pakistan?
At SINO Shipping, we facilitate your international business, and assist you with tactical and procedural aspects of exporting such as logistics, packing and labeling. Thanks to our know-how and our decade of experience, we will give the best solution for your conveyance for any means of transport.
Let’s see the best transportation methods according to the nature/volume/weight/class of goods
Overview – Ocean cargo from China to Pakistan
Remark SINO : Bear in mind, the 3 most important criteria for sea freight are the price, the time of transportation, and the security.
SEA FREIGHT TO PAKISTAN
Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if :
Your suppliers are located near a major Chinese port
Your goods are bigger than 2 CBM
You’re not in a hurry to receive them
Contact us now ! Your personal SINO advisor will find out customized solution for your import process from China to Pakistan.
Overview – Ocean cargo from China to Pakistan
Remark SINO : Bear in mind, the 3 most important criteria for sea freight are the price, the time of transportation, and the security.
Remark SINO: If you’re interested to know more about sea freight from China, check our dedicated article on the topic: Sea Freight China.
Shipping company offering services from China to Pakistan ports
Port of Karachi
The port of Karachi is the busiest port of Pakistan. The harbor deals with about 60% of the nation’s cargo which represents annually, 1.563 million TEUs. With its 8 wharfs, the port is one of the biggest ports in South Asia.
Port of Qasim
Port Qasim is the second main port of the country with in average, annually 681,000 TEUs. It is located on the Arabian sea. Another important point is that 80% of the car’s industry is situated at this harbor.
Port of Gwadar
Began operational in 2016, the port actually handles 200,000 Deadweight tonnage (DWT) vessels by year.
Gwadar port is a key element of the he China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan and is considered to be a link between “One Belt, One Road” and Maritime Silk Road projects.
Should I ship by consolidation or full container from China to Pakistan?
LCL – Consolidation
LCL (less than container load), Packages are potted (grouped with other customers) in a container. At destination, the container is unbundled by a service provider. All these operations are not without risk for the goods. Packaging and rigorous palletization are essential. There are two types of groupings. The groupage made by the shipping company and the consolidation of freight forwarder made by the provider.
*The billing basis in the maritime LCL is the W/M (Weight/Measurement). The W/M considers the volume or weight to the benefit of the company. The ratio between weight and volume is 1000 Kg / 1 m3
Info SINO : LCL is recommended for a volume between 0-15m3. However, it may vary depending on the port of departure. Please contact us for more information.
FCL – Full Container
FCL or Full Container Load it is the most used solution. The goods travel alone, in a closed steel box. It is possible to load the cargo in bulk to optimize the full space of the container.
SINO Shipping provides three types of full containers:
- The 20 feet which has an internal capacity of 33 cubic meters;
- The 40 feet which is able to carry up to 66 cubic meters;
- The 40 feet HQ, which has an internal capacity of 76 cubic meters.
SINO Plus : We can handle any kind of shipment, whether it be LCL or FCL. Get in touch with us for further information.
TOP 5 – Shipping line
How long does it take to ship from China to Pakistan by sea freight?
| Karachi | Qasim | Gwadar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tianjin | 22-24 days | 22-24 days | 25-27 days |
| Dalian | 22-23 days | 22-23 days | 23-25 days |
| Shanghai / Ningbo | 21-22 days | 21-22 days | 22-24 days |
| Guangzhou/Hong Kong | 18-19 days | 18-19 days | 19-21 days |
| Qingdao | 22-23 days | 22-23 days | 23-25days |
*Please keep in mind that those transit times are just indicative timing between China and Pakistan
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Pakistan?
Regarding to your requirement, the shipment varies in price: storage, packing services, license agreement… we adjust our proposal to your projected spending.
The cost of operation will be inconstant, related to your needs. For instance, door-to port shipment and port-to-port don’t have the same fare.
SINO Advice : Contact our SINO Maritime Specialists now, to see what is possible between China and Pakistan. We will give you precise rates and transit times after, as we decided to quote each demand individually. It permits to avoid surprises, because the total costs are depending on all the different services you ask us to provide.
Special sea freight services
Reefer container from China to Pakistan
Reefer container or refrigerated container is a container capable of maintaining a certain temperature whatever the external conditions.
At SINO Shipping, we offer temperature-controlled shipments from all mains Chinese ports, if you want further information, feel free to contact our SINO experts.
Roro/Bulk/OOG from China to Pakistan
For any oversized conveyance, we provide different services such as Roro (Roll on / Roll off) devoted for heavy good vehicles or trailers. Moreover, we offer other service like bulk shipments or OOG (Out of Gauge) for parcel with dimensions exceeding those of the container
AIR FREIGHT TO PAKISTAN
Overview – Classic vs Express air freight
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :
Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
You’re in a hurry to receive/send the goods
Remark SINO : Naturally, if your need to get your goods delivered as fast as possible, air freight is the best option for you.
What is the difference between volumetric and gross weight?
*Your products will be charged with another method for our express services. The volumetric weight will be calculated with this ratio: 1 CBM = 200 kgs.
As an example, let’s take the following situation :
You need to ship the following parcel: W: 132, H: 90, L, 55, for a total volume of 0.653m3. 0.653 * 167 = 109 kgs. (rounded). The volumetric weight of your parcel is thus 109 kgs. If this weight is higher than the real weight of your shipment, we have to consider this one when quoting for it.
Please, bear in mind that the weight is not the only factor affecting the quotation.
Should I choose a Classic Air freight from China to Pakistan?
Which airlines company should you ship with?
Pakistan International Airlines is the national carrier of Pakistan. The company has cargo flights to several cities in the Middle East, Asia and Africa for a set of 28 international destinations in 28 countries The company has codeshares agreements with China Southern Airlines.
Info SINO : You want further information about their services ? Check directly the official website: PIA Cargo.
Info SINO : You want further information about their services ? Check directly the official website: China Eastern Cargo (website in Chinese).
SINO Plus : Our good partnerships with international cargo airlines enables us to propose you interesting rates for great air freight services between China and Pakistan. We can plan both regular and courier air freight and add trucking services to deliver your goods everywhere you are. With SINO Shipping, China and Indonesia have never been so close !
How long is the transfer from China to Pakistan by air freight?
Here is a table that summarizes the different transit from Chinese airports to Pakistan airports. Of course it is only indicative transit time and it may be a bit longer:
| Jinnah International Airport | Benazir Bhutto International Airport | Allama Iqbal International Airport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Shanghai | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Guangzhou | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
Remark SINO : It is hard to estimate as it mainly depends of the budget: a direct flight available within a day is possible, but will probably be more expensive. Also, please note that the transit time doesn’t not include the whole process (pick up & delivery, customs clearance…). In average, you can expect 6/9 days (export/import process included).
How much does it cost to ship a parcel from China to Pakistan ?
Price for Air freight rely on various criteria. Regarding to your requirement, the shipment varies in price: the arrival and departure, the nature of your goods, customs clearance…
SINO Plus : Each customer has different needs, that’s why, at SINO Shipping will determine your quote on a case-by-case method.
Should I choose an Express Air freight from China to Pakistan ?
Express service – Perfect solution for small package
Express freights are handled by companies such as DHL, UPS or FedEx. These companies manage the entire shipment lifecycle, with door-to-door service. Most of the time, compared to the normal air freight, these shipments are smaller. In average, they don’t exceed 1 cubic meter and 200 kilograms.
How long does it take for a package to be shipped from China to Pakistan?
It only takes a few days. It is fast as courier has an internal customs department. Indeed, the speed of delivery is one of the assets of this service; it usually takes between 2 and 4 days for small parcels and between 3 and 5 days for large ones.
How much an Express service costs from China to Pakistan?
We can’t provide prices for Express service. Regarding to your requirement, the shipment varies in price: the nature of your products, packing services…. Thanks to our partnership with these companies, we have very attractive fares.
Major airports to ship in Pakistan
In addition to the sea freight, Pakistan is linked through its airports. The ccontry has 139 airports but only 3 are relevant for international shipment.
Jinnah International Airport
Jinnah International Airport is the main airport serving Pakistan. Situated in Karachi, the aiport is the hub for the Pakistan international airlines (PIA). In average, the airfield handles more than 120 000 million tons of cargo.
Allama Iqbal International Airport
This airport is the second busiest of the country in terms of cargo handled but third largest civil airport. It is located in Punjab province, near Lahore.
Benazir Bhutto International Airport
This international airport is located in in the area of Chaklala in Rawalpindi. It is the third busiest airport of the country for shipment.
Info SINO : As you probably know, air freight is the most efficient way to carry your products. But naturally, this effectiveness has a cost.
RAIL FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO PAKISTAN
Overview – Rail freight from China to Pakistan
Remark SINO: For further information about our rail freight services, take a look on our dedicated page: rail freight service. Otherwise, please feel free to contact us, we will find you the best option for your shipment. Fill our online form in a minutes and get your quote within 48H !
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :
Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
You’re in a hurry to receive/send the goods
Remark SINO : Do not waste time ! Fill our form and get a price within 48H !
DOOR TO DOOR FROM CHINA TO PAKISTAN
Overview – Door to Door
Door to Door service, also known as house to house service, ensure direct flows of products from the point-of-origin to the point-of-sale. This kind of service is the most convenient means of shipment for the client. Indeed, it has several advantages with a significant saving in time.
However, as you probably know, a door-to-door service will obviously be more expensive than a door-to-airport.
Remark SINO: For further information about our Door-to-Door service, take a look to our dedicated page: Door to door service.Otherwise, please feel free to contact us, we will find you the best option for your shipment. Fill our online form in a minutes and get your quote within 48H !
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :
Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
You’re in a hurry to receive/send the goods
Why door to door service is necessary?
For instance, importer have to pass the customs authority. We can manage this process and prove that all applicable customs duties have been paid. As forwarder, we are able to handle this step among others.
*Therefore, as you may have understood, it is largely easier to let us do everything so that you have to worry about nothing.
SINO Shipping – Door to Door specialist
Thanks to our know-how and our experience, we’ll provide you the most fitting solution for tour shipment at the best price.
Remark SINO : Do not waste time ! Fill our form and get a price within 48H !
LTL and FTL Trucking
For both countries, China and Pakistan, we have at ours’s disposal a fleet of trucks. That’s why, we are able to manage trucking service, LTL as well as FTL.
As container, LTL or less than Truckload, is referred to load stands for less than the capacity of lorries. Naturally, the price will be correlated with the space used. On the other hand, FTL or Full Truckload shipping refers to when customers has enough goods to fill the truckload. In reality, some clients use it to save time, because the shipment will be delivered faster.
Remark SINO : SINO Shipping proposes both services according to your volume and budget. Sometimes it’s even better to select an FTL solution even if you can’t fully fill the truck, it allows you more flexibility and the benefit to have one truck for you and only you (which means that the truck will follow only one way, yours…)
OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN PAKISTAN
Historically, Pakistan was a hub of the ancient route of Silk. Nowadays, with the ‘One Belt One Road’ and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, these initiatives launch a new area of partnership for both of them.
How much duties and taxes will I pay?
Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code
The Harmonized System (HS Code) is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers that aims at classifying traded products in order to determine tariff barriers. It was implemented in 1988 and today; it gathers more than 200 member countries, including Pakistan.
The HS code is the identification number attributed to goods through the HTS. Here is all the information contained in a HS code :
If you didn’t determine the HS code of your goods yet, we advise you to find it on this valuable website: Find HS Code. You can also find it on the official Pakistan customs website just here: Tariff Number. Finally, you should be able to find it directly with your supplier.
You just need to enter keywords that are describing your products. If you have the opportunity, you can also find the HS Code directly with your supplier. In the case of a “pineapple”, you will find the HS code 0804.30 as a result.
You found or know already the HS Code of your products? You now have the necessary information to find the duties and taxes that you are liable to. Reach the dedicated and official PDF of the Pakistan customs: Pakistan Customs Tariff (please keep in mind those tariff haven’t been updated since 2009, contact our experts for details)
Let’s continue with the “pineapple” as an example, it will provide you these rates :
Different taxes existing for your goods
Imports duty rates will depend on your products. For some goods such as laptops, importing will be free of charge.
Recently, with Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Pakistan has offered zero duty on almost 6,000 tariff lines from China.
Info SINO : Bear in Mind that The tariff structure is subject to frequent changes.
Customs duties on vehicles
New vehicles can be imported free of charge, under the generally applicable import procedures and requirements.
Used vehicle but not more than 3-year-old model can be imported, just take a look to the Taxpayer’s Facilitation Guide.
Info SINO : For more information about the procedure of Motor vehicle Unit, please check this official PDF: Import Of Vehicles (not updated since December 2010).
Does Sino Shipping charge duty?
We won’t charge any further shipping costs to our customers. More accurately, you will be asked to pay only customs duties, taxes and others import charges related to customs clearance in your home country, as per local regulation.
Customs contact in China
Official name: General Administration of Customs of China
Official Website: Chinese Customs Website
Customs contact in Pakistan
Official name: Federal Board of Revenue
Official Website: Pakistan Customs Website
Customs process
The Import clearance procedure in Pakistan starts with the entry of your shipment in the country, whatever the means of transport. Once the products pass the customs port, the customs authorities make the IGM, the Import General Manifest for your load.
The clearance process begins when the shipment is unloading from the boat or ship. At this point, importers can use a clearing agent to ease the process of customs clearance.
Remark SINO : You still have a doubt regarding regarding the whole process ? You still have some questions about the taxes you may have to pay? Feel free to contact our experts ! They are at your disposal to answer every single question ! Fill our form in a minute and get an answer within 48h !
Necessary documents
The Bill of Lading or Airway bill (BL)
The Bill of lading (or airway bill) represents the basic contact between importer and shipper which authorizes the shipping company to transport products to the byer’s destination and also serve as the importer’s receipt and proof of title for purchase of the products.
Here we’re detailing you how is built a BL:
1 = Shipper
2 = Consignee
3 = Notify party
4 = Vessel No.
5 = Port of loading / discharge
6 = Place of receipt / delivery
7 = Containers No.
8 = Goods description
9 = Net weight
10 = Dimensions / volume
A packing list
This document is essential for the customs and should detail the HS code(Harmonized System of Tariff Nomenclature)
A Certificate of Origin (CO)
This document is the official document, given by the government, also called as “birth certificate” of the goods, showing country where the product originated.
A commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is the actual demand for payment issued by the exported when a sale is concluded.
Insurance certificate
It is the document which protects the imported goods against damage, loss and sometimes delay.
Shipper’s export/import declaration
This document refers to the contact information of the exporter and buyer, which contains a full description, declared value, and destination of the products being shipped.
Remark SINO : Some documents are not mentioned above as it is just an indicative list, please feel free to check what will be the requirements with our SINO Customs experts.
OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU
PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ITEMS
Remark SINO : If you have one of the following item, you should check directly with our SINO Experts. Some of those items are restricted or even totally prohibited, it is important to anticipate such shipment to avoid any problem.
Drug Contraband
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosive
Counterfeit
Ivory
Batteries
Flammable
Firearms
Drugs
Counterfeit Notes
Poison
Pornography
Knife
Tobacco
Gambling
Hazardous
Trade relationship
China is the second largest exporter destination of Pakistan with a share of 7,7% of total export of the country which represents $1.94B.
A large part of this share is concentrated in cotton and rice, though.
Business between China and Pakistan is rising year by year, especially thanks to China–Pakistan Economic Corridor and to The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Moreover, these projects, would be very welcomed for importer/exporter because it will facilitate trade between China and Pakistan, and will reduce duties and taxes.
Additional shipping services
Our warehousing services
Storage service in China
Thanks to our network, we have warehouses in all major cities of the country.
Info SINO: You want further information about our warehousing services ? Check directly our dedicated page: Storage services.
Storage service in Pakistan
We can put into storage your products both North and South of the country.
Our packing/unpacking services
Packing is essential for convey products under optimal conditions all along the logistics process.
Info SINO : Packing is essential for convey products under optimal conditions all along the logistics process.
Packing material
The cheaper option makes by the simplest packing materials.
Palletization
Benefits of Palletized goods are tremendous, for instance they reduce risk of temperature abuse for fruits or vegetables or increase maneuverability of transport tools. Furthermore, there are different kinds of pallets.
Wooden boxes
The crate in wood, is a large container used to convey heavy items. the material guarantee security and protection for your goods, and wooden crates can be manufactured locally.
On the other hand, you can opt for wooden boxes which are smaller than wooden crates. They can be used to carry perishable products for example.
Others: bubble wrap, tape, wrapping paper…
According to your requirements and your products, we will provide the perfect packing with the aim to transport them under the best conditions.
Why packing is important for the insurance?
In some cases, the insurance could reject the refund if they consider the packaging was inadequate. For this reason, we urge you to pay attention to the types of materials and the container used.
Freight insurance
As you probably aware, the freight insurance is a document used to cover against risks during the transportation. Regarding to your international commercial agreement, you can know what is covered by it. SINO shipping highly recommends ensuring your load, whatever it is.
How much does a freight insurance cost ?
According to the value of your load, take precaution to protect your goods against risks. We advise you to find a happy medium in terms of expenses that you want to devote for it.
SINO Info : You can go deeper, to know what freight insurance will suit the best to your cargo by consulting our dedicated article Freight Insurance.
Supplier management in China
Control quality in China
In order to avoid any issue during the freight, we check all the process in accordance with the international trading standards. Our aim is to ensure that everything goes as planned. We start close relationship with your supplier to retain your load secure.
Relationship with supplier
Among our manpower, we have Chinese’s native speakers, thereby facilitating discussions with suppliers.
3PL Services in China
Order fulfillment/Packing & labelling in China
At SINO Shipping, we manage order fulfillment for e-commerce. In this process, we handle all the steps from receiving, until delivering orders to the clients.
Last mile delivery
We are able to provide last mile delivery for our customers, especially for small package.
Shipping personal effects from China
Excess baggage
We propose service for excess baggage by air freight at a reasonable price within a short period of time.
Moving service from China to Pakistan
We also offer relocation services. In order to get more information about them, please go on our dedicated website and do not hesitate to contact one of our moving department experts: SINO Relocation.
Free regulation advisor
Bear in mind that you will need a lot of documentation for your shipment. Feel free to get in touch with us, at SINO-shipping we deal with all the documents, refers to the official forms and others paperwork required for shipping and customs services.
More than 10 years of expertise in Asia, enables us to deliver tailor-made freight solutions at hyper competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our dedicated staff for more information about your transfer, we’re always happy to serve and spread knowledge!
FAQ – For 1st time importer from China
FAQ – Regulation
Paper work when shipping from China to Pakistan
Pay attention to get accurate paperwork and shipping documentation. we remind you that several documents are required at your border country such as Bill of Lading for the carrier, Packing List, Commercial Invoice, and other optional documents for the Customs. All these documents are used in every kind of import.
Do i need a license to import goods from China to Pakistan ?
No, today there is no license required to import, and even export goods in Pakistan.
Do I need a customs broker in Pakistan ?
FAQ – Shipping budget optimization
How can Air Freight be cheaper than Ocean Freight ?
Do I need to pay insurance for my goods from China ?
How do I reduce duty while importing goods from Chine to Pakistan ?
Do I need to pay any duties and taxes in China ?
How do i locate the import tariff for my product ?
FAQ – How SINO will help you?
I have bought many different items of goods from cities around China, could you gather together to send me ?
What will you do next for customer services once I paid the cost ?
What if I'm not familiar with some shipping terms . Especially short forms.
Do you have a privacy policy ?
Can I change my shipping address after its been shipped ?
Conclusion
At SINO-Shipping, our experience in every stage of the supply chain is an important asset.
We are leveraging our expertise in the field to offer and develop services which are tailored to suit our customers’ requirements and always adaptable according to their specific needs.
Recurrent questions regarding the shipping from China to Pakistan
What is the shipping cost from China to Pakistan?
How long does it take to ship from China to Pakistan?
What are the best freight options to send good from China to Pakistan?
How much tax will I pay for importing goods from China to Pakistan?
Do customs open every package?
How do I avoid custom charges?
How can I reduce my shipping costs?
Interested in our logistics services? Need further assistance & dedicated information?