In this part of the article, we provide a detailed guide on shipping from China to Pakistan.
With an abundance of information, regulations, and laws available online, it can be overwhelming.
That’s why Uniway Sourcing has created this comprehensive guide to simplify the process for you. Here, we’ll discuss the most effective shipping methods from China to Pakistan, navigate through Pakistani customs, and touch on warehousing and packaging services, freight insurance, and managing Chinese suppliers.
This guide is designed to clarify the shipping process and address any concerns you may have.
Methods to Ship Your Products from China to Pakistan
In this section, we’ll explore the shipping methods available for transporting goods from China to Pakistan, which include sea, air, rail, and door-to-door delivery.
Our team at Uniway Sourcing, with its extensive experience, is committed to helping you with logistics, packaging, labeling, and more, offering tailored solutions for your business needs.
Pakistan’s strategic location in Asia provides it with a unique advantage for accessing various modes of transportation. It shares borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China, and has a significant coastline of about 1,046 kilometers along with over 7,000 kilometers of land borders. This geography facilitates the movement of goods via sea, rail, or road with relative ease.
The historical relationship between Pakistan and China dates back to the 1950s and has only strengthened over time. China is not only Pakistan’s key trading partner but also one of its closest allies in the region. The two nations benefit from a free trade agreement that allows for the free flow of goods and services. Economic ties are further bolstered by China’s substantial investments in Pakistan, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being the most significant, turning Gwadar into a central trading hub for China with a value exceeding $62 billion as of 2020. These developments have significantly improved the quality of Pakistan’s port facilities.
Sea Freight from China to Pakistan
Sea Freight is judged against three important aspects: cost, duration, and security. Under this, we see that sea freight is usually more compatible with smaller to medium-sized businesses where time is not an issue. However, sea freight is more economical than other options as high volumes lead to economies of scale and lesser overall transportation costs.
Uniway Sourcing recommends sea freight for businesses that have suppliers that are situated near a large port in China, the order is greater than 2 cubic meters (2000 litres), and time is not an issue.
Sea Ports in Pakistan
Pakistan has three main seaports: Karachi, Qasim, and Gwadar.
The Port of Karachi is one of South Asia’s main ports and is Pakistan’s busiest port. This port is considered to be Pakistan’s economic center, handling about sixty percent of the cargo of the country. Karachi Port is a deep natural harbour with a navigable channel 11.5 km long and an entrance channel 12.2 meters deep. The port handles a staggering 26 million tonnes of cargo each year and approximately 1600 vessels use Karachi port and have 8 wharves.
Port Qasim is the second busiest port of Pakistan and is situated some 50 kilometres away in the south-east of Karachi. It handles 40% of the country’s sea freight with 17 million tonnes annually and has an impressive 49 kilometres of the navigational channel.
Gwadar Port is Pakistan’s deepest and most strategically located port which is situated 120 kilometres from the border of Iran and 400 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz which is one of the most important channels for global trade and oil supply in the world. The port is widely discussed in economic forums, media, and policy due to its value and location. It has seen an unprecedented level of development due to the ongoing CPEC project.
The top 5 shipping companies between China and Pakistan are Maersk Line, MSC Cruises, Evergreen, CMA CGM, and Cosco Shipping.
Choosing your Container Capacity: LCL or FCL
The terms LCL and FCL refer to the container capacities used in sea freight. LCL means to Less than Container Loads and FCF means Full Container Load with each differing in shipment volume, security, cost, and time.
LCL from China to Pakistan
In LCL, the packages are grouped with other packages from different suppliers in a single container. The packages are then “unbundled” by a service provider. LCL has two types of groupage: groupage by shipping company and consolidation of freight by the provider.
The billing for LCL is weight/measurement ratio where the W/M ratio considers the volume or weight to the company’s benefit and the ratio weight and volume is 1000 KG per 1 cubic metre. We recommend LCL for volumes up to 15 cubic metres, but this is not a fixed number and varies with the departure port.
FCL from China to Pakistan
In FCL, the packages occupy the entire volume of the container and the container solely is used for the purpose of shipping the packages of only one supplier without sharing the space. It is the most commonly used container capacity and you are able to efficiently utilize the entire space of the container.
Three types of full containers are provided by us:
- 20 feet (33 cubic metres capacity);
- 40 feet (66 cubic metres capacity);
- 40 feet HQ (76 cubic metres capacity).
Sea Freight Duration/Time
The following table shows the time it takes to ship from China to Pakistan from different ports to Karachi, Qasim, and Gwadar.
| PORT | Karachi | Qasim | Gwadar |
| Qingdao | 22-23 days | 22-23 days | 23-25 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 |
Please note that these are approximate and indicative timings which means that sea freight duration and time will not be exactly as mentioned in the days. Moreover, FCL container shipping will be relatively quicker than LCL.
Sea Freight Cost
The sea freight cost varies depending on the storage, packaging services, and license agreement. Our sea freight proposals are individualised to meet your specific demands and the total costs will be different due to the different needs of each customer and client.
Other Sea Freight Services
We also provide Reefer Container services from all main seaports in China which is a refrigerated container in which a certain required temperature can be maintained for temperature-sensitive cargo regardless of the external conditions.
In addition, we provide Roro (roll-on/off) shipping services from China to Pakistan for vehicles or trailer goods. Other services such as bulk and out of gauge (OOG) services for packages exceeding the dimensions of the container for your convenience.
We can handle all types of sea freight services efficiently and effectively.
Air Freight from China to Pakistan
Air transport freight for Pakistan was estimated to be around 217.5 million ton-km. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Pakistan ranks as 7/10 and 67th out of 124 countries in the Air Trade Facilitation Index, putting it in a very decent spot. It is a very important method of transporting your goods from China to Pakistan.
There are two methods of air freight from China to Pakistan: express air freight and classic air freight. The classic air freight has stopovers in different destinations, elongating its duration of transport whereas express is direct from China to Pakistan and is the shortest in terms of duration and time. However, it is the most expensive one as well.
It is crucial that you understand that the total duration of shipping is not just the flight duration but also different steps including customs clearance, packing, and pick up & delivery to the set destinations.
According to us, air freight will be an optimal method of transportation for you if:
- Goods occupy less than 2 cubic metres and weigh less than 200 kilograms;
- Time is a constraint (in a hurry).
Differences between Gross Weight and Volumetric Weight
Gross weight is calculated by adding product weight to pallet weight in pounds. Consider the example for a gross weight in the picture below.
Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the volume of the package by the air cubic conversation factor where volume is (length x width x height) and air cubic conversation factor is 167.
Taking an example of a parcel with a width of 100, a height of 80, and a length of 45 for a volume of 100*80*45 = 0.360 cubic metres. 0.360 * 167 = 60 KGs (approx.) therefore the volumetric weight of the parcel is 60 kilograms. Higher of volumetric or gross weight is considered when quoting.
Please keep in mind that the weight is not the single factor in the quote. At Uniway Sourcing, we tailor quotes according to your needs and on a case-by-case basis.
Classic Freight Airlines
China Eastern Cargo is a full air freight dedicated airline and is a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the national flag carrier airline of Pakistan. It has over 28 international destinations and has agreements with China-South Airlines.
At Uniway Sourcing, we have excellent partnerships and relationships with these cargo airlines, and we are able to attain great air freight rates for you between China and Pakistan. We are able to combine air freight and trucking to bring your packages from China to Pakistan anywhere you want with Uniway Sourcing.
Classic Airfreight Transit Times*
| AIRPORT | Karachi | Lahore | Islamabad/Rawalpindi |
| Guangzhou | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Beijing | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Shanghai | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
*Please note that these transit times are indicative and may vary depending on many uncontrollable factors.
Also, note that the transit times depend on many factors (direct flight and budget) and that transit times do not include the entire process of customs, pick up, and delivery and it may take between 6 to 9 days in total including the entire process.
Classic Airfreight Costs
The costs for airfreight transport are not fixed and depend on many factors including arrival and departure times, flight duration, nature of goods, customs clearance, budget, and other factors. As such, at Uniway Sourcing, we offer tailored quotes for each customer individually as customers’ individual needs differ from each other.
Express Airfreight Companies/Airlines
Express air freight companies offer a full solution from pickup to flight to destination i.e. door-to-door services and the famous companies are FedEx, UPS, and DHL. The overall shipment is smaller than classic airfreight and usually does not exceed 200 kilograms.
Express Airfreight Duration
As the word “express” implies “fast”, the express airfreight companies deliver the packages within a week or a few days as the companies have an internal department to handle customs and the speed is the main attractive point of this service.
Express Airfreight Cost
As aforementioned, there is no single standardised cost for express airfreight. It depends on many different factors and is therefore individualised for each customer. Uniway Sourcing has excellent partnerships with companies and offers attractive rates.
Pakistan’s Major Airports
Pakistan is not only connected by seaports but has a vast network of airports in the country. However, out of 139 operational airports, only 3 airports are considered major for international shipments. These are Jinnah International Airport (Karachi – KHI), Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore – LHE), and Islamabad (ISB) International Airport.
KHI
Karachi Airport is Pakistan’s busiest airport and handled up to 60,354 aircraft movements and 138,953 m. tons of cargo in 2017-18. It is the hub for the PIA and is the major hub for airfreight trade.
LHE
Lahore Airport is Pakistan’s second busiest airport and handles up to 39,228 aircraft movements and 105,019 m. tons of cargo in 2017-18. It is located in the biggest province and capital of Punjab province.
ISB
Islamabad Airport is Pakistan’s capital city airport and is the 3rd busiest airport in terms of cargo handled. Recently, the airport has been changed to a newer location and has upgraded facilities to handle even more cargo.
Overall, airfreight is the most efficient and fastest transportation method for your packages, however, this efficiency, as a result, has a cost and therefore airfreight is the most expensive way of transportation.
Rail Freight from China to Pakistan
Pakistan has approximately 11,881 kilometres of rail tracks all around the country. Through rail, Pakistan is connected to six countries which include Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, Turkey, and India.
Pakistan Railway earns 50 percent of its revenue from its freight service and operates over 200 freight stations including Port of Karachi, Bin Qasim Port, and other ports in the four provinces of Pakistan.
Rail freight has steadily increased between 2011 and 2017 as it stood at 5.63 million tonnes of freight carried which is a 221% increase from 2011’s levels. The railways are also seeing significant development due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and China has invested millions of dollars into the development of its rails. The Gwadar Link will also benefit China and the Xinjiang border region.
Rail freight is a great mid-way solution for businesses when importing from China to Pakistan. It is quicker than sea freight, and at the same time, cheaper than air freight. It is indeed a great alternative to sea and air freight and sits in the middle of these two methods of transportation.
According to us, rail freight will be an optimal method of transportation for you if:
- Goods occupy less than 2 cubic metres and weigh less than 200 kilograms;
- Time is a constraint (in a hurry).
Door-to-Door shipping service from China to Pakistan
Door-to-door delivery is a service where the freight forwarder ensures that the items will be collected from and shipped to the end customer’s preferred locations. It is distinguished from door-to-port or port-to-port because it starts and finishes inside the cities served by the freight forwarder at unique addresses.
This service includes pick up and transportation to and from the ports, handling of custom documentation and paperwork handling the sea freight journey, and delivery to the specified address. It is literally “door-to-door”.
This service has many benefits over other ways of transportation; it is the most convenient type for businesses and offers significant savings in the time duration of the transport. But, as expected, with the effectiveness and efficiency comes a higher cost of transportation.
At Uniway Sourcing, we are able to manage the customs process and ensure that all documentation is complete, and any duties are paid. We will handle each and every step of the transportation of your goods. As such, you do not have to worry about this part of your business as it will be efficiently handled by us according to your needs.
Uniway Sourcing aims to make this entire process stress-free and efficient so that it is the most optimal solution for you and your business. With our years of experience, we will provide you with the most suitable solution for shipping at the best possible prices.
Please note that trucking in this door-to-door service is used so that local delivery can be made as the goods need to be picked up from the warehouse to be transported to the airport/seaport. Then picked up from the airport/seaport to be transported to the final destination.
FTL and LTL Trucking Shipments from China to Pakistan
At Uniway Sourcing, we are also able to manage the trucking services which are extremely crucial for the entire transportation process.
FTL refers to Full Truck Load where the entire truck container is dedicated to one customer who has the right to use the entire space given for their goods. It is a relatively faster way than LTL as there are no unbundling and other LTL processes.
On the other hand, LTL refers to Less than Truckload which is where less than a full container is dedicated to a customer and it is shared among other parties as well for their goods and prices will be positively related with the space used/taken.
Uniway Sourcing handles both types of trucking and offers both to the customers depending on the budget, volume, and requirements. We sometimes recommend FTL even though the volume is not fully utilised because of shorter shipment times and more flexibility with the truck as the truck only follows your route.
Pakistan’s Customs Clearance
Pakistan is located strategically as it used to be the major hub for the ancient Silk Road route. Under the CPEC and One Belt One Road schemes and projects, Pakistan and China see a very exciting and bright future in terms of partnerships ahead.
The Amount of Duties and Taxes
HS Code Tariff
The HS Code (Harmonized System) is a standardized classification system in numbers of traded products in international markets. It is used by customs agencies around the world to determine the tariff, duties, and taxes on products being imported and for combining overall statistics. The system has over 200 member countries and Pakistan is also one of them.
It is important and valuable to determine the HS code for your goods. It is easy enough to do so using keywords and you may find it on this website. Alternatively, you may use the official website of the Pakistan Customs Agency here. You may also contact us for even accurate information.
For example, your product is black tea in packages less than 3 kilograms. If you search for black tea on the given websites above, you will find that the HS code for your product is 0902.3000.
Once you have your HS code, you are able to find the custom tariff, taxes, and duties you are liable to pay. You may then find the amount in the Pakistan Customs Tariff 2020-21 list here. As for our example of black tea, under HS code 0902.3000, the customs duty % is 11% as shown in the picture below.
However, in order to avoid confusion and misunderstandings when calculating such an important amount, we recommend you contact us to provide you accurate and comprehensive information.
Note: please bear in mind that different duties and tariffs exist for different goods. Certain goods are duty-free. And, under the free trade agreement (FTA), Pakistan allows a list of 6,000 goods from China free of charge when importing. It is also important that you bear in mind that the import custom tariffs change frequently.
Does Uniway Sourcing charge duty?
We do not charge any additional and unnecessary shipping costs to our customers and work with full integrity. You will be required to pay the mandatory custom tariffs, taxes, and any other charges due to importing for customs clearance in the home country as per the local laws.
China Customs Information
Full Name: General Administration of Customs of China
Contact/Website: access
Pakistan Customs Information
Full Name:Federal Board of Revenue
Contact/Website:access
The figure below summarizes the entire customs clearance process.
The process begins with the entry of the products into the warehouse through any means of transport. The customs agency in Pakistan then makes an Import General Manifest (IGM) of the package. This entire process begins at the moment the cargo is unloaded from the vehicle of transport.
In this entire process, the businesses can use a clearing agent to assist the customs clearance process and make it convenient for them.
Required Documents For Shipping
Certain documents are required for customs clearance.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document given to a shipper by a carrier that details the type, volume, and destination of the goods being transported. This paper must accompany the items delivered, irrespective of the mode of shipping, and must be signed by the carrier, the shipper, and the receiver’s approved, representative.
Packing List
This is a non-negotiable document for customs clearance and lists the HS Code.
Certificate of Origin (CO)
A Certificate of Origin (CO) documents the country of origin from which the good was imported. CO is also mandated by importing countries and used in trade agreements, as, where applicable, it is used to impose the required import tax. It shows the information about the commodity, its destination, and the country of sale shall be included in the certificate of origin, for example, “Made in China”.
Commercial Invoice
A commercial Invoice is a legal document given in the course of international trade by the seller (exporter) to the buyer (importer) that acts as a contract and evidence of sale between the buyer and the seller. The price(s), value, and quantity of the items being sold are detailed in the commercial invoice. The trade or selling terms agreed upon by both the buyer and the purchaser of the deal being carried out should also be included.
Insurance Certificate
A document intended to offer compensation to cover freight failure or injury when in transit while protection is put against an unrestricted scheme on maritime cargo.
Import/Export Declaration
This document refers to the exporter and purchaser’s contact details containing a detailed summary, the declared value, and the location of the items being transported.
Note: the documents listed above are indicative and thus not fully exhaustive. Please contact us for fuller and more accurate information.
Restricted and Prohibited Items in Pakistan
There is a vast list of restricted and prohibited items in Pakistan that you must be wary of when importing your goods and packages from China to Pakistan.
Goods that require certificate/registration and restricted:
- Telecommunications equipment (requires approval from Pakistan Telecommunication Agency);
- Medicines (requires approval from Director-General, Health Department);
The importer is liable and required to present the certificate upon request by Customs Officers.
Goods that are completely banned:
- Translation of the Holy Quran that does not include Arabic text;
- Pornographic or obscene content;
- Low quality or rejected goods;
- Oils that have been used;
- Fireworks and explosives;
- Used tires;
- Brewing equipment (personal use);
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition;
- Electronic items that have been used.
Economic Relationship of China and Pakistan
China and Pakistan share a very deep, evergreen, and strong relationship in terms of trade, military, and diplomacy. China is the second-largest trading partner of Pakistan and has made a significant amount of investments in many different sectors of Pakistan. Over 50 US billion dollars have been confirmed for foreign direct investment in Pakistan.
Investments in Pakistan by China are rising due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Because of such warm relationships between the two brotherly countries, importers and exporters benefit hugely as their trade is unrestricted and subject to little or no custom tariffs, duties, and taxes.
Additional Shipping Services
Uniway Sourcing also offers warehousing services in both China and Pakistan. Due to our decades of experience and vast network, we are able to store your products in all of China. For Pakistan, we have storage facilities in the North and South of the country.
Packing/Unpacking Services
The packaging performs many crucial functions for the product. It is an essential part of any product as it keeps the product in good condition throughout the logistical journey it goes through.
The cheapest option would be to use simple materials. The palletized goods offer numerous benefits as they reduce the risk of temperature damage for sensitive products such as fruit and vegetables and improve the mobility of the products.
The wooden crate is a large container that carries heavy products which ensures the protection of the goods and such crates can be obtained and manufactured locally.
You can also, on the other hand, choose wooden boxes that are smaller in size than the crate and can carry perishable products. Other materials such as bubble wrap, tape, and wrapping paper can be used as well.
Uniway Sourcing will always aim to provide you with the best and the most optimal packing that is suitable for your product and according to your needs so that your product is in the best condition.
The importance of packaging cannot be overemphasized. The freight insurance could be rejected if the agency/company deems the packaging as inadequate and subpar. Therefore, we recommend that you really pay attention to the packing, material, and container.
Freight Insurance
Freight Insurance offers protection and covers any logistical risks and damages to the cargo. You may check your agreement and insurance policy to determine the coverage, key clauses in the agreement, and compensation. We at Uniway Sourcing highly recommend you purchase insurance.
Cost of Freight Insurance
The cost of the insurance depends on the value of your load, risks, and other many factors that determine the insurance premium. It is advisable to find insurance that is neither too economical nor too expensive and ensure that it is within your budget. Contact us to find further detailed information on Freight Insurance.
China Supplier Management
Quality Control
At Uniway Sourcing, we use advanced and sophisticated quality control measures including production monitoring and defects sorting to ensure that the products are of top-notch quality and meet your defined quality standards. We aim to make sure that your plan is fully met, and that no hiccups occur throughout.
Relationships with Supplier
Uniway Sourcing employs a team of excellent managers based in China who are locals and can speak their native tongue to allow better communication with the supplier so that your business objectives are fully achieved.
Third-Party Logistics Services in China
Order Fulfilment, Packing & Labelling
Uniway Sourcing handles all of the steps from receiving the orders from suppliers to delivering the orders to our customers. This process is ensured to be efficient, effective, and optimal according to your given objectives and standards. We aim to fully satisfy you and to ensure that your business succeeds.
Last-Mile Delivery
Uniway Sourcing also offers last-mile delivery services which is the last leg of the product delivery system. Our service is efficient and effective and especially for smaller packages.
Shipping Personal Effects from China
Excess Baggage
Uniway Sourcing offers services for shipping excess baggage by air freight at reasonable rates within a short period of duration.
Relocation Services
Uniway Sourcing also offers moving services from China to Pakistan. Please contact us for further information.
Laws, Regulations, and Rules Advisor
Uniway Sourcing has years of vast experience in importing from China to Pakistan and helping customers achieve excellent levels of business performance.
We understand importing can be a daunting task, requires a lot of documentation, and meets a lot of regulations. Uniway Sourcing is always happy to help with the paperwork and documentation related to customs.
FAQ
What is the shipping cost from China to Pakistan?
Less than Container Load (LCL) is 100 US dollars per CBM.
Full Container Load (FCL) is 500 US dollars per 20’ and 150 US dollars per 40’
Express Shipping (door to door) is 700 US dollars (10 KGs).
What are the transit times/shipping duration?
Average sea freight time: 22 days
Average air freight time: 2 days (if direct flight)
Average truck freight time: 15 days
Average rail freight time: 10 days
Express shipping: 2 days (10 KGs).
What are the best options for transporting goods from China to Pakistan?
Options are sea, air, rail, or truck. The best option is not constant and depends on your load (volume and weight). You must calculate the average cost of shipping using each method and choose accordingly.
How much tax I have to pay for imports from China to Pakistan?
You may use the harmonised system codes (HS) to figure out the tariff on your good. You can use the Pakistan Customs website for this information.
Will customs open every package?
No, customs will not open every package and will only open if there’s reason to suspect or if it is damaged.
How can I avoid custom charges?
You cannot evade custom charges legally. Please do not incorrectly value your goods and declare the accurate amount of your goods. An overestimation will lead to higher tax and an underestimation will lead to less tax, but it will be suspicious, unreasonable, and illegal which will lead to eventually the accurate amount of tax to be paid.
How can I reduce my shipping costs?
You can negotiate with different carriers, use a sourcing agency with good relations, use online shipping agencies, buy insurance, including all shipping costs in the selling price of the products, consider hybrid services, and use packaging given by the carrier.
Can Air Freight be cheaper than Sea Freight?
Airfreight may be less expensive than sea freight in certain cases. If your load’s volume is less than 1 CBM and has a weight of less than 100 kilograms, the average cost of air freight can be less than sea freight.
Is having insurance a must when importing from China?
Although having insurance is not a must, we strongly recommend you that to buy insurance because of the great advantages and mitigation of risk it provides. However, it is not compulsory.
How can I reduce the duty/tariff on my goods when importing from China?
There is no legal way of reducing the duty/tariff on your goods when importing. We strongly advise against any underestimation and voluntary incorrect declaration of your goods which is not allowed. China-Pakistan partnership has already reduced the duty and tariff on many goods.
Do I have to pay any duties or taxes in China?
Importers and exporters in China do not have to pay any taxes or duties.
How can I calculate the import tariff on my product?
You may use the HS code to determine the import tariff on your product from the Pakistan Customs website. For other countries, please refer to their relevant customs authorities to find an import tariff imposed on your product.
What are EXW, FOB, and CIF?
These are international commerce terms (Incoterms).
EXW refers to Ex Works which is when the importer/buyer has to assume all of the responsibilities of the process of transporting the goods from the warehouse to the destination.
FOB refers to Free on Board which is when the exporter/seller has to assume all of the responsibilities and absorb any risks until the products are loaded onboard the transport vehicle.
CIF refers to Cost, Insurance, and Freight which is when the exporter/seller has to assume all of the responsibilities of transporting the goods from the warehouse to the destination and absorb the risks, cost of insurance and freight.