How to Start Import Export Business in Pakistan – Step by Step Guide
Many young people in Pakistan dream of starting their own import export business in Pakistan, but get confused about documentation, bank requirements and licensing. In this guide I will explain how to start import export business in Pakistan in simple language, including basic information about import export license in Pakistan, export license Pakistan and import license Pakistan.
For a detailed written guide you can also read this post: How to start import export business in Pakistan and a practical overview of import export business in Pakistan .
Step 1 – Decide your role: importer, exporter or both
Before worrying about import export license, you must decide your focus:
- Exporter – selling Pakistani products to foreign buyers.
- Importer – bringing foreign products into Pakistan.
- Both – some companies export one product and import another.
Understanding the major exports of Pakistan and the major imports of Pakistan will help you choose a better product line.
Step 2 – Register your business
To run a proper export business in Pakistan, it is better to:
- Register a sole proprietorship, partnership or company.
- Open a business bank account in Pakistan (PKR and foreign currency if possible).
- Get your NTN and register with tax authorities.
This makes it easier to work with banks and government departments when you apply for any import licence Pakistan related approvals.
Step 3 – Import export license in Pakistan (basic concept)
In Pakistan, there isn’t a single plastic “card” called an import export license. Instead, different registrations together act like your import export license in Pakistan. These usually include:
- Registration with FBR and tax authorities.
- Registration on Pakistan Single Window / customs systems for filing GD.
- Bank account and KYC cleared for trade transactions.
Once these are in place, practically you can work as an importer or exporter. For some special sectors (like pharma, food or chemicals) you may also need extra permissions which act like an import license Pakistan or export license Pakistan for that specific product.
Step 4 – Understand Pakistan imports and exports documentation
Whether you are dealing with Pakistan exports or Pakistan imports, you must understand basic trade documents:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading / airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Form-E (for exports) and import forms where applicable
- Insurance, inspection and any product-specific certificates
These documents are used to clear goods at customs and to receive or send payments through the bank.
Step 5 – Study import and export of Pakistan (market research)
Before investing money, study the import and export of Pakistan in your chosen sector. Look at:
- Which products are already in the list of exports of Pakistan.
- Which import items of Pakistan are growing every year.
- Who are Pakistan’s largest export partners for your product.
- What margins are achievable realistically.
You can find a helpful overview in this article: import and export of Pakistan – overview .
Step 6 – Start small, then scale
Many successful traders in Pakistan started with very small consignments. Once they understood the import export process, dealt with customs, shipping lines and banks, they gradually increased the size of their shipments. This is safer than starting with a very large order and risking loss.
The most important thing is to keep learning – from government notifications, market prices and from experienced people already working in import export business in Pakistan.
