GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN NOTIFICATION ON NEW BAGGAGE RULES EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 1, 2016
In collaboration with Mahir Packers and Movers, here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the new baggage rules for a seamless relocation experience.
Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required:
- Original passport
- Original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for Pakistani nationals
- Copy of visa
- Original or express bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Inventory list in English
- Packing list with purchase invoices
- Certificate of employment
- Transfer of residence certificate
- Exemption certificate (for diplomats)
- Copy of diplomatic ID card (for diplomats)
Specific Information:
- Pakistani Citizens: Eligible for transfer of residence facility if the owner has stayed abroad for 2+ years and has not visited Pakistan for a cumulative period of 120+ days during those 2 years.
- Foreign Nationals: Eligible for transfer of residence duty discount if arriving in Pakistan for a stay of 2+ years (as stated in their employment letters).
- Electrical Items: Pakistani citizens must pay full customs duties and taxes.
- Duty-Free Import: Owners can import shipments duty-free for the first 6 months by completing a CBR booklet (non-citizens).
- Customs Valuation: Import duties are charged on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, determined by Customs officials.
- Duty-Free Items: Only used clothing and used household effects qualify for duty-free import.
- Letter of Authority: Required for all shipments from the organization.
- Customs Clearance: Takes approximately 4–5 days after shipment arrival. The consignee must be present during clearance.
- Negotiation: All items are dutiable; the value and depreciation can be negotiated with the examiner during clearance.
- Avoid Heavy Duties: Do not send insurance or documents showing the value of household goods with the shipment.
- Diplomats: Can import shipments duty-free by presenting a diplomatic exemption certificate to Customs authorities.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required:
- Copy of passport
- Original or express release bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Original technical passport/certificate of title
- De-registration certificate
- Invoice of purchase showing engine number, model, and horsepower
Specific Information:
- Pakistani Nationals: Cannot import vehicles older than 3 years.
- Diplomats: Can import vehicles older than 2 years.
Pets
Documents Required:
- Original passport of the owner
- Health certificate and vaccination certificate (issued by the origin country)
- Quarantine certificate issued by the Government of Pakistan / veterinary certificate
- Pet passport
Specific Information:
- All required documents must accompany pets.
- Pets can be transported as baggage, cargo, or with passengers traveling by air.
- Clearance takes 1–2 days, depending on document availability.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
Items may qualify for free import if within the following limits:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (½ kg)
- Eau de toilette (¼ L) and perfume (⅛ L)
- Gifts and souvenirs (reasonable number and quantity)
- Note: Electronic items of any kind are dutiable, even under transfer of residence.
Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly prohibited:
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol
- Pornography
- Narcotics
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Any literature, CD, or DVD material against Islam or Pakistan
- Any art, painting, or object that is obscene or shows nudity
- Hides or ivory of animals
- Any goods of Israeli origin
Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC)
Overseas Pakistanis remitting foreign currency equivalent to US2,500toUS2,500toUS50,000 per annum are entitled to the following incentives:
| Type of FERC | Amount Remitted (US$) | Duty Credit (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Card | 2,500 or more | 10,000 |
| Silver Plus Card | 5,000 or more | 20,000 |
| Gold Card | 10,000 or more | 30,000 |
| Gold Plus Card | 25,000 or more | 50,000 |
| Platinum Card | 50,000 or more | 100,000 |
Incentives Include:
- Free issuance and renewal of passports on an urgent basis.
- Separate counters for special handling at all international airports in Pakistan.
- Duty credit can be utilized for seven items with fixed duty: television, deep freezer, refrigerator, microwave oven, cooking range, washing machine, and air conditioner.
Consignment Instructions
- Recommended: Contact the destination agent (e.g., Mahir Packers and Movers) to ensure all requirements are met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air/sea shipments.
Helpful Websites:
- U.S. Department of State – Pakistan Travel Information
- Pakistan Consulate New York
- Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Pakistan
For a hassle-free relocation experience, trust Mahir Packers and Movers to handle all your packing, shipping, and customs clearance needs. Contact us today for personalized assistance!