Import from Pakistan to the UK
What are the best things to import from Pakistan to the UK?
At the end of 2024, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and Pakistan amounted to £4.4 billion. Imports accounted for just over half of this, totalling £2.3 billion. Historically, trade relations between the two countries have been stable. The UK is Pakistan’s largest European export partner and the UK’s 49th largest trading partner. Of the £2.3 billion annual imports, these are considered, statistically, the best things to import from Pakistan:
- Clothing: £625.6 million
- Textile fabrics: £468.6 million
- Cereals: £113.7 million
- Vegetables and fruit: £38.3 million
- Scientific instruments (capital): £30.7 million
Importing goods from Pakistan to the UK requires shippers to have a well-rounded understanding of customs procedures and the most suitable transport options for their freight.
How to prepare for customs declarations
Receiving any import from Pakistan means following the necessary procedures. You’ll also need to make customs declarations through the National Export System (NES). Alternatively, you can hire a freight forwarder or customs agent to handle this on your behalf.
1. EORI number: To import from Pakistan to the UK, all shippers need an EORI number beginning with ‘GB’ (this is necessary for importing into England, Wales and Scotland). An EORI number is essential for customs declarations.
2. Commodity codes: Each product imported requires a specific commodity code, a 10-digit number used to classify goods for import and export.
3. Labelling and marking rules: Imported goods must follow UK labelling and marking standards, which vary depending on the type of product. To import clothes from Pakistan, shippers must check that their goods display clear care instructions, the country of origin and fibre content.
4. Inspection (if applicable): To prevent delays, you must determine if your shipment contains goods that require inspection before entering the UK (this includes items like animal-derived items or plants).
5. Pay duty and VAT: If you want to import from Pakistan without significant delays, you'll need to pay the applicable Customs Duty and VAT. The duty rate is determined by the commodity code and the goods' country of origin.
2. Commodity codes: Each product imported requires a specific commodity code, a 10-digit number used to classify goods for import and export.
3. Labelling and marking rules: Imported goods must follow UK labelling and marking standards, which vary depending on the type of product. To import clothes from Pakistan, shippers must check that their goods display clear care instructions, the country of origin and fibre content.
4. Inspection (if applicable): To prevent delays, you must determine if your shipment contains goods that require inspection before entering the UK (this includes items like animal-derived items or plants).
5. Pay duty and VAT: If you want to import from Pakistan without significant delays, you'll need to pay the applicable Customs Duty and VAT. The duty rate is determined by the commodity code and the goods' country of origin.
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How do I ship goods from Pakistan to the UK?
You can import from Pakistan to the UK via two main methods of freight shipping: sea or air. Sea freight can accommodate large volumes of goods, but may take longer to arrive. Air transport offers quicker transit times but can be more expensive.
Sea freight
Sea freight shipments are typically consolidated into containers, with options for full container loads (FCL) or less than container loads (LCL). Importing goods from Pakistan to the UK via sea travel can take anywhere from 20 to 50 days.
Air freight
Air freight offers a faster alternative for time-sensitive shipments. It’s suitable for smaller, high-value consignments, and delivery times can vary from 2 to 4 days.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Pakistan?
As of January 2025, the United Kingdom and Pakistan have not signed a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
However, Pakistan benefits from the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides preferential trade terms, including duty-free access for 94% of goods exported from Pakistan to the UK.
However, Pakistan benefits from the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides preferential trade terms, including duty-free access for 94% of goods exported from Pakistan to the UK.
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