People search for an “import export license in Pakistan” expecting a single certificate. For most goods, no such licence exists. What you actually need is a set of registrations that let customs, your bank and the tax system recognise you as a trader, plus product-specific approvals for regulated goods. This guide lists those registrations in the order that works, explains where the Pakistan Single Window fits, and shows which products need an extra permit before they ship.
Quick answer: To import or export in Pakistan you generally need an NTN, sales tax registration (STRN) for commercial imports, a business bank account, a chamber of commerce or trade body membership certificate, and a trader subscription on the Pakistan Single Window (PSW). Goods covered by DRAP, PTA, plant protection, PSQCA or other regulators also need that regulator’s approval before shipment.
Is there an import or export licence in Pakistan?
For most goods, no. Pakistan’s import and export regimes work through the Import Policy Order and Export Policy Order issued by the Ministry of Commerce. These orders list banned items, restricted items and the conditions attached to them. If your product is not banned or restricted, you can trade once you are registered as a trader with customs and the tax system. If it is restricted, the relevant ministry or regulator issues the permit, not a general “import licence”.
The practical question is therefore not “how do I get a licence” but “which registrations do I need, and does my product need its own approval?”
Which registrations does an importer or exporter need?
| Registration | Issued by | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business structure (sole proprietor, firm or company) | SECP or Registrar of Firms | Defines who owns the import or export and whose name appears on documents |
| NTN | FBR (IRIS) | Required for every customs declaration and bank transaction |
| Sales tax registration (STRN) | FBR (IRIS) | Needed for most commercial imports and for exporters claiming refunds |
| Business bank account | Your bank | Payments, import forms and export proceeds run through it |
| Chamber or trade body membership | Local chamber of commerce or trade association | Customs and banks commonly ask for the membership certificate |
| Trader subscription | Pakistan Single Window (PSW) | Lets you or your customs agent file goods declarations |
What order should you register in?
1. Choose and register the business structure
A sole proprietorship is fastest, but a private limited company separates trade liabilities from your personal assets and is easier to bank. Our guides to SECP company registration and SMC vs private limited cover the choice.
2. Get an NTN with importer or exporter as the activity
Customs checks your NTN record. Make sure your principal activity is recorded as importer, exporter or both; a record that says “services” or “retail” causes problems later. See our NTN registration guide.
3. Register for sales tax
Commercial importers are among the categories that must hold an STRN, and exporters need one to claim input tax refunds. FBR also requires importers registered as individuals, AOPs or single member companies to declare business capital. Our sales tax registration guide walks through IRIS Form 14(1) and biometric verification.
4. Open a business account and build a banking record
Import payments and export proceeds are handled by banks under State Bank of Pakistan rules. Customs registration commonly asks for a bank maintenance certificate and recent statements, so open the account in the exact business name early.
5. Join a chamber of commerce or trade association
Membership of your city chamber, or of a trade association for your sector, gives you the certificate that customs collectorates and banks ask for. Ask your collectorate which chamber certificate it accepts before you pay a membership fee.
6. Subscribe to the Pakistan Single Window
PSW is now the main entry point for traders. It links customs, banks and regulators, so goods declarations, electronic import forms and export forms, and many regulatory approvals are filed in one place. Subscription uses your NTN, STRN, bank details and biometric verification. Some collectorates and older guidance still refer to WeBOC user registration, which PSW has largely taken over.
7. Appoint a customs agent if you are not filing yourself
Most traders authorise a licensed customs agent to file goods declarations. You remain responsible for correct classification and valuation, so review the HS code and declared value yourself.
Which products need an extra permit before import or export?
Trader registration lets you clear goods. It does not approve the goods themselves. Regulated products need a separate approval, often linked to the goods declaration through PSW:
- Medicines, medical devices and therapeutic goods: DRAP licensing and registration. Our DRAP classification guide helps you check whether your product is DRAP-regulated.
- Items on PSQCA’s compulsory list: imported products such as cables, cement and many food items must conform to their Pakistan Standard. See our PSQCA certification checklist.
- Seeds, plants and pesticides: plant protection and agriculture approvals, covered in our seed and pesticide registration guides.
- Wireless and telecom devices: PTA type approval.
- Food exports: buyers and destination authorities often require halal, health and quality certificates. Read halal certification for exporters.
- Used machinery and restricted items: conditions set in the Import Policy Order, such as age limits or certificates.
Check these before you sign a supply contract. A consignment that arrives without its regulatory approval sits at port, building demurrage, while you apply.
How does a first import actually clear?
- Confirm the HS code and check the Import Policy Order for conditions on your product.
- Obtain any regulatory approval the product needs.
- Arrange payment through your bank, which registers the electronic import form against the transaction.
- Your agent files the goods declaration on PSW with classification, value and origin.
- Customs risk management routes the declaration for release, document review or physical examination.
- Duties and taxes are paid electronically and the goods are released.
Common mistakes new importers and exporters make
- Paying a consultant for a “general import licence” that the product does not need
- Registering the NTN with the wrong principal activity
- Shipping regulated goods before DRAP, PSQCA or PTA approval is in hand
- Using a personal bank account, which breaks the link between payments and import forms
- Letting sales tax returns lapse, which removes you from the Active Taxpayers List and blocks clearance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an import license in Pakistan?
For most goods, no separate import licence is issued. You need an NTN, sales tax registration for commercial imports, a bank account, chamber membership and a Pakistan Single Window subscription. Restricted goods need a permit from their regulator.
What is the Pakistan Single Window?
PSW is the government’s online trade platform linking customs, banks and regulators. Traders and customs agents use it to file goods declarations, import and export forms and many regulatory approvals.
Can an individual import goods in Pakistan?
Yes. A sole proprietor with an NTN, STRN and PSW subscription can import commercially. Many traders still form a company to separate business liabilities and improve access to banking.
Is chamber of commerce membership required for import and export?
Customs collectorates and banks commonly ask for a membership certificate from a chamber of commerce or trade association, so most traders join their local chamber before registering.
Which products need approval before import?
Medicines and medical devices (DRAP), items on PSQCA’s compulsory list, seeds and pesticides, telecom devices (PTA), and goods restricted under the Import Policy Order all need approval before shipment.
How CEC can help you start importing or exporting
Connect Engineers & Consultants sets up the full trader file: company or firm registration, NTN and STRN through our FBR tax compliance service, and product approvals through our specialized industry licensing and PSQCA product certification teams.
Planning your first shipment? Tell us the product and its HS code, and we will map every registration and approval it needs.
Import and export policy orders, PSW procedures and regulator requirements are revised regularly. Confirm current requirements with the Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan Customs and the relevant regulator before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
