Missing or incorrect shipping documents are the most common reason for delays at port. Use this checklist before every shipment to and from Pakistan.
Core documents for every shipment
| Document | Issued by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller | Value, description, HS code and terms of sale — used for customs duty. |
| Packing list | Seller | Packages, weights and dimensions — used for loading and examination. |
| Bill of lading (B/L) | Carrier or NVOCC (e.g. NSL) | Receipt for cargo, contract of carriage and document of title for sea freight. |
| Air waybill (AWB) | Airline or forwarder | Contract of carriage for air freight (not a title document). |
| Certificate of origin | Chamber of commerce / TDAP | Proves where goods were made — needed for preferential duty. |
| Goods Declaration (GD) | Customs broker via WeBOC / PSW | Export or import declaration filed with Pakistan Customs. |
Additional export documents from Pakistan
- Financial instrument / export proceeds registration through your bank on Pakistan Single Window (formerly Form E).
- Phytosanitary certificate for plants, fruit, rice and seeds (Department of Plant Protection).
- Health / halal certificate for meat, seafood and food products.
- GSP / REX statement on origin for reduced duties in the EU and UK.
- Fumigation certificate where wooden packaging or certain cargo requires it.
- VGM declaration — verified gross mass of each container.
Additional import documents into Pakistan
- Import permits or NOCs for regulated goods (e.g. DRAP for medicines, PSQCA for standards-regulated items).
- Insurance certificate where required by the bank or contract.
- Letter of credit documents if paying by L/C — must match exactly.
- Form P certificate of origin for China-Pakistan FTA duty benefits.
Need help preparing documents? NSL's customs clearance team checks every file before your cargo arrives.
