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Introduction
Most people searching “import export licence in Pakistan” expect one certificate that lets them trade. That is not how it works. You complete a short chain of registrations: your tax identity with FBR, a subscription to Pakistan Single Window (PSW), and registration as a trader with Pakistan Customs. Some products also need permission from a specific regulator.
Getting the order wrong costs time. A trader with an inactive tax profile or an unreachable FBR email address can get stuck at the first screen of PSW. Someone importing a regulated product can finish every registration and still be unable to clear goods without a product permit.
This guide explains each step in plain language, with the documents you need, the costs we could verify, and the mistakes to avoid. Every rule and fee here was checked against an official source on 10 October 2026. Rules change by notification, so confirm time-sensitive items before you act.
What Does “Import Export Licence” Mean in Pakistan?
Registration, licence and permit are three different things
People use “licence” for three separate requirements:
Pakistan’s notification to the WTO states that it does not maintain an import licensing system and that no licences are required for importable items. It lists a few specific Ministry of Commerce authorisations, such as arms and ammunition, goods imported by foreign air companies, and goods imported by foreign construction firms. That notification refers to older policy documents, so treat it as background and rely on the current policy orders for specifics.
The legal framework
Imports and exports are governed by the Ministry of Commerce through the Import Policy Order and Export Policy Order, issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950. The Import Policy Order, 2022 and Export Policy Order, 2022 were notified on 22 April 2022 (SRO 545(I)/2022 and SRO 544(I)/2022). Both are published on the TDAP trade policy page.
These orders are amended through SROs rather than replaced. One example is SRO 1207(I)/2026, which amended the Import Policy Order 2022 on 29 July, according to Geo News. Always read the base order together with its latest amendments.
Why Import Export License Is Important
Pakistan has no single import export licence. The registrations that stand in for one, namely your tax identity, a PSW subscription and Customs trader registration, matter because they decide whether you can trade legally at all. PSW describes subscription as the first step that authorises access to cross-border trade services, and trader registration is what lets you file declarations for clearing goods. A clean tax profile starts with NTN registration, and staying compliant afterwards is covered in our guide to business tax compliance. Being a documented, active filer also has practical benefits. Registration also protects you from avoidable trouble. PSW says false or misleading information at subscription can lead to legal action. Banks carry out their own due diligence on traders, and SBP requires authorised dealers to report overdue export bills. If your goods are regulated, a product permit adds a second layer of approval on top of registration, so skipping either step can stop a shipment. Getting registered correctly also helps you plan costs, since a registered trader can estimate duties and taxes in advance using our customs duty calculator. If you are still setting up your business, start with our step-by-step business registration guide.
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