How to Get Import Export License in Pakistan (Complete 2026 Guide)
If you are planning to start an international trade venture, the essential first step is understanding how to get an import export license in Pakistan. Cities like Sialkot, Lahore, and Karachi drive billions in revenue through global shipments of sportswear, leather garments, surgical instruments, and textiles.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain the legal requirements, official registration portals, documents, and actual costs so you can launch your export business without confusion.
⚡ Quick Summary (Direct Answer)
How to get an import export license in Pakistan: Pakistan does not issue a physical “license card.” Instead, traders must obtain a commercial NTN & STRN from FBR, open a dedicated Business Bank Account, subscribe to the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) with Nadra biometric verification, and activate WeBOC User Credentials. Joining a regional trade body like the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) is required for commercial credibility and certificate of origin issuance. Official government registration fees typically total under PKR 25,000 to PKR 30,000.
What is an Import Export License in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, there is no single physical certificate or card titled “Import Export License.” Instead, legal international trading requires a combination of commercial tax registration, customs clearing integration, and trade association verification.
To legally clear cargo through air, sea, or dry ports, your business must be registered on the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) systems connected with your National Tax Number (NTN).
Step-by-Step Process to Get Import Export License in Pakistan
Registering your business for global trade involves six structured steps:
1. Register Your Business Entity
Choose a legal structure for your firm:
- Sole Proprietorship: Easiest, lowest setup cost, and ideal for individual entrepreneurs in Sialkot.
- Partnership (AOP): Ideal if two or more partners invest together.
- Private Limited Company (PVT Ltd): Registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
2. Obtain Business NTN and STRN from FBR
You must register your trade name with the Federal Board of Revenue:
- Visit the official FBR Iris Portal and register your 181 business modification.
- Obtain your commercial NTN (National Tax Number) and Sales Tax Registration (STRN). Active Taxpayer status is mandatory for customs clearance.
3. Open a Dedicated Business Bank Account
Take your NTN certificate, business letterhead, rubber stamp, and CNIC to any scheduled commercial bank in Pakistan. Open a current account in your business’s legal name. You will need a Bank Maintenance Certificate for customs verification.
4. Register on Pakistan Single Window (PSW) & WeBOC
To clear commercial export and import consignments, you must activate your ID on the customs platform:
- Go to the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) subscription portal.
- Link your biometric verification via mobile and Nadra.
- Complete your digital profile to receive your active user credentials for WeBOC Customs Clearance.
5. Sialkot Chamber of Commerce (SCCI) Registration
While basic customs accounts can be opened with NTN, joining the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) or your regional trade body is vital. A Chamber membership card gives your firm international credibility, enables Certificate of Origin issuance, and facilitates commercial visa recommendations.
6. Register with Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)
Registering with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is highly beneficial for exporters looking to access subsidized foreign trade delegations, international exhibitions, and verified foreign buyer directories.
Documents Required for Import Export License in Pakistan
Ensure you have clean scanned copies of the following documents before starting your online application:
- Valid CNIC of the business owner or partners.
- Active Business NTN and STRN Certificates.
- Bank Account Maintenance Certificate & verified account statement.
- Business premises ownership deed or registered rent agreement with a commercial utility bill.
- Chamber of Commerce & Industry valid membership certificate.
- Biometric verification slip from Nadra / e-Sahulat.
Import Export License Fees and Price in Pakistan (2026 Breakdown)
Many beginners assume that starting an export business requires millions in government licensing. The actual official licensing cost is very low:
| Registration Step | Official Authority | Estimated Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| NTN & Sales Tax (STRN) | FBR Iris | Free (PKR 0) |
| PSW Biometric & Subscription | Pakistan Single Window | PKR 500 |
| WeBOC User ID Activation | Pakistan Customs | Free (PKR 0) |
| Chamber Membership (SCCI) | Regional Chamber | PKR 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Bank Account Initial Deposit | Commercial Bank | PKR 5,000 – 25,000 (Refundable) |
Note: If you hire a tax consultant, professional service fees typically range between PKR 5,000 to PKR 10,000.
Tips for Sialkot Exporters and Beginners
If you are operating from Sialkot, you possess a massive logistical and manufacturing advantage:
- Focus on High-Demand Local Niches: Target sports wear, fitness gear, leather goods, motorcycling apparel, and surgical tools.
- Master International Payment Terms: Learn how to protect your shipments using Letters of Credit (LC), Advance TT, and CAD (Cash Against Documents).
- Target B2B Direct Sourcing: Utilize LinkedIn, verified email scrapers, and trade portals alongside Alibaba to find direct international buyers in the US, UK, and European Union.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The official government fees to activate an import-export setup are minimal: NTN and WeBOC registration are free, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) subscription is approximately PKR 500, while annual Chamber of Commerce (SCCI) membership ranges between PKR 15,000 to PKR 25,000 depending on firm category.
Yes. An individual can operate as a Sole Proprietor using their personal CNIC and a business NTN registered via FBR Iris. A private limited company is not mandatory for starting export operations in Sialkot.
Mandatory documents include a valid CNIC, active business NTN and STRN certificates, a commercial Bank Maintenance Certificate, premises rent agreement or ownership proof with commercial utility bill, and Nadra biometric verification.
Once NTN, bank verification, and biometric verification are completed, PSW and WeBOC IDs are typically issued within 24 to 72 hours online.
