Import duties and taxes in Pakistan: building a real landed cost
7 min read · By Lonesons Enterprises, Sialkot & Karachi · Updated October 2026
Importers often compare freight quotes and forget that duties and taxes can outweigh freight. A reliable landed cost needs every line.
The building blocks
- Assessable value: goods value plus freight and insurance (the CIF value), with landing charges added where applicable.
- Customs duty: set by the HS code of your product.
- Additional customs duty and regulatory duty: apply to certain goods only.
- Federal excise duty: applies to specific product categories.
- Sales tax: charged on the value plus the duties above.
- Income tax withholding: collected at import stage for most commercial imports.
Costs outside customs
Add shipping line and terminal charges, customs agent fees, bank charges, inland transport, insurance, and any demurrage or detention if the cargo is delayed.
Keep your numbers current
Rates depend on the HS code and are revised through the federal budget and government notifications. Always confirm the HS code first, then check the current tariff before you price a purchase. Ask your customs agent for a landed cost estimate before you place the order.
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