Overseas Pakistanis: Your Guide to Customs Rules and Regulations
If you’re a Pakistani living abroad or planning to visit Pakistan, this guide helps you understand customs rules to avoid delays, fines, or confiscations. Whether you’re bringing gifts, phones, cash, or vehicles, here’s what you need to know.
Note: In case of any legal discrepancy, official customs law will apply.
Important Customs Terms
Baggage: Personal belongings like clothes, jewelry, and daily-use items.
Duty-Free Allowance: Goods you can bring without paying customs duty.
Restricted Items: Items that require prior approval or documentation.
Prohibited Items: Items that are not allowed to be imported at all.
What You Can Bring Duty-Free
Used Personal Items: No duty if not new or commercial quantity.
Gifts: Allowed in reasonable amounts.
Maximum Duty-Free Limits:
• Cigarettes – 200
• Cigars – 50
• Tobacco – 500g
• Perfume – 125 ml
• Eau de Toilette – 250 ml
Restricted Items (Need Permission)
• Prescription medicines – with doctor’s note
• Cash over USD 10,000 – must be declared
• Plants/animals – need quarantine or import permit
Prohibited Items (Not Allowed)
• Weapons
• Alcohol
• Narcotics/Drugs
• Pornographic material
• Radioactive or toxic materials
• Israeli goods or media
Bringing Vehicles to Pakistan
Eligibility:
• Personal Baggage: 180+ days abroad in past 7 months
• Transfer of Residence: 700+ days abroad in last 3 years
• Gift Scheme: Same conditions, for family gift only
Allowed Vehicle Age:
• Cars: Up to 3 years old
• Other vehicles: Up to 5 years
Required Documents:
• Passport, Bill of Lading, Vehicle Registration, Invoice
Payment:
• Duties must be paid via Pakistani bank account with PRC
Mobile Phone Rules
• Up to 5 phones per year duty-free (1 phone per entry is free, others require tax)
• Bring invoice and IMEI details for each phone
• Used phones may be depreciated for lower tax
Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC) Benefits
| Card Type |
Annual Remittance (USD) |
Duty Credit (PKR) |
| Silver |
$2,500+ |
10,000 |
| Silver Plus |
$5,000+ |
20,000 |
| Gold |
$10,000+ |
30,000 |
| Gold Plus |
$25,000+ |
50,000 |
| Platinum |
$50,000+ |
100,000 |
• Free urgent passport renewal
• Priority processing at airports
• Duty credit usable for electronics & appliances (TVs, ACs, etc.)
Essential Travel Tips
• Be honest in declaring your items
• Organize documents in advance
• Understand limits on cash and electronics
• When in doubt, ask customs officials
Need Assistance?
• FBR Website:
www.fbr.gov.pk
• FBR Helpline: +92-51-111-772-772
• Local Customs Office: Visit nearest one for help
