These are the questions importers and exporters ask our Karachi team most often. Answers are general; every shipment depends on its cargo, route and current rules, so contact us for advice on your own consignment.
Costs and quotes
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft or 40ft container to Pakistan?
Shipping costs depend on the origin port, destination, container type, shipping line, cargo details and current freight rates. Contact Falcon Global Logistics for a shipment-specific quotation.
How can I get a freight quotation?
Share the following information:
- Origin and destination
- Commodity description
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- FCL or LCL requirement
- Preferred shipping method
- Expected shipment date
Our team can evaluate your requirements and prepare a suitable quotation. Request a quote here.
Transit and shipping methods
How long does shipping from China to Karachi take?
Ocean freight transit time depends on the departure port, shipping line, vessel routing and transshipment requirements. We can provide an estimated schedule based on your shipment details.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL means Full Container Load, where you book an entire container for your cargo. LCL means Less than Container Load, where your shipment shares container space with other shipments. For help choosing, read our FCL vs LCL guide for China to Pakistan shipments.
Can I import goods without booking a full container?
Yes. LCL shipping allows businesses to import smaller cargo volumes without booking an entire container.
Do you provide air freight from China, UAE, UK and USA to Pakistan?
Falcon Global offers international air freight solutions through its global logistics network. Route availability and schedules can be confirmed for your specific shipment. See our air freight services.
Customs clearance and documents
Can Falcon Global handle customs clearance at Karachi Port?
Yes. Falcon Global provides clearing and forwarding services, including documentation coordination, customs assessment support, examination coordination and cargo release. See our clearing and forwarding services.
What happens if customs holds my shipment?
A customs hold can occur because of documentation discrepancies, tariff classification issues, valuation queries, regulatory requirements or examination. Our team can review the shipment documentation and coordinate the required clarification with the relevant authorities.
What documents are required to import goods into Pakistan?
Common documents include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin, where applicable
- Import permits or regulatory certificates, where required
Requirements depend on the commodity and applicable import regulations. Our PSW and ValidAP guide explains how documents are filed digitally.
Can you calculate customs duty before my shipment arrives?
We can help estimate applicable duties and taxes using the product description, PCT classification, customs valuation and relevant regulatory requirements. Final assessment is determined by Pakistan Customs. Our article on customs valuation rulings explains how assessed values can differ from invoice prices.
Charges and delivery
How can I avoid demurrage and detention charges?
Start documentation preparation early, verify customs requirements before arrival, monitor container free time and coordinate timely clearance and transportation.
Can Falcon Global arrange transportation after customs clearance?
Yes. Inland transportation and delivery coordination can be arranged depending on the shipment's destination and requirements.
Examples from our recent work
These are real shipments our team has handled. Client names and commercial details are withheld for confidentiality.
China to Karachi: a customs query on the PCT code
A Pakistani importer received a 40ft container from Ningbo, China. Customs raised a query about the PCT code and the product description. We reviewed the documentation, addressed the discrepancy, and the clearance process moved forward. Classification and description must match across the invoice, packing list and goods declaration; mismatches are a common reason for holds.
UAE to Pakistan: urgent spare parts by air
A Pakistani business needed urgent spare parts from Dubai. Instead of waiting for regular sea freight, we arranged an air freight solution to meet the business's urgent delivery requirement. For small, time-critical parts, air can cost less overall than the downtime of waiting for a sea shipment.
Germany to Karachi: missing documents for machinery
A Pakistani importer received industrial machinery from Germany. Missing supporting documentation created a clearance challenge. We coordinated the required paperwork to move the shipment through the customs process. For machinery, confirm the full document set with your supplier before shipment, not after arrival.