Shipping policy

🚢 Shipping Policies in Pakistan – Overview

Pakistan’s shipping framework is shaped by federal laws, maritime policies, and customs regulations. It covers sea freight, inland shipping, ports, and international trade logistics.

1. Governing Authorities

Shipping and maritime activities are mainly regulated by:

  • Ministry of Maritime Affairs

  • Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) – state-owned carrier

  • Karachi Port Trust (KPT)

  • Port Qasim Authority (PQA)

  • Gwadar Port Authority (GPA)

  • Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – customs & duties

  • Pakistan Customs

2. National Maritime Policy

Pakistan has a National Maritime Policy aimed at:

  • Promoting Pakistani-flagged vessels

  • Reducing reliance on foreign shipping lines

  • Developing ports and logistics infrastructure

  • Encouraging private-sector participation

  • Supporting Gwadar as a regional trade hub

3. Cabotage Laws (Domestic Shipping)

  • Coastal and inland water shipping is reserved for Pakistani-flagged vessels

  • Foreign vessels require special permission to operate domestically

  • Designed to protect local shipping companies

4. Import & Export Shipping Rules

Key requirements include:

  • Mandatory customs declarations

  • Compliance with Import Policy Order & Export Policy Order

  • Accurate HS codes and documentation (BL, invoice, packing list, COO)

  • Certain goods require special permits or licenses

5. Customs Duties & Taxes

Shipping is tied closely to customs laws:

  • Import duties, sales tax, withholding tax

  • Customs valuation rules

  • Risk-based inspections

  • Electronic clearance via WeBOC system