Shipping to Pakistan: Air vs sea, customs & step-by-step guide

Sending a parcel from the UK to Pakistan can feel overwhelming – but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're posting British treats to family in Lahore or shipping electronics to Karachi, this guide walks you through every step. We cover how to pick a parcel courier service, handle customs, and track your parcel from door to door.

Choose your shipping method: Air or sea

The first thing you need to decide is how you want your delivery to arrive in Pakistan. There are two main ways:

1. Air freight. This is the "I need it now" option. Air freight is the fastest way to ship – the transit time is usually 3 to 7 working days to reach major cities like Islamabad or Lahore. It’s the perfect option when you send smaller boxes, urgent documents, or birthday gifts for family. However, the speed comes with a price, so air freigh is quite expensive.
2. Sea freight. If you are moving house, sending furniture, or shipping a lot of clothes, go with the sea. This method is much cheaper because of its low speed. Expect to wait anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks for your container to arrive at the port in Pakistan. It requires more patience, but your wallet will definitely thank you.

More tips for Pakistanis in the UK:

• UK cities with the most Pakistanis.
• Banks vs. online money transfer services: Which is cheaper for GBP-PKR?
• Guide for Pakistani expats: Managing finances in the UK.

Select a carrier or freight forwarder

You have two main delivery paths. First, you can use parcel courier services like Royal Mail International, DHL Express, or FedEx International. These brands are great if you don't mind paying a bit extra for a comfortable experience and an easy express delivery.

However, if you want to save money or have a larger load, a logistics provider specialising in international freight forwarding is often a better fit. These "cargo" companies know the UK–to–Pakistan routes inside out and guide you through paperwork. They are especially helpful if you are sending a commercial shipment for a small business. Just make sure your chosen parcel courier service has a good reputation and real reviews before you hand over your boxes. Some options include:

• Pak Cargo Services: Sea freight from £1 per kg and door-to-door shipping, where they pick up from your house.
• Anglo Pacific: Helps a lot when shipping furniture, but it is not quite suitable for sending small boxes.
• Tudor International Freight: The company has 30 years of experience – use its services when sending a commercial shipment or a lot of personal belongings.

Determine parcel weight and dimensions

Before you approach any company, you must measure and scale your parcel:

1. Weigh the box after it is fully packed.
2. Measure length, width, and height.

These details are vital because carriers use a system called "volumetric weight." Essentially, if your box is huge but very light – like if you’ve filled it with cotton only – the services will charge you based on the space it occupies rather than its actual weight. To check the volumetric weight, use a simple formula:

(Length x Width x Height) / 5000.

Sometimes the divisor may differ, so always use your service’s calculator to verify the volumetric weight.

For example, your box weighs 8 kg and is 50cm long, 40cm wide, and 40cm high. Then, its volumetric weight will be 50 x 40 x 40 / 5,000 = 16kg. Even though your box only weighs 8kg on the scale, the logistics provider will charge you for 16kg. This happens because the box takes up a lot of room in the plane – it is about the space, not just the heaviness.

But what if we used a smaller, tighter box? Let's say we squeezed everything into a box that is 40 x 30 x 30. Then, 40 x 30 x 30 / 5,000 = 7.2kg. In this case, your actual weight (8kg) is higher than the size weight (7.2kg). You would only pay for the 8kg. This is a standard rule for international shipping across all major airlines and logistics provider networks. So pack things as tightly as possible!

Prepare customs documentation

To get your belongings through the border, you must fill out a customs declaration form (as of March, 2026):

• CN22. If the total value is under £270.
• CN23. For anything worth more than £270. It is a bit more detailed and usually comes with a clear plastic wallet to stick on the outside of the box.

You must list everything inside. Don't just write "Gifts" – be specific, like "3 cotton t-shirts" or "1 used laptop."

You also need to state the declared value of the items. If you are vague, the workers at the border might open your box, and that causes delays. Remember that HMRC export regulations  apply each time when sending goods out of the UK, so keep your descriptions honest.

Plus, you should find the HS Code (Harmonised System code) for each item. This is a 6-digit number used worldwide to identify goods. If you leave this out, the customs clearance process will take much longer.

For the person in Pakistan, the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) usually needs their CNIC number – that’s their 13-digit national ID. We recommend writing this on the invoice and the box itself. Without it, shipments may still be sent, but can be held at customs until the information is provided.

If all the measuring, weighing, and worrying about customs feels like too much, there is a much simpler way to support your family. Instead of sending a physical box, you can just send a money transfer with Profee.  Sending funds from the UK to Pakistan only takes a few clicks, and you don’t have to worry about a single customs declaration form or any restricted goods*. It is a stress-free way to take care of your family. You can find our full guide on sending money back home here.

Check prohibited and restricted items

Pakistan has strict rules about what can come in:

1. Prohibited items. Alcohol, pork products, hazardous materials (fireworks, used tyres or oils), weapons and anything considered offensive to religious values. Click here to check the full official list.
2. Restricted goods. Items like mobile phones and medicine often need special permission.
3. Liquids. Depending on the liquid type, some couriers may not accept it because it is considered "dangerous goods" for planes.

The rules change, so always check the official information before sending a parcel to Pakistan.

Final steps: Pack, pay and track

Package your parcel correctly

Following packaging requirements is the only way to keep your stuff safe:

1. Use a double-walled cardboard box.
2. Wrap items individually in bubble wrap.
3. Fill gaps with packing peanuts or old newspapers so nothing rattles.
4. Tape everything with heavy-duty packing tape. Use the "H" taping method on the top and bottom.

Complete carrier booking and payment

Most services let you book an express delivery online now. You enter the details, pay with your card, and choose a pickup date.

International shipping costs vary a lot between providers. Below we’ve compared door-to-door shipping prices of DHL and Tudor Cargo (as of March 19th, 2026):

Print labels, hand over to the courier and track your parcel

Once you pay, you will get a shipping label. Attach it firmly to the top of the box and don't put tape over the barcode, as the scanners might not read it. When the driver arrives for the door-to-door shipping collection, ask for a receipt.

Most companies give you parcel tracking so you can follow the journey. It will show when it leaves the UK, when it lands, and when it arrives at a receiver. This is especially helpful for the last-mile delivery stage, so your family knows when to stay home.

Understand customs clearance in Pakistan

When the box arrives, officers will look at your paperwork for customs clearance. The recipient might have to pay import duties or taxes – the FBR import duty  rates can change, so it is a good idea to check their website. Some international shipping companies handle this for you, while others leave it to the recipient, so always clarify this before you send.

FAQ – International shipping to Pakistan

Who delivers my parcel once it reaches Pakistan?

When your package passes customs clearance, the UK courier hands it over to a local logistics provider for the last-mile delivery. In Pakistan, this is usually handled by TCS, Leopards Courier, or M&P, who have the best networks for reaching local addresses.

Should I pay for shipping insurance?

We definitely think it is worth it, especially if you are sending expensive electronics or family treasures. It only costs a few pounds extra but protects your declared value in case anything goes wrong during the long trip to Pakistan.

What is the difference between door-to-door and port-to-port shipping to Pakistan?

Door-to-door includes pickup from your UK address and delivery to the recipient's Pakistan address, with the carrier managing customs. Port-to-port requires you or the recipient to arrange pickup/delivery at terminals; cheaper but more complex. For personal parcels, door-to-door is standard. Commercial freight often uses port-to-port for cost savings.

What is the fastest way to ship to Pakistan?

The fastest way is using a premium express courier service like DHL Express, FedEx, or UPS. These companies have their own planes and don't rely on the standard postal system, which is why they are so much faster.

Is there any customs duty on gifts in Pakistan?

Customs duties apply to almost every gift sent to Pakistan because the tax–free limits are very low. Since these rules change often, we suggest checking the official FBR website for the latest details.