Importing Goods from Pakistan to Nepal

Importing Goods from Pakistan to Nepal: Sea and Air Freight Guide

Pakistan is a key supplier to Nepal, providing goods like textiles, machinery, chemicals, and food products. Whether you're an experienced importer or just starting, Shippers Bay can help you choose the best method to ship your cargo from Pakistan to Nepal efficiently and cost-effectively.

This guide covers sea and air freight options, including transit times, costs, customs clearance, and practical tips for smooth shipping.

Shipping Options from Pakistan to Nepal

Because Pakistan and Nepal do not share a direct border and Nepal is landlocked, most imports from Pakistan arrive via sea freight through Indian ports or by air freight via international airports. Each mode serves different needs depending on shipment size, urgency, and budget.

Sea Freight from Pakistan to Nepal
Sea freight is the most economical option for large shipments. Containers are shipped from major Pakistani ports such as Karachi or Port Qasim to Indian ports like Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, or Haldia. From there, goods continue overland into Nepal.
Sea Freight Options:

• Less than Container Load (LCL): Ideal for smaller shipments; your cargo is consolidated with other shipments, sharing container space to lower costs.
• Full Container Load (FCL): Best for larger shipments or when you want exclusive container use for added security and faster handling.

Sea freight is cost-effective for bulk cargo but involves longer transit times and multiple handling stages.

Air Freight from Pakistan to Nepal
Air freight offers the fastest delivery option for imports from Pakistan. Major airports in Pakistan—Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE), and Islamabad (ISB)—provide cargo flights to Kathmandu (KTM), either direct or via connecting hubs.

Air freight is preferred for urgent shipments, high-value products, or perishable goods requiring fast, secure transport.

Shipping Costs

Several factors influence shipping costs from Pakistan to Nepal:

• Mode of transport (sea or air)
• Cargo weight, volume, and nature
• Seasonal demand and freight capacity
• Fuel costs and handling charges
• Customs duties and fees

General Cost Guidelines:

• For shipments under 35 kg, international courier services are usually more economical.
• For shipments around 100 kg, compare air and sea freight quotes; air freight may not cost significantly more and offers faster delivery.
• For larger shipments, sea freight provides the best value, especially with FCL.
• LCL is suitable for small shipments that don’t require a full container.

Transit Times

• Sea Freight: Typically 30 to 45 days from Pakistani ports to Indian ports, plus inland transport to Nepal.
• Air Freight: Usually 10 to 15 days, including handling and customs processing.

Customs Clearance

All imports must comply with customs regulations in Pakistan, India (transit country), and Nepal. Proper documentation speeds clearance and reduces delays.
Common documents required include:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Airway Bill (air freight)
• Any product-specific licenses or permits

Shippers Bay’s customs experts support you throughout the clearance process, ensuring compliance and hassle-free import.

Sea vs Air Freight: What to Choose?

Why Choose Shippers Bay?

• Easy online quotes and booking for sea and air freight
• End-to-end shipment tracking and payment management
• Expertise in customs clearance across Pakistan, India, and Nepal
• Flexible shipping solutions tailored to your cargo size and urgency
• Dedicated support team to assist throughout your shipment journey

With Shippers Bay, importing goods from Pakistan to Nepal is streamlined, transparent, and reliable.