Pakistan bans or restricts several categories that Pakistani buyers often try to order from China: counterfeit branded goods, weapons and weapon parts, drones without permission, medicines and supplements without DRAP approval, mobile phones that need PTA registration and tax, and items that air carriers refuse such as loose lithium batteries, aerosols and some liquids. Everything else, from gadgets to tools to clothing, is generally fine. Check before you pay, because a seized parcel is money gone.
What is completely banned?
Pakistan's Import Policy Order lists goods that cannot be imported at all. The ones that matter for individual buyers ordering from China:
- Counterfeit and replica branded goods. Fake Apple, Nike, Louis Vuitton and the like. Customs seizes them and you lose the money.
- Weapons, ammunition and parts, including airsoft guns that resemble real firearms, tasers and knives designed as weapons.
- Obscene material and products judged against public morals.
- Gambling devices.
- Goods of Israeli origin.
What is restricted or needs permission?
| Item | Rule | What happens if you ignore it |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phones | Must be registered with PTA; tax applies after a short grace period, amount depends on the model | Phone works for a while, then is blocked on Pakistani networks until tax is paid |
| Drones and RC aircraft with cameras | Require prior permission from the authorities | Routinely held or confiscated by customs |
| Medicines, supplements, vitamins | Need DRAP registration for commercial import; personal quantities are often still held | Parcel held, may be destroyed |
| Satellite phones, walkie-talkies, some radio equipment | Need PTA type approval and often a licence | Seized |
| Cosmetics and skincare in volume | Registration required for commercial quantities; single units for personal use usually clear | Held if it looks like trade quantity |
| Used or refurbished electronics and machinery | Restricted in many categories | Assessed at high value or refused |
| Toys and children's items | Allowed, but may be checked for safety standards | Occasional holds |
What will air freight carriers refuse?
These are not banned by Pakistan, but airlines and courier networks restrict them, so they either cannot ship by air or need a specialist route that is slower and costlier:
- Loose lithium batteries and power banks. Devices with a built-in battery (phones, earbuds, laptops) can usually ship. Standalone batteries and power banks often cannot, or go by slow sea or special lines.
- Aerosols, perfumes, nail polish and flammable liquids.
- Magnets above a certain strength, and some motors.
- Liquids and gels in quantity, including some cosmetics.
- Pressurised items such as gas cartridges.
If your item contains any of these, say so when asking for a price. It changes the route and the cost.
Can I import a mobile phone from China to Pakistan?
You can, but understand the PTA rule first. Every phone used on a Pakistani network must be registered with PTA through the DIRBS system. An imported phone gets a short grace period, after which it is blocked until the PTA tax is paid. The tax depends on the phone's model and value and can be a large share of the phone's price, which often wipes out the saving from buying in China. Check the current PTA tax for the exact model on PTA's DIRBS portal before you order. Phones also travel with a built-in battery, so they ship by air without problems.
Are drones allowed in Pakistan?
Drones are the single most commonly seized item among hobby purchases. Importing one requires permission in advance, and parcels declared as drones, or detected as drones in scanning, are held. Even toy quadcopters can be caught. Do not order a drone from China to Pakistan without first securing the permission, and do not expect a sourcing service to ship one without it.
What about branded items that are genuine?
Genuine branded goods are allowed. The problem is proving it. A listing on 1688 or Taobao for a "Sony" headphone at a quarter of the retail price is a replica, and customs treats it as one. If you want a genuine branded item from China, buy from an authorised seller with a real invoice, or accept that unbranded is the safe choice for import.
How do I check before ordering?
- Ask yourself if the item is branded, has a battery, is a liquid, is a phone, flies, or is a medicine. If yes to any, read the relevant row above.
- Send the link to us. We tell you plainly whether it can be shipped and whether anything changes the route. If it cannot, we say so before you pay anything.
- For PTA and DRAP items, check the official portals yourself for the current rule. They change.
For the cost side of allowed items, see how customs duty is calculated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a drone from China to Pakistan?
Not without prior permission. Drones are routinely held or confiscated by Pakistan Customs. Secure the permission first or do not order one.
Is PTA tax charged on a phone imported from China?
Yes. Any phone used on Pakistani networks must be registered with PTA and the tax paid after a short grace period. The amount depends on the model and can be substantial.
Can I import medicines or supplements from China for personal use?
It is risky. Pharmaceutical items need DRAP approval and personal parcels are often held or destroyed. Avoid unless you have confirmed the rule for the specific product.
Can power banks be shipped from China to Pakistan?
By air, usually not through standard routes because of lithium battery rules. Special battery lines or sea freight are needed, which are slower. Devices with built-in batteries, such as earbuds, ship normally.
Will customs seize fake branded goods?
Yes. Counterfeit goods are prohibited and are seized without compensation. Buy unbranded items or genuine goods from authorised sellers.
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