Dubai and Pakistan are linked by one of the busiest cargo lanes in the region. Traders, manufacturers and families send everything from machinery and spare parts to personal goods. This guide walks through the decisions you make when shipping from Dubai to Pakistan, in the order you make them. For a route overview, see our page on shipping from Dubai to Pakistan.
1. Choose the mode: sea or air
Most cargo to Pakistan goes by sea from Jebel Ali to Karachi or Port Qasim. Sea freight is the economical choice for anything heavy, bulky or not urgent. Air freight costs more per kilo but is the right option for urgent parts, samples and high-value goods going to Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad. For the mechanics of each option, read our air freight guide and sea freight guide.
2. Full container or shared container
If your cargo fills most of a 20ft or 40ft container, book FCL (full container load) - you pay for the box and nobody else's cargo shares it. Smaller shipments travel LCL (less than container load), where you pay for the space you use. Our guide on FCL vs LCL explains how to decide.
3. Prepare the documents
- Commercial invoice with a clear description and value of the goods
- Packing list with weights, dimensions and number of packages
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air), issued once the cargo is booked
- Certificate of origin when the consignee or Pakistani customs asks for it
- Consignee details in Pakistan, including the NTN for commercial imports
Mistakes on the invoice or packing list are the most common cause of delays at the destination port. We check the paperwork before booking - read more in our guide to customs documents in Dubai.
4. Export clearance in Dubai
Before the cargo leaves the UAE it needs an export declaration with Dubai Customs. NHK Logistics files this as part of the shipment through our customs clearance service, so the container is released to the vessel on time.
5. Arrival and clearance in Pakistan
Import clearance in Pakistan is handled by the consignee or their clearing agent. We send them the documents in advance so they can prepare the declaration before the vessel arrives.
What to send for a quote
- Pickup address in the UAE
- Destination city in Pakistan
- What the goods are, with weight and dimensions
- When the cargo will be ready
Send these through the quote form and our operations team replies within 2 business hours.
Need help with a shipment?
Send us the route and cargo details. We reply within 2 business hours.
Request a Quote