International shipping services in Pakistan are fundamental in facilitating imports and exports, and trade plays a particularly crucial role in maintaining the bilateral ties between Pakistan and the European Union (EU).
This is underscored by the fact that Pakistan has enjoyed significant trade benefits since being granted the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in 2014. This scheme has benefited numerous domestic industries, allowing businesses to export products from Pakistan to the EU at heavily reduced or zero tariffs.
According to statistics from the Pakistan Business Council, export volume from Pakistan to the EU has been growing year-on-year since the implementation of the GSP+. In the Financial Year (FY) 2023, the EU was the largest export destination for Pakistan, valued at US$8.4 billion. This figure, reported by Dawn News, was cited by the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in a meeting with EU Ambassador Raina Kionka earlier this year.
In the same meeting, Ambassador Kionka stated the importance of diversifying exports. She called for industries to take maximum advantage of GSP+, identifying jewellery and handcrafts as potential export products from Pakistan. Other key export industries include leather, footwear, carpets, and floor-covering textiles.
Identifying the right international shipping methods
For businesses to take advantage of the beneficial trade relations between Pakistan and the EU, they must first understand the different types of overseas courier and freight services available. Each service comes with its own set of international shipping requirements.
Other factors that influence the choice of shipping method include cost, transit times, cargo characteristics, volume, and even frequency.
Courier services: reliable and efficient international delivery from Pakistan
Courier services offering shipping to overseas are sought after for their speed and reliability, ensuring that goods reach their destinations in days instead of weeks. The door-to-door nature of courier services reduces the complexity of logistics as couriers handle every step of the process, and real-time tracking offers additional security to both the business and its clientele.
A wide range of businesses can benefit from courier services. E-commerce companies retailing clothes, beauty products, accessories, electronics, and fragile or high-value goods can count on couriers for quick turnaround and careful handling, ensuring maximum customer satisfaction. Time-sensitive or temperature-sensitive products such as medicine and pharmaceutical products, legal documents, and important paperwork can also rely on the courier service’s tracking abilities and proof of delivery for peace of mind.
Freight shipping to Europe: ideal for large-volume orders
On the other hand, sea freight and air freight are the most common options when businesses consider the use of freight shipping to Europe. Where cost is concerned, sea freight is often more cost-effective and allows for the transport of large, bulky items as well as heavy shipments. However, shipping by sea is also much slower, and transit times take weeks to months, depending on the routes taken. Sea freight is therefore most suitable for businesses that deal with large-scale manufacturing and non-perishable goods, such as automotive and electronics, while air freight is useful for items that are smaller and more time-sensitive.
Securing the documents needed for custom clearance
As with most markets, the EU has a strict clearance procedure for the import and export of goods. While businesses in Pakistan enjoy negligible tariffs under GSP+, it is important to ensure proper documentation to avoid any delays or issues. As listed on the official trade website of the European Commission, key documents include, but are not limited to: the commercial invoice, proof of origin, and Bill of Lading.
The commercial invoice is similar to an ordinary sales invoice and is mandatory for customs clearance. On the invoice, standard details such as description of goods, total item value, and terms of payment should be stated.
The proof of origin is an international trade document issued by the customs authorities of the exporting country. This document also lists details such as the preferential trade arrangement for shipping to Europe from Pakistan, allowing exporters to pay nil or reduced duties.
The Bill of Lading, meanwhile, is the proof of receipt by the carrier, and functions as a contract that ensures the carrier is obliged to deliver the goods to its intended recipient.
The above list is by no means exhaustive, and to ensure a successful international delivery from Pakistan, exporters should always make sure to procure accurate documentation and comply with EU regulations.
Follow international packing standards
Keeping your goods packaged safely while it travels across the globe can be challenging for businesses. Many have to balance quality packaging with budget concerns.
When it comes to packing clothes and textiles, for example, non-fragile clothing is often packed in lightweight, cost-effective materials such as plastic and polymailers. High-value items such as jewellery or electronics might come with layers of bubble wrap and foam inserts to ensure goods are properly cushioned from impact and damage during transit.
It is equally important to consider EU labelling guidelines when exporting products from Pakistan. The European Commission’s official trade website also cautions exporters that extra labelling requirements might apply depending on the destination EU country. In general, labels should include product identification such as name and descriptions; be provided in the official language of the EU country where the product is sold, and bear safety and compliance marks such as the CE marking. The CE marking indicates that the good conforms with the health and safety standards of the European Economic Area (EEA).
The seamless solution for shipping to Europe
DHL Express leverages its global expertise to seamlessly handle shipments between Pakistan and the EU for all businesses. Its courier services eliminate the need for complicated logistics arrangements, handling every step of the process including customs clearance and documentation. Businesses looking to minimise their lead time will benefit from the convenience and security of door-to-door delivery, insurance options, and real-time tracking for shipments.
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