Can I send books to Pakistan?
Allowed
Yes.
Printed books pay 5% customs duty (0% for dictionaries and the Holy Quran) and no sales tax. Obscene or subversive material is banned.
More rules for Pakistan
Not allowed
- Obscene books, images, films, and recordings, and subversive literature
Before you ship to Pakistan
- Tax-free limit
- Post and courier imports worth PKR 1,000 (about $3.60) or less pay no duties or taxes. Unsolicited gift parcels worth up to PKR 30,000 (about $108) per parcel pay no customs duty under tariff heading 9909, but sales tax may still be charged. Other boxes, including your own used belongings, are normally taxed.
- Receiver ID
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) needed. Couriers ask for the receiver's CNIC number to clear a box with Pakistan Customs, and customs rules require it for courier e-commerce parcels. Overseas Pakistanis may be able to use a NICOP, and foreign nationals their passport, so tell the courier before you ship if the receiver has no CNIC.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from the Gulf; 3-6 from the UK and Europe; 4-8 from North America and Australia
Questions
Can I send books to Pakistan?
Yes. Printed books pay 5% customs duty (0% for dictionaries and the Holy Quran) and no sales tax. Obscene or subversive material is banned.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
Federal Board of Revenue (Pakistan Customs)
Pakistan Customs Tariff FY 2026-27 (opens in a new tab) - 2.
Federal Board of Revenue
The Sales Tax Act, 1990, as amended up to 30th June, 2025 (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Federal Board of Revenue (Pakistan Customs)
Customs Rules, 2001 (S.R.O.450(I)/2001), including the Baggage Rules, 2006 (S.R.O.666(I)/2006), updated August 31, 2025 (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Press Information Department, Government of Pakistan
PR No. 184 DRAP allows patients to import medicines for personal use (opens in a new tab) - 5.
Pakistan Single Window
Department of Plant Protection (opens in a new tab) - 6.
Pakistan Single Window
Animal Quarantine Department (opens in a new tab) - 7.
Federal Board of Revenue, via The Pakistan Code (Ministry of Law and Justice)
The Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), as amended up to 30th June, 2025 (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Pakistan makes the final decision on every box.