Car Shipping to Karachi, Pakistan from the UK: The Complete Guide

Quick answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Karachi takes 21–37 days at sea, plus a further 5–10 working days for Pakistani customs clearance. All vehicles must travel by dedicated or shared container — there is no RoRo service to Karachi. Shared container starts from approximately £995 for a standard car; a dedicated 20ft container for a large vehicle starts from approximately £1,595. Pakistan’s import tax structure is one of the most complex and potentially the heaviest in this guide series: it combines customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax (17%), advance income tax, and — from July 2026 — a new Special Excise Duty (SED), with the combined burden on vehicles above 1,300cc potentially reaching 150–200%+ of the CIF value. A Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme is available for UK nationals permanently returning to Pakistan after at least 2 years abroad — this is the most important cost-relief mechanism for private importers.

Can I Ship My UK Car to Karachi, Pakistan?

Pakistan drives on the left, the same as the UK, so UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal in Pakistan without any steering conversion. However, Pakistan’s vehicle import regime is governed by the Ministry of Commerce Import Policy Order and administered by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and it comes with several eligibility constraints that must be confirmed before booking.

Check 1 — Vehicle age limits under Pakistan’s import policy

Pakistan enforces strict age limits for imported vehicles. Based on the current Import Policy Order:

• Saloon / passenger cars: generally up to 3 years old at the time of import
• SUVs: generally up to 5 years old at the time of import
• Commercial vehicles: age restrictions vary by category

These limits are particularly relevant for UK exports — many popular UK vehicles will be excluded if they are outside the permitted age window.

Verify current limits: Age limits and exceptions are set by the Ministry of Commerce Import Policy Order and may be revised with each budget or by SRO notification. Confirm the current limit for your specific vehicle type and category with a licensed Pakistani customs agent or via FBR’s official portal (fbr.gov.pk) before making any purchase or booking decision. Vehicles outside the age limit may be subject to significantly higher duties or outright refusal.

Check 2 — Vehicle condition (running or non-running)

Unlike RoRo, container shipping does not require the vehicle to be operational. Non-running vehicles can be shipped by both shared container and dedicated container. A minimal fuel level (“less than a quarter tank”) is required for port and vessel safety.

Check 3 — Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme eligibility

If you are a UK-based Pakistani national permanently returning to Pakistan after at least 2 years abroad, you may be eligible for the TR scheme, which provides significant import duty concessions. TR eligibility is a major factor in determining the overall cost — see the dedicated TR section below.

Check 4 — Electric and hybrid vehicles

Electric vehicles (BEV) must travel by dedicated container with a hazard surcharge. Plug-in hybrids should use dedicated containers. Standard non-plug-in hybrids are permitted in both shared and dedicated containers. Confirm the current EV import policy with a Pakistani customs agent — Pakistan’s EV import framework has been subject to changes under successive Finance Acts.

Why Container Only? No RoRo to Karachi

There is no RoRo service to Karachi. All vehicles shipped from the UK to Pakistan must travel by container. This differs from many other destinations in this guide series (such as Japan, where RoRo is the cost-effective mainstream option) and has two practical implications: container costs are the baseline for all shipments, and non-running vehicles can be accommodated without additional restriction.

Shared container (LCL — Less than Container Load)

Your vehicle shares a container with other cargo. This is the most cost-effective option for a single standard vehicle.

Dedicated container (FCL — Full Container Load)

Your vehicle has an entire container to itself.

For more detail on container shipping options, see ShipCars’ container car shipping service page.

UK Departure Ports and Karachi Arrival Ports

UK sailings to Karachi depart from Southampton and Felixstowe. ShipCars arranges vehicle collection from anywhere on the UK mainland and transports the vehicle to the relevant departure port.

Pakistani arrival ports

Your ShipCars booking confirmation and Bill of Lading will confirm which Pakistani port is designated for your shipment. Ensure your Karachi-based clearing agent is set up to receive at both terminals.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Karachi?

Total cost divides into UK sea freight (paid to ShipCars at booking) and Pakistani in-country costs (customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, advance income tax, special excise duty, port handling, clearing agent fees). The Pakistani tax burden is the dominant cost consideration for most vehicle imports and can far exceed the sea freight cost.

Sea freight costs (ShipCars)

Price note: These are indicative starting prices from the ShipCars Karachi service page and are subject to fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations, and shipping line rates. Confirm current pricing at the time of booking.

Marine insurance (ShipCars — selected at booking)

Pakistani in-country costs (payable in Pakistan)

For a full overview of shipping costs across all destinations, see our international car shipping costs guide.

Pakistan’s Vehicle Import Tax Structure: Customs Duty, Regulatory Duty, Sales Tax, AIT, and SED {#customs}

Pakistan’s vehicle import tax regime is the most layered in this guide series. Five separate levies apply at customs clearance, all calculated on or from the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the vehicle. The combined burden means that importing a standard family car above 1,300cc without any duty relief can cost significantly more in Pakistani tax alone than the vehicle’s original UK purchase price.

How the Pakistani tax stack works

All duties and taxes are calculated on the declared CIF value of the vehicle (UK purchase price + UK freight cost + marine insurance premium). Each subsequent levy may be calculated on the duty-inclusive base, compounding the total:

Illustrative combined duty rates by engine capacity

Based on current published information from industry sources and FBR notifications (note: rates are subject to change with each Finance Act and SRO — verify at fbr.gov.pk before shipping):

Critical caveat: These are approximate combined ranges drawn from industry analyses and publicly available FBR materials as of October 2026. Pakistan’s import duty regime changes frequently — rates, regulatory duty applicability, and SED thresholds have all been revised in recent Finance Acts. The only authoritative source is FBR’s official Pakistan Customs Tariff and current SRO notifications. Always confirm the exact duty liability for your specific vehicle (tariff heading, engine capacity, declared CIF value, filer/non-filer status) with a licensed Pakistani customs broker before booking.

Special Excise Duty (SED) — new from July 2026

The Finance Act 2026, effective from 1 July 2026, introduced a new Special Excise Duty on certain imported vehicles:

For UK cars with engines above 2,000cc — including most Range Rovers, large BMWs, Mercedes, and comparable luxury SUVs — the SED adds substantially to an already heavy duty burden.

(Source: Finance Act 2026 / FBR SRO 1072(I)/2026, as reported by ProPakistani, July 2026.)

Sales tax: 17% on the duty-inclusive base

Sales tax is applied not to the CIF value alone but to the duty-paid value (CIF + customs duty + regulatory duty). Because duties are applied first, the 17% sales tax is calculated on an already inflated base — effectively compounding the total burden.

Advance Income Tax (AIT)

AIT rates vary depending on whether the importer is a tax filer or non-filer in Pakistan’s tax system:

• Filers (active taxpayers on FBR’s Active Taxpayer List): lower AIT rate (approximately 2–5% — verify current rate with FBR)
• Non-filers: higher AIT rate (approximately 7–10% — verify current rate with FBR)

Being registered on the FBR’s Active Taxpayer List as a filer reduces AIT significantly. If you are a returning resident importing under the TR scheme, your agent will advise on your AIT status.

Worked example: indicative total tax position

To illustrate the scale of Pakistan’s vehicle import taxes, using a hypothetical standard 1,300cc UK car:

This worked example is illustrative only, using approximate published rates. The actual figures depend on the specific tariff heading, assessed CIF value, regulatory duty applicability, filer status, and current FBR rates. For a 1,800cc+ vehicle, add the SED where applicable. Do not use these figures for financial planning — obtain a full duty assessment from a licensed Pakistani customs broker.

Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme: The Key Tax Relief for Returning Residents

The Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme is Pakistan’s import concession for nationals permanently returning from abroad. It is the most significant duty-relief mechanism available to UK-based Pakistani nationals shipping a personal vehicle to Pakistan, and for qualifying importers it can substantially reduce the tax burden described above.

TR scheme eligibility criteria

All of the following must be met:

1. The applicant must have resided abroad continuously for at least 2 years immediately before returning to Pakistan
2. The vehicle must have been owned and used by the applicant abroad for at least 6 months before return
3. The vehicle must fall within Pakistan’s age limits for the category (saloons up to 3 years; SUVs up to 5 years — verify current limits)
4. Extensive documentation must be provided — see the documents section
5. Eligibility must be confirmed with a licensed Pakistani customs agent before purchasing the vehicle or booking shipment

TR scheme process

1. Confirm eligibility before buying or booking. Engage a licensed Pakistani customs agent in Karachi to assess your TR eligibility based on your specific circumstances (years abroad, passport stamp history, overseas employment records, vehicle ownership period).
2. Gather documentation. Passport/s with entry and exit stamps showing 2+ years abroad, overseas employment or residency records, original vehicle ownership documents showing 6+ months’ ownership before return, and the importer’s CNIC.
3. The Karachi agent files the TR application through FBR’s WEBOC system at the time of customs clearance. Pre-approval may be required in some categories — confirm with your agent.
4. The TR concession is applied at the customs clearance stage, reducing the applicable duties.

Verify current TR criteria: The TR scheme’s eligibility conditions, permitted vehicle categories, age limits, and the extent of the duty concession are set by the Ministry of Commerce Import Policy Order and FBR regulations, which are subject to change. Confirm current criteria with a licensed Pakistani customs broker and the Federal Board of Revenue (fbr.gov.pk) before making any commitments. This guide does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Import Permits, Inspections, and the FBR WEBOC System

Import permits

Depending on the import category (commercial import, TR scheme, diplomatic), an import permit or authorisation from the relevant authority may be required before the vehicle can clear customs. Your Karachi-based clearing agent will advise on whether a permit is required for your specific category and arrange the application.

Pre-shipment inspection

Pre-shipment inspection is not always mandatory for private vehicle imports to Pakistan. However, vehicles may be inspected by Pakistani Customs on arrival at Karachi Port or Port Qasim. All container contents are subject to customs inspection — undeclared goods can lead to seizure, fines, and delays. Declare everything accurately.

PSQCA inspection certificate

For some categories of imported goods, a Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) inspection certificate may be required. Your clearing agent will advise whether this applies to your vehicle.

FBR WEBOC system

All Pakistan customs declarations are filed electronically through the FBR’s WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) system. Your Karachi clearing agent manages the WeBOC filing on your behalf — this is not something you do directly. The WeBOC system covers:

• Goods declaration (GD) filing
• Duty and tax assessment
• Container examination requests
• Payment of duties, taxes, and port charges

The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) system, which is being integrated with WeBOC, may also be relevant for your import category — your agent will confirm.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Karachi?

UK export documents (before shipment — ShipCars handles the UK export declaration)

Pakistan import documents (via your Karachi clearing agent)

Can I Ship an Electric or Hybrid Car to Karachi?

Electric vehicles (BEV)

Electric vehicles must travel by dedicated container. Requirements:

• Battery charged to below approximately 40–50% at loading
• An EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applies on top of dedicated container freight
• In a shared container, EVs are handled on a case-by-case basis — confirm with ShipCars before booking

Pakistan’s EV import tax position (July 2026):

Pakistan’s Finance Act 2026 introduced a Special Excise Duty (SED) on EV imports at the CBU (completely built up) level:

• EV value up to $75,000: 0% SED (exempt)
• EV value $75,001–$110,000: 30% SED
• EV value above $110,000: 40% SED

This is in addition to any applicable customs duty, sales tax, and AIT. Confirm current EV import duty and SED rates for your specific vehicle with a Pakistani customs broker before booking — Pakistan’s EV import policy has been revised in successive Finance Acts.

Pakistan has a developing EV infrastructure — confirm charging compatibility and the availability of the relevant charging standard before shipping.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)

PHEVs should travel by dedicated container. Confirm PHEV import duty treatment with a Pakistani customs broker — PHEV classification under Pakistani customs tariff headings determines which duty bands apply.

Standard (non-plug-in) hybrid vehicles

Standard hybrids are accepted in both shared and dedicated containers. Pakistan has historically offered reduced customs duty on hybrid vehicles (previously a 25% customs duty reduction). Confirm current concession status with FBR or a licensed customs broker.

Can I Ship a Classic Car to Karachi?

Classic car shipping to Pakistan is possible, but three specific factors make it more complex than a standard vehicle import:

1. Age limits: Pakistan’s vehicle age limits (saloons 3 years, SUVs 5 years under the general import policy) would exclude most classic vehicles from standard import channels. Classic cars that fall outside these limits may only be importable under specific permit categories or TR scheme provisions. Confirm with a licensed Pakistani customs agent before purchasing or booking.
2. Higher duty liability: Classic cars are assessed on their declared CIF value. A high-value classic may attract the full rate stack at the upper progressive bands, and — if above 2,000cc — the SED at 86–92% on top.
3. Container is essential: A dedicated enclosed container is the only appropriate method for a classic vehicle — protecting against the 21–37 day transit through varied sea conditions.

For specialist shipping, packing, and crating, see ShipCars’ classic car shipping service. Given the complexity of classic car import to Pakistan, engage a specialist Pakistani customs agent with experience in this category well before booking.

Can I Include Personal Effects in My Container?

Yes — in both shared and dedicated containers. However, all personal effects must comply with Pakistani Customs requirements:

• All items must be declared to your Karachi clearing agent and listed on the packing list
• Items must be packed securely inside the container and must not obstruct the vehicle or create safety risks
• Prohibited items include (but are not limited to): hazardous materials (flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic), illegal items (drugs, unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods), and items that violate Pakistani import regulations
• All container contents are subject to inspection by Pakistani Customs on arrival — undeclared goods can result in seizure, fines, and delays

Important: The vehicle’s marine insurance does not cover personal effects inside the container. Arrange separate contents insurance for any high-value personal items.

Pakistan Customs note: If you are shipping personal household goods alongside the vehicle as part of a TR scheme application, the scope of goods covered by any duty concession under TR may differ from the vehicle import concession. Confirm with your Karachi clearing agent what personal effects, if any, can be included within the TR claim.

Marine Insurance for Car Shipping to Karachi: What You Need to Know

Marine insurance is particularly important on the Karachi route given the 21–37 day transit and the potential for significant duty liability — a damaged or lost vehicle arriving in Pakistan with no insurance would mean losing both the vehicle value and any duties already paid.

What the insurance covers and does not cover

ShipCars describes the declared value as the “agreed value” for insurance purposes — this value must be accurate and consistent with the purchase invoice used for customs valuation. Mismatches between the insured value and the declared customs value can cause complications at Pakistani Customs.

Step-by-Step: The Complete Process from Booking to Driving in Pakistan {#howto}

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility and duty position before purchasing the vehicle

Do not buy a vehicle for Pakistan import before confirming: the age limit for the category, the TR scheme eligibility (if applicable), and the approximate duty liability on that specific vehicle (engine capacity, CIF value, tariff heading). A wrong assumption at this stage can result in a vehicle that cannot legally be imported or that attracts an unexpectedly large tax bill.

Step 2 — Engage a licensed Pakistani customs broker in Karachi

Your Karachi clearing agent is essential — they file the FBR WeBOC customs declaration, assess your TR scheme application, arrange port release from Karachi Port or Port Qasim, and pay duties and taxes on your behalf. Engage them before the vehicle sails.

Step 3 — Prepare UK export documents and the vehicle

Gather the original V5C (notify DVLA of permanent export; keep a copy). Prepare the purchase invoice / bill of sale, proof of address, and passport photo copy. Reduce fuel to a minimal level (less than a quarter tank). Document all existing damage with dated photographs.

Step 4 — Book shipment with ShipCars and choose shared or dedicated container

Book with ShipCars, specifying your preferred method (shared container for standard single vehicles; dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for large vehicles, EVs, classic cars, or shipments with personal effects). ShipCars arranges UK collection, condition report, UK export declaration, and issues the Bill of Lading. Weekly sailings from Southampton or Felixstowe.

Step 5 — Sea transit — 21 to 37 days

Your vehicle travels to Karachi Port or Port Qasim. Transit is 21–37 days with weekly sailings.

Step 6 — Pakistani customs clearance — 5 to 10 working days

Your Karachi clearing agent files the WeBOC Goods Declaration, presents the Bill of Lading and supporting documents, and coordinates any physical inspection by Pakistani Customs. Duty and tax payments are made: customs duty + regulatory duty + sales tax (17%) + AIT + SED (if applicable). If TR scheme concession applies, it is claimed at this stage.

Step 7 — Vehicle release and local registration

After duties are paid and any inspection is cleared, the vehicle is released from port. Local registration in Pakistan’s motor vehicles database follows — your clearing agent advises on the process at the local Motor Vehicle Registration Authority.

Total timeline: approximately 4–7 weeks from UK booking to vehicle clearance in Karachi, depending on customs processing time.

Pre-Shipment Checklist Before Your Car Sails to Karachi

•  Vehicle age confirmed against current import policy limits (saloons ≤3 years; SUVs ≤5 years — verify with FBR)
• Import duty position assessed by a licensed Pakistani customs broker for your specific vehicle (engine capacity, tariff heading, declared CIF value, filer/non-filer AIT status, SED applicability)
• TR scheme eligibility confirmed with Karachi clearing agent (if applicable: 2 years abroad, 6 months vehicle ownership, age limits met, documentation ready)
• Licensed Karachi clearing agent engaged before vehicle sails
•  Import permit / authorisation obtained if required for your category
• Shipping method confirmed — shared container or dedicated (20ft or 40ft)
• Original V5C logbook ready; DVLA permanent export notification completed; copy retained
•  Purchase invoice / bill of sale — declared value consistent with insurance and customs valuation
•  Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, under 3 months old)
•  Passport photo page copy prepared; all relevant entry/exit stamps accessible (critical for TR scheme)
• CNIC available (for Pakistan-side processing)
•  ShipCars booking form completed
•  All existing damage photographed thoroughly with dates (required for insurance and customs condition comparison)
•  Marine insurance selected — Total Loss 1% or Comprehensive 1.5% (recommended; condition report required)
•  Condition report arranged (free on ShipCars collection; £35 on self-delivery)
• Fuel reduced to less than a quarter tank
•  EV / PHEV? — dedicated container confirmed; battery below 40–50% at loading; ~£295 hazard surcharge confirmed; Pakistan EV import duty and SED position confirmed with customs broker
• Personal effects in container? — all items declared to agent; packing list prepared; prohibited items excluded; separate contents insurance arranged for high-value items

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to Karachi {#faq}

Is there a RoRo service from the UK to Karachi?

No. All vehicle shipments from the UK to Karachi must travel by container — either a shared container (LCL) or a dedicated full container (FCL). There is no RoRo service to Pakistan on this route.

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Karachi?

Shared container starts from approximately £995 for a standard car (indicative). A dedicated 20ft container for a large vehicle starts from approximately £1,595 (indicative). Pakistani customs duties and taxes are separate and are often the largest cost component — the combined burden (customs duty + regulatory duty + 17% sales tax + AIT + SED where applicable) can reach 150–200%+ of the vehicle’s CIF value for engines above 1,300cc. Get a current quote from ShipCars.

What taxes do I pay when importing a car to Pakistan?

Pakistan levies five taxes on imported vehicles: (1) customs duty, (2) regulatory duty, (3) 17% sales tax on the duty-inclusive value, (4) Advance Income Tax (AIT), and (5) from July 2026, a Special Excise Duty (SED) on vehicles above 2,000cc (86–92%). All are calculated on or from the CIF value. The combined burden varies significantly by engine capacity and can reach 150–200%+ for larger-engine vehicles. Confirm exact rates for your specific vehicle with a licensed Pakistani customs broker or via fbr.gov.pk.

What is the Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme for Pakistan?

The TR scheme is a duty concession for Pakistani nationals permanently returning from abroad after at least 2 years. It allows the import of a personal vehicle with reduced duties, subject to the vehicle’s age limits, 6 months’ prior ownership, and documentation requirements. Eligibility must be confirmed and (in some categories) pre-approved before the vehicle is shipped — the concession cannot be applied retrospectively. Engage a licensed Karachi customs agent before making any purchase or booking decision.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Karachi?

Sea transit is 21–37 days from Southampton or Felixstowe. Pakistani customs clearance takes an additional 5–10 working days after arrival. Total time from UK booking to vehicle clearance in Karachi is approximately 4–7 weeks.

Can I ship a non-running car to Karachi?

Yes. Both shared containers and dedicated containers accept non-running vehicles — container shipping does not require the vehicle to be operational. A minimal fuel level (less than a quarter tank) is required for port and vessel safety.

Can I ship an electric car from the UK to Pakistan?

Yes, but EVs must use a dedicated container with the battery below 40–50% at loading and an EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295. Pakistan’s Finance Act 2026 introduced a Special Excise Duty on EV imports: 0% SED for EVs up to $75,000 value, 30% for $75,001–$110,000, and 40% above $110,000. Customs duty, sales tax, and AIT also apply. Confirm current EV import duty rates with a Pakistani customs broker before booking.

What age limit applies to imported vehicles in Pakistan?

Under the current Import Policy Order: saloon/passenger cars up to 3 years old and SUVs up to 5 years old at the time of import. Age limits for commercial vehicles vary. These limits are set by the Ministry of Commerce and can be revised — confirm current limits with FBR (fbr.gov.pk) or a licensed customs broker before purchasing a vehicle for Pakistan import.

Which UK ports do sailings to Karachi leave from?

Sailings depart from Southampton and Felixstowe. ShipCars arranges collection from anywhere on the UK mainland and transports the vehicle to the departure port.

Published: 22 October 2026  |  Last updated: 22 October 2026  |  Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, ShipCars Ltd