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Car Shipping to Karachi — International Vehicle Transport to Pakistan
Shipping a car to Karachi, Pakistan costs from £995 via shared container, with sea transit of 21–37 days and up to four sailings per month. There is no RORO service to Karachi — all vehicles must travel by container, either shared or dedicated. Pakistan drives on the left, making right-hand drive vehicles fully road-legal without any steering conversion. The Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme allows returning Pakistanis to import vehicles at concessional duty rates — saloon cars up to 3 years old, SUVs up to 5 years old. Pakistan’s combined import tax burden — customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, and advance income tax — is significant and varies by engine size and vehicle value. A licensed Pakistani customs clearing agent is essential.
Frequency of Sailing
Weekly
Transit Time
32 Days
Methods
Container
Cost Starts From:
£995
What Shipping Methods Are Available to Karachi?
Karachi is a container-only route. There is no RORO service available to Pakistan — all vehicles, regardless of type or condition, must travel by shared or dedicated container. This applies to all vehicle categories including standard cars, SUVs, classic vehicles, non-runners, and electric vehicles.
Shared Container (LCL)
Your vehicle is loaded into a container alongside other vehicles or cargo travelling to the same destination. This is the most cost-effective option for a single standard vehicle and is available to both running and non-running vehicles. Personal effects and goods can be loaded alongside your vehicle inside the shared container, provided all items are fully declared and comply with Pakistani import regulations.
Dedicated Container (FCL)
Your vehicle occupies its own exclusive 20ft or 40ft steel container for the entire voyage. This is the recommended option for high-value vehicles, classic cars, larger SUVs, or where significant personal effects need to travel alongside the vehicle. Non-runners are accepted. Electric and hybrid vehicles are both permitted in dedicated containers.
| Container Option | Vehicle Size | Cost From | Transit Time | Sailings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared (LCL) | Small car (e.g. VW Golf) | £995 | 21–37 days | 4 per month |
| Dedicated (FCL) | Large vehicle (e.g. Range Rover) | £1,595 | 21–37 days | 4 per month |
Electric vehicles in containers attract a hazard surcharge of approximately £295 due to maritime lithium-ion battery safety regulations. Hybrid vehicles are accepted in both shared and dedicated containers without surcharge.
Right-Hand Drive Vehicles Are Fully Road-Legal in Pakistan
Pakistan drives on the left. Right-hand drive vehicles are fully compatible with Pakistani roads and can be registered and used without any steering conversion or drive-side modification. This is a significant advantage over many other international destinations where RHD vehicles face registration restrictions. Standard vehicles from the UK and other RHD markets need no mechanical modification for Pakistani road use.
What Are Pakistan's Vehicle Age Limits for Import?
Pakistan’s vehicle age limits are set by the Ministry of Commerce Import Policy Order, which is updated periodically. The figures below reflect the position as understood at the time of writing — always verify current limits directly with the FBR at fbr.gov.pk or through a licensed Pakistani customs clearing agent before purchasing a vehicle specifically for export to Pakistan.
| Vehicle Type | Maximum Age for TR Import |
|---|---|
| Saloon / standard car | Up to 3 years old |
| SUV / 4×4 | Up to 5 years old |
| Commercial vehicles | Age restrictions vary — confirm with clearing agent |
Vehicles older than these limits may face significantly higher duties, restricted import categories, or prohibition under current policy. Do not rely on this page alone for compliance decisions — policies change frequently and the Import Policy Order is the authoritative source.
What Is the Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme?
The Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme is Pakistan’s primary concession route for nationals returning from overseas who wish to import a vehicle at reduced duty rates. It is administered by Pakistan Customs under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
TR Scheme Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for TR concessions, all of the following conditions must generally be met:
- Proof of having resided abroad for a minimum of two consecutive years immediately prior to returning to Pakistan
- Proof of owning and using the vehicle abroad for at least six months before the return date
- The vehicle must meet Pakistan’s current age restrictions — saloons up to 3 years, SUVs up to 5 years
- Extensive supporting documentation is required to verify overseas residency, employment, and vehicle ownership
How to Apply for TR Import
Confirm your eligibility with a licensed Pakistani customs clearing agent before purchasing any vehicle or booking shipment — not after. Gather all supporting documentation: passports showing overseas residency dates, visa stamps, employment or residency records abroad, and vehicle ownership documents. Your Karachi customs clearing agent files the TR application with Pakistan Customs and the FBR’s WEBOC system at the point of import clearance. Always verify current TR eligibility criteria at fbr.gov.pk before proceeding — TR scheme conditions and the Import Policy Order are subject to frequent revision.
What Import Duty and Tax Apply in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s combined vehicle import tax structure includes four components, all of which are applied cumulatively:
| Tax Component | Applied To |
|---|---|
| Customs Duty | CIF value of the vehicle — rate varies by engine size and vehicle type |
| Regulatory Duty | CIF value — additional levy on top of customs duty |
| Sales Tax | Applied on CIF + Customs Duty + Regulatory Duty |
| Advance Income Tax | Applied on total assessable value |
The combined tax burden is significant — particularly on vehicles with engine capacity above 1,800cc, where the total import tax can comfortably exceed the vehicle’s purchase price. Duty is always calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight combined), not the purchase price alone. Obtain a full duty calculation from a licensed Pakistani customs broker before committing to any vehicle purchase or shipment booking. The FBR’s online duty calculator provides indicative figures, but a broker will give you the accurate assessment for your specific vehicle.
How Car Shipping Worldwide Manages Your Karachi Shipment
Shipping a vehicle to Karachi involves more administrative complexity than most international routes — the TR scheme application, FBR WEBOC filing, Pakistan Single Window declaration, and duty assessment all need to be handled in the correct sequence to avoid delays and unexpected costs at the port.
Car Shipping Worldwide coordinates the full process on your behalf, from origin documentation through to Karachi port delivery.
Origin Country — Before the Vessel Sails
We confirm your vehicle meets Pakistan's current age restrictions under the Import Policy Order, assess TR scheme eligibility for your specific situation, manage all origin export documentation including the commercial invoice and V5C export process, and ensure everything is in place before a sailing date is confirmed. No container is booked until every pre-shipment requirement is met.
Sea Freight — Shared or Dedicated Container
We match your vehicle to the correct container option based on size, condition, and whether personal effects are travelling alongside. Shared containers from £995 for standard cars; dedicated 20ft containers from £1,595 for larger vehicles, classics, or non-runners. All booking, documentation, and Bill of Lading are managed on your behalf with up to four sailings per month.
Karachi Destination — Customs Clearance & FBR Duty Assessment
We coordinate with our appointed agents in Karachi, providing any documentation or clarification required to support the customs clearance and FBR duty assessment process on your behalf. We remain available throughout to ensure the process at the destination moves forward without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Shipping to Karachi
How much does it cost to ship a car to Karachi?
Shared container shipping to Karachi starts from £995 for a standard car. A dedicated 20ft container for a large vehicle starts from £1,595. These are sea freight costs only — Pakistani customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, advance income tax, port handling fees, and clearing agent fees are all payable additionally in Pakistan and represent a significant additional cost.
How long does shipping a car to Karachi take?
Sea transit from UK ports to Karachi takes 21–37 days depending on the shipping line and routing. Allow an additional 5–10 working days for customs clearance at Karachi port after vessel arrival, particularly where Transfer of Residence documentation requires verification by Pakistan Customs.
Is there a RORO service to Karachi?
No. There is no RORO service available to Pakistan. All vehicles must travel by container — either shared or dedicated. This applies to all vehicle types including standard cars, SUVs, non-runners, and electric vehicles.
Are right-hand drive vehicles legal in Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistan drives on the left and right-hand drive vehicles are fully compatible with Pakistani roads. No steering conversion or drive-side modification is required. This makes Pakistan one of the most straightforward destinations for UK and other RHD-market vehicles in terms of road compatibility.
What is the TR scheme for importing a car to Pakistan?
The Transfer of Residence (TR) scheme allows returning Pakistani nationals who have lived abroad for at least two years to import one vehicle at concessional duty rates. The vehicle must have been owned abroad for at least six months, must meet current age restrictions (saloons up to 3 years, SUVs up to 5 years), and all documentation must be confirmed with a licensed customs clearing agent before the vehicle is shipped.
Can I include personal belongings in my container shipment to Karachi?
Yes — in both shared and dedicated containers. All items must be fully declared to your Pakistani customs clearing agent and must comply with Pakistan’s import regulations. Prohibited items cannot be included regardless of container type. Loose items must be secured to prevent movement and potential vehicle damage during transit.
What Documents Are Required to Ship a Car to Karachi?
Before Shipping (Origin Country):
- Original V5C logbook (retain the main document; the export section is submitted to DVLA for permanent export)
- Passport copy (photo page of vehicle owner)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, under 3 months old)
- Bill of Sale or commercial invoice stating declared vehicle value
- Vehicle condition report (photographed at loading — strongly recommended for insurance)
- Shipping booking confirmation
At Karachi Port (Destination):
- Original Bill of Lading
- Pakistan Single Window (PSW) customs declaration (filed by your Pakistani clearing agent)
- Original V5C and Bill of Sale
- Passport and National Identity Card (CNIC) of the importer
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Transfer of Residence documents (if claiming TR concession — proof of overseas residency and vehicle ownership duration)
- Proof of duty, tax, and port charge payment
- Vehicle condition report from origin
- Import authorisation or permit (where required for your import category)
- Importer’s undertaking declaration (facilitated by your clearing agent)
Engaging a licensed Pakistani customs clearing agent in Karachi is essential — not optional. The WEBOC filing process, duty assessment under FBR schedules, and port clearance at Karachi all require specialist knowledge of Pakistani customs law. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of port delays and additional storage charges on this route.
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