Updated: 10/12/00.

The Government of Pakistan presently does not require specific registration with any government agency for medical devices approved in their country of origin, and maintains no other restrictions specifically barring import of medical devices. (Products regulated as pharmaceuticals, however, do require registration with the Ministry of Health, Special Education and Social Welfare).

In March 1997, as part of a tariff rate reduction, import duties for medical equipment were reduced, and now range between 10 and 25 percent ad valorem, except for certain locally- produced products, such as bandages and other dressings, which can face tariffs of as high as 45 percent.

Documents required in order to receive Pakistani customs clearance for imported equipment include the following:

1. Invoice
2. List of Equipment
3. Bank L/C copy
4. Catalog/manual of equipment
5. Copy of Certificate for Foreign Government (or other document certifying approval in country-of-origin)

Details on Pakistani Customs' documentary requirements may be obtained directly from:
Pakistan Customs House
Opposite Qamar House
M.A. Jinnah Road
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: 92-21-111-700-600 or 92-21-921-4137
Fax: 92-21-921-4170 or 92-21-921-4158
Contact: Mr. Ghulam Haider Pirwani, Customs Information Services (CIS)

Questions on registration requirements (including whether a particular product needs to be registered as a pharmaceutical) may be directed to:
Ministry of Health, Special Education and Social Welfare
Pakistan Secretariat
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: (92-51) 9202566
Fax: (92-51) 9205481
Contact: Dr. Farzana Ch., Drug Controller.