So you've been busy shopping online and never had an issue with customs. But suddenly, one fine day you get a detention memo from customs. It's the day you have always dreaded, dealing with Pakistan Customs. It can be a frustrating experience, because you don't know where to go and what to do to get your package released from customs. Now you need to get out of your sofa and wade through the cesspool of Pakistani bureaucracy at its worst. But fear not, it's not the end of the world, you will survive and hopefully get your package out of hell and back into your hands.
Requirements
Detention memo (the letter you got from Pakistan Post saying your package has been stopped by customs) Application form (from outside GPO), ID card copy, Invoice of the article from sender. Keep additional documentation about item with you to help customs officer in his appraisal. Sometimes they are clueless about what the item is and what its purpose is. For cell phones you need approval letter from PTA which can be obtained by sending them the device IMEI number. I have never imported a cell phone before so I am not aware of the exact process. Lastly, look up the PCT code of item inside the packet from the customs tariff booklet which you can download from here. http://customstoday.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Pakistan-Custom-Tarrif-Complete-2014-2015.pdf Write it down and keep it with it you to speed up customs assessment. Some special items may require some additional documentation, but this is the basic list.
First of all, the map of where is what at GPO Lahore.
Procedure
- Drop by GPO early (10 am) and you should be done in a couple of hours or less.
- Get application form (1) from the person sitting on the footpath outside GPO for Rs. 20. He will fill it with particulars from detention memo.
- Attach a copy of you NIC. If the parcel is not in your name, then you also need copy of ID card of the recipient and an authority letter from the person in whose name the packet is.
- Take the application to FBR Customs Superintendent Office (2) located on the first floor of main GPO building and get it signed by him. (Take the stairs numbered (6) in the map to get to the first floor.)
- Take the signed form to CED packet branch (3) located in the Postal Life Insurance Building. The person at the building will attach a customs assessment sheet with your form in which he will list down the contents of the parcel. He might also ask you for the invoice of the item as evidence of value. He will write down the details in the customs assessment form and attach it with your existing paperwork.
- Next step is duty assessment for which you need to go to Deputy Superintendent Customs Office (4) located on the first floor of IMO building. Give the PCT code to the uncle to speed up the process, otherwise he will need to go through a fat customs directory looking for it. He will calculate the duty and write it on the Customs Assessment form.
- Now take the all the paperwork back to FBR Customs Superintendent Office (2) and get it signed by him.
- Now once again go to CED packet branch and give all the paperwork back to the person who filled the customs assessment form.
Congratulations you have just won the marathon! Your packet will now be taken out of detention and will be given to Pakistan Post. It will reach your home in a few days. The custom duty will be collected by the postman when he delivers your packet.
