Quick answer: To source clothing from Pakistan, shortlist certified factories, request quotes and samples, confirm MOQ, payment terms and lead times, and agree shipping terms such as DDP.
Buying from Pakistan works much like buying from any other sourcing country, with a few local details that are worth knowing: how export payments flow, which documents Pakistani exporters file, and which ports and airports your goods leave from. This guide covers the full process for brands, clubs and distributors.
Quick answer
To source clothing from Pakistan: shortlist manufacturers by product and city, approve a sample, agree price and Incoterm on a proforma invoice, pay a deposit by bank transfer to the company account, monitor production, inspect, then ship by air (from Sialkot, Lahore or Karachi) or sea (from Karachi or Port Qasim). The exporter files the export declaration and provides the commercial invoice, packing list and origin documents.
Sourcing from Pakistan? Ravix Pro Industry in Sialkot is a sportswear and clothing manufacturer trusted by sports clubs and clothing brands in the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and the UAE. One factory for custom, OEM and private label production, with in-house sublimation, printing and embroidery and an MOQ of 30 pieces per design. USA · UK · EU · Get a free quote.
Part of our guide: Pakistan Clothing Manufacturing: The Complete Guide · Quick answers
Step 1: Find and vet suppliers
Start with the right city for your product (Sialkot for sportswear, Lahore and Karachi for knit and denim). Our guide on how to find a clothing manufacturer in Pakistan explains where to look and how to compare factories.
Step 2: Sample and agree terms
Order a paid sample, approve it in writing, and agree the final terms on a proforma invoice (PI): styles, sizes, unit prices, Incoterm, payment terms and delivery date. See how to start a manufacturing order.
Step 3: Pay safely
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (TT) | Deposit and balance sent to the exporter’s company bank account | Most orders |
| Letter of credit (L/C) | Your bank pays when shipping documents are presented | Large orders, new relationships |
| Documents against payment | Bank releases documents when you pay | Repeat buyers |
Pakistani exporters receive payments through their banks and must bring export proceeds into Pakistan, so a legitimate exporter will always give you a company bank account in Pakistan. Be cautious if asked to pay a personal account or a third country.
Step 4: Export paperwork from Pakistan
- The exporter registers the shipment with its bank and files the export goods declaration through Pakistan Customs’ online system.
- You receive: commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill or bill of lading.
- For EU GSP+ duty preference, the exporter’s REX statement on origin; for the UK DCTS, an origin declaration.
- Test reports or certificates if your market requires them.
Step 5: Shipping routes
| Route | From | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Air express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | Sialkot, Lahore, Karachi | 3–7 days door to door |
| Air cargo | Sialkot, Lahore, Karachi airports | 5–10 days |
| Sea freight | Karachi Port or Port Qasim | About 3–6 weeks port to port |
Choosing an Incoterm and understanding duty is covered in the international sourcing guide.
Pakistan apparel sourcing checklist
- ☐ Product and city matched (e.g. sportswear → Sialkot)
- ☐ 3–5 factories shortlisted and video-toured
- ☐ Certifications verified (WRAP, BSCI, OEKO-TEX, ISO 9001)
- ☐ Paid sample approved in writing
- ☐ Proforma invoice with Incoterm and payment terms
- ☐ Deposit paid to the company account in Pakistan
- ☐ Production updates and inspection booked
- ☐ Commercial invoice, packing list and origin documents received
- ☐ Duty rate for your HS code confirmed with your broker
For a longer version, use the sportswear buyer checklist.
Understand Incoterms
Incoterms are standard trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce. They define who pays for and takes the risk of each part of the journey.
| Incoterm | Seller covers | Buyer covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods ready at factory | Everything from the factory onwards | Buyers with their own forwarder in Pakistan |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Export clearance and loading at port | Sea freight, insurance, import | Sea shipments, larger buyers |
| DAP (Delivered At Place) | Transport to your address | Import duty, taxes, clearance | Small and medium orders by air |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Transport plus duties and taxes | Unloading only | First-time importers who want a landed price |
Duties and trade preferences
- European Union: Pakistan is a GSP+ beneficiary, which removes import duty on most textile and apparel lines when the origin rules are met. The European Parliament extended the scheme for current beneficiaries until 2027.
- United Kingdom: Pakistan benefits from the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), with duty-free access on most garments under the enhanced preferences tier.
- United States: apparel duties depend on the HS code and fibre, and US tariff policy changed several times in 2025. Ask your customs broker for the current rate for your exact HS code before you price your products. The US also ended duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value parcels in 2025.
VAT or sales tax is charged on import in the UK and EU and is usually reclaimable by VAT-registered businesses.
Landed cost formula
Landed cost per piece = (product cost + freight + insurance + duty + clearance fees + local delivery) ÷ pieces. Calculate it for every new style before you set a retail or wholesale price. See manufacturing costs.
Pick the right city for your product
- Sialkot and Daska: sportswear, teamwear, MMA and boxing gear, gloves, leather. See sportswear factory in Pakistan.
- Lahore: knitwear, denim, fashion garments.
- Faisalabad: cotton fabric, basics, knit fabric.
- Karachi: large knit and denim mills, home textiles.
More detail is in our clothing manufacturer in Pakistan guide.
Scorecard for comparing shortlisted factories
| Criterion | Weight | Factory A | Factory B | Factory C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample quality | 30% | |||
| Price at your quantity | 20% | |||
| Communication and speed | 15% | |||
| In-house capability | 15% | |||
| Certifications and compliance | 10% | |||
| MOQ and flexibility | 10% |
Score each factory 1 to 5 per row and multiply by the weight. Use the full 25 questions and the buyer checklist to fill it in.
Why “top 10” lists are not enough
Many ranking lists are paid placements or based on company size. A large mill with a 3,000-piece MOQ is not the best choice for a startup ordering 100 pieces, and a small workshop may not handle a distributor’s volume. Compare on your own product and quantity.
From our factory floor in Sialkot
At Ravix Pro Industry we have manufactured sportswear since 2008. Every order follows the same 11 steps: quote, design, approval, sample, cutting, decoration, stitching, thread trimming, quality check, packing and door-to-door shipping. Sublimation, screen printing, embroidery and stitching happen in-house, so we control colour, print quality and timing ourselves. The most common problem we see with first-time buyers is skipping the sample; a physical sample costs a little extra but prevents expensive surprises in bulk. See our manufacturing process and quality checks.
Ready to start? Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp with your design, quantity and sizes. MOQ from 30 pieces per design. We reply within 24 hours.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy clothing from Pakistan?
Yes, when you vet the factory, approve a sample, pay to a company bank account and inspect before paying the balance.
How do I pay a manufacturer in Pakistan?
Usually by bank transfer to the company account, with a deposit before production and the balance before shipping. Letters of credit are used for larger orders.
Which documents do I get with a shipment from Pakistan?
Commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill or bill of lading, and origin documents for EU or UK duty preference.
How long does shipping from Pakistan take?
About 3 to 7 days by air express, and roughly 3 to 6 weeks by sea, depending on the destination port.
Can I buy small quantities from Pakistan?
Yes. Many Sialkot factories accept small runs; Ravix Pro starts at 30 pieces per design.
Sources
- International Chamber of Commerce, Incoterms® 2020 rules: iccwbo.org
- The Standard, “European Parliament extends GSP status for developing nations till 2027”, June 2026: thestandard.com.pk
- ProPakistani, “UK announces initiatives to boost trade with Pakistan” (Developing Countries Trading Scheme), June 2023: propakistani.pk
- Ravix Pro Industry export process, 2008–2026.
