In a significant regulatory victory for Pakistan’s trade sector, Pakistan Customs has successfully enforced the use of official bank exchange rates for shipping charges.
This move ends the longstanding practice of international shipping lines applying arbitrary and inflated rates, offering substantial relief to importers, exporters, and the broader business community. The enforcement aligns with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regulations and follows sustained efforts by a high-level committee.
Industry-Wide Compliance Achieved Through Stakeholder Engagement
The breakthrough came after the All-Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA) issued a formal communication on January 12, 2026, confirming that all member shipping lines must now base their fees on exchange rates from authorized commercial banks, per SBP guidelines.
This development resulted from extensive consultations involving shipping agents, terminal operators, trade bodies, and major international lines. Maersk, which handles nearly 26% of Pakistan’s cargo, pioneered the shift by adopting official rates, setting a precedent.
Written confirmations of compliance followed from key players including Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express (ONE), COSCO Shipping, CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), OOCL, and United Marine Agencies, ensuring full industry adherence.
Benefits for Trade and Economic Growth
The directive addresses long-standing trader complaints about excessive dollar-based charges that exceeded SBP-notified rates, inflating costs, undermining export competitiveness, and fostering uncertainty.
By mandating transparent, SBP-compliant rates, the measure reduces financial pressures, enhances predictability in logistics expenses, and boosts confidence among businesses. It supports the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) goals of safeguarding legitimate trade, curbing potential over-invoicing risks, and promoting ease of doing business.
This reform is seen as a key step in strengthening Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy through better regulatory oversight and collaboration with global shipping stakeholders.