Sourcing from Pakistan: buyer FAQ

Direct answers to common questions about sourcing from Pakistan and using BusinessListing.pk.

What is BusinessListing.pk?

BusinessListing.pk is an online B2B directory and marketplace for Pakistani businesses. Buyers can search manufacturers, suppliers, exporters, products and services, send enquiries and post requests for quotation (RFQs).

Is it free for buyers?

Yes. Searching, sending enquiries and posting RFQs are free for buyers. You need a free account to see supplier contact details, chat or send an enquiry.

How do I find a manufacturer in Pakistan?

Search by product or company name, or open a category page such as /category/surgical-medical or a city page such as /manufacturers/surgical-medical/sialkot. Each listing shows the business type, city and published products.

What do the listed, verified and audited labels mean?

Listed means the business profile is approved and live. Verified means the business has shared registration or identity documents that our team checked. Audited is the highest level and is shown only when a further check has been completed. Always confirm details yourself before paying.

What is an unclaimed listing?

An unclaimed listing was created by BusinessListing.pk from public information and has not yet been taken over by the business. Its own contact details are hidden; enquiries go to the BusinessListing.pk helpdesk, which passes them on.

How do I claim my business listing?

Open the business profile and choose "Is this your business? Claim it for free". Submit your name, position, work email or phone and a proof document such as an NTN certificate, SECP registration, letterhead or visiting card. Our team reviews the claim and replies by email.

How does an RFQ work?

Describe the product, quantity, target price and delivery location. RFQs from signed-in buyers go to matching suppliers; RFQs from guests are reviewed privately by our team first. Suppliers reply with quotations you can compare.

Can I see supplier phone numbers?

Contact details of claimed businesses are shown to signed-in users when the business chooses to display them. Unclaimed listings never show a phone number; contact them through the helpdesk enquiry form.

Are prices shown in Pakistani rupees?

Yes. Published prices are in PKR and usually shown as a range. Many suppliers show "Price on request" because prices depend on quantity and specification.

Which cities are major manufacturing centres in Pakistan?

Listings on BusinessListing.pk are concentrated in Lahore, Karachi and Sialkot, followed by Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad and Peshawar. See /suppliers for live counts per city.

What is Sialkot known for?

Sialkot is widely known for surgical instruments, sports goods such as footballs and gloves, and leather products. [VERIFY: export share figures before adding any numbers]

What is a typical minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

MOQs vary by product and supplier. Where a supplier publishes an MOQ it is shown on the product page; otherwise ask in your enquiry.

Can I order samples?

Many suppliers offer samples; some provide them free and others charge. The product page shows sample terms where the supplier has entered them. Confirm cost and courier charges before paying.

Which payment terms are common when importing from Pakistan?

Common terms include advance telegraphic transfer (T/T), part advance with balance against shipping documents, and letters of credit (L/C). [VERIFY: confirm current State Bank of Pakistan rules on advance payments]

Which Incoterms do Pakistani exporters use?

FOB (Karachi or Port Qasim) and CIF are commonly quoted for sea freight, and EXW or FCA for goods collected from the factory. Agree the Incoterm in writing on the proforma invoice. [VERIFY]

What documents come with an export shipment?

Typically a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill and certificate of origin. Some goods also need test reports, phytosanitary or health certificates. [VERIFY: requirements for your product and destination]

How can I check that a supplier is genuine?

Check the verification label, the business's registration details (NTN or SECP number where shared), its address and product photos. Ask for references, order a sample and consider a third-party inspection before a large order.

Does BusinessListing.pk offer inspections?

Yes. Buyers can request a factory or pre-shipment inspection through the inspection request form under Sourcing services. Scope and cost are confirmed before any work starts.

Can BusinessListing.pk help with freight?

Buyers can send a freight quote request from the Sourcing services section. The request is passed to logistics partners, who reply with a quotation.

Is BusinessListing.pk responsible for my order?

No. BusinessListing.pk connects buyers and sellers. Contracts, payments and deliveries are agreed directly between the buyer and the supplier.

How long does shipping from Pakistan take?

Sea freight from Karachi usually takes roughly 3–6 weeks depending on destination, and air freight a few days. [VERIFY: typical transit times for your route]

Does Pakistan have trade preferences with the EU?

Pakistan is a GSP+ beneficiary with the European Union, which gives reduced or zero duties on many products. [VERIFY: current GSP+ status and product coverage]

How do I list my business?

Register as a seller, complete the seven-step onboarding with your company details and documents, and add products. Our team reviews the profile before it goes live. A free plan is available.

How long does listing approval take?

Profiles are reviewed by our team after onboarding is completed. [VERIFY: typical approval time]

Is there a Roman Urdu or Urdu version?

Yes. Search understands common Roman Urdu and Urdu words (for example chawal, kapra, چاول), and main category and city pages have Urdu versions under /ur/.