Maersk outlines new identification requirements for Pakistan imports

Maersk has informed customers of new mandatory consignee identification requirements for all import shipments destined for Pakistan, effective 15 August 2026.

The requirements follow Pakistan Customs’ SRO 882(I)/2026 and apply to information included in the Import General Manifest (IGM).

Identification must be included in shipping documents

Customers must provide the applicable consignee identification details to shippers at the origin or loading port.

The information must also be included in the Shipping Instructions and Bill of Lading at the time of booking.

Depending on the shipment, the required identification can include an NTN (National Tax Number), FTN (Free Tax Number), CNIC number or passport number.

For general cargo, an NTN or FTN is mandatory. Different identification requirements apply to cargo categories including vehicle baggage, diplomatic cargo, transshipment and transit shipments. At least one of the identifiers specified for the relevant cargo type must be provided.

Missing information could delay cargo

Maersk warned that failure to provide the required information could result in Pakistan Customs rejecting the IGM.

This could lead to cargo discharge problems, shipment delays and additional costs.

As an interim measure, the applicable identifier should preferably appear in the consignee documentation address. The relevant Cargo/BL type must also be included in the cargo description.

Following planned system enhancements, the identification information will be transmitted as a separate structured data field within the Pakistan Single Window upload file.

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