Importing from Pakistan — preferential duty pathway
Preferential duty for imports from Pakistan: GSP+ — Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus
How it works
Zero EU duty on most covered products for vulnerable economies that ratify core human rights and labour conventions. GSP+ status is reviewed periodically; beneficiaries must remain compliant with 27 international conventions on labour, human rights, environment, and good governance.
Required document
To claim under GSP+ — Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the importer must present: REX statement on origin. Without the document, the EU customs broker applies the standard MFN rate — no exception.
Worked example: €50,000 customs value
Imagine you are importing €50,000 of apparel from Pakistan into the EU. Without GSP_PLUS (no document presented): MFN duty rate 12.0% = €6,000. With GSP_PLUS (valid REX): preferential rate 0.0% = €0. Saving: €6,000.
| Scenario | Duty rate | Duty amount |
|---|---|---|
| Without GSP_PLUS (MFN) | 12.0% | €6,000 |
| With GSP_PLUS (preferential) | 0.0% | €0 |
| Saving | — | €6,000 |
No document = no preferential rate
A common mistake: importers assume their origin is enough. The EU customs broker needs the actual origin document on file before clearance. If your supplier hasn't set up REX registration or won't issue EUR.1, you pay full MFN — and the duty is non-recoverable. Confirm document availability before signing your first PO.
Trade defence overrides
Preferential origin reduces or eliminates the MFN duty, but does NOT waive anti-dumping or countervailing duties. A Türkiye cold-rolled steel shipment cleared under A.TR still pays the 23.3% AD measure on top of 0% MFN. Verify TARIC for active trade defence on your specific HS line.
Build your full plan with this regime applied
Six questions, all four calculators (sourcing, routing, customs, warehouse), full landed cost — with the preferential pathway already claimed. Free.
Build my plan with preferential origin claimed →