How to Source Products From Pakistan
This guide explains how to source products from Pakistan safely, from your first enquiry to goods on a ship. It covers what to send for a quote, how samples work, which Incoterms to use and how payments are usually agreed.
Importing From Pakistan: What to Expect
Pakistan is a strong source for apparel, sportswear, workwear, leather products, gloves and sports equipment. Prices are competitive, and many factories already export. However, quality and reliability vary a lot between units, so new buyers need a clear process.
ProQ Sourcing is a sourcing and inspection agent based in Sialkot. We are not a manufacturer; instead, we work for the buyer at each step below. You can use us for the whole process or only for the steps you need, such as supplier checks or a final inspection.
The Sourcing Process in Five Steps
Most orders follow the same five steps. Each one has a clear output, so you always know where your order stands.
Step 1: Brief and factory shortlist
You send your product details, quantity, target price and delivery date. We then search for factories that already make that product, check them in person and compare their quotes. After that, you receive a shortlist with our findings, so you can choose who makes your samples. This step usually decides most of the risk in the whole order.
Step 2: Sampling
The shortlisted factories make samples to your tech pack or reference product. We check each sample before you see it, and we send photos, measurements and comments. If changes are needed, the factory makes a revised sample. Finally, you approve one sample, which becomes the standard for bulk.
Step 3: Order and production follow-up
You place the order directly with the factory, with price, payment terms and delivery date in writing. We then follow production: material arrival, cutting, stitching and packing. In addition, we run an in-line check early in production and warn you if any milestone slips.
Step 4: Inspection
When goods are finished and mostly packed, we inspect a random sample using AQL sampling or your own checklist. The written report includes defect counts, photos, measurements and a pass or fail recommendation. Therefore you see the real goods before you pay the balance.
Step 5: Shipment approval
You review the report and approve the shipment, ask for rework, or reject the lot. Once approved, the factory or your forwarder books the shipment and prepares export documents. We check that packing lists and carton marks match the order before the goods leave.
What to Send a Sourcing Agent for a Quote
The more complete your first message, the faster and more accurate the quotes. Ideally, send us the following:
- Product: type, style and any reference photos or links
- Tech pack or physical sample, if you have one
- Quantity: per style, colour and size
- Target price per unit, and your price basis (EXW or FOB)
- Delivery date: when you need goods at the port or at your door
- Standards required: safety ratings, test reports or labelling rules for your market
If you do not have a tech pack yet, that is fine. A clear photo and a few notes are enough to start, and our custom sportswear development services can build the tech pack with you.
Samples: What to Expect
Samples are where most quality problems can still be fixed cheaply. For a new design, expect a proto sample to check the idea, a fit sample to check size and shape, and a pre-production sample in real bulk materials. For a repeat or simple product, one sample may be enough.
Factories usually charge for samples, and timing varies by product and factory. So we confirm sample charges and dates in writing before work starts. In addition, keep your approved sample safe: it is the reference for production and for the final inspection.
Incoterms Basics: EXW, FOB and CIF
Incoterms are standard trade terms that set who pays for and arranges each part of the delivery. The official rules are published by the International Chamber of Commerce. These three are the most common for orders from Pakistan:
EXW (Ex Works)
You or your forwarder collect the goods at the factory and handle export clearance, freight and insurance. Prices look lowest, but you carry most of the work and risk.
FOB (Free On Board)
The supplier delivers the goods onto the ship at the port and clears export. You then pay sea freight and insurance. FOB is the most common term for first orders.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
The supplier also pays freight and basic insurance to your port. However, you have less control over the shipping line and the timing.
Payment Terms Between Buyer and Supplier
Payment terms are agreed between the buyer and the supplier, not set by us. A common structure is a deposit before production, with the balance paid after a passed final inspection and before shipment. Larger or repeat orders may use a letter of credit or longer terms once trust is built.
Whatever you agree, put it in writing on the purchase order, together with price, delivery date and quality standard. Our own fees are separate: they are quoted per project and agreed in writing before work starts.
Shipping Basics
Most bulk orders travel by sea in shared (LCL) or full (FCL) containers. Air freight is faster but costs far more, so it usually suits samples, urgent top-ups or light, high-value goods.
Your freight forwarder handles booking, customs and delivery at your end. Meanwhile, the factory prepares the commercial invoice, packing list and other export documents. We check that carton counts, marks and packing lists match the order, because errors here cause delays at customs.
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Questions About Importing From Pakistan
The process
How long does the whole sourcing process take?
It varies by product, factory and how many sample rounds are needed. A repeat product with an approved sample moves much faster than a new design. Send us your product and delivery date, and we will tell you whether the timing is realistic.
Do I need to visit Pakistan?
No. Many buyers never visit, because we check the factory, samples and goods for them and send written reports with photos. However, if you want to visit, we can plan factory visits with you.
Can I use ProQ for only one step?
Yes. Some buyers only need supplier verification; others already have a factory and only need a final inspection. You choose the steps, and we quote for those only.
Orders and contracts
Who signs the contract with the factory?
You do. The purchase order and payment go directly between you and the factory. We act as your agent for checks and follow-up, so you keep a direct relationship with the supplier.
What is the minimum order quantity?
It varies by product and factory. Simple products from stock materials usually allow smaller orders than products that need custom fabric or moulds. Send us your quantity, and we will find factories that can work with it.
What happens if the goods fail inspection?
You receive the report with defect counts and photos. Then you decide: the factory can rework and re-present the goods, you can negotiate, or you can reject the lot. Agreeing these rules in the purchase order helps a lot.
Request a Quote
Send us your product, quantity, target price and delivery date. We then reply with next steps and a written quote, so you know exactly how to source products from Pakistan with us.
Services: Supplier verification · Production follow-up · Inspections · Factory audits · Contact us