Market
Pakistan’s in-shell almond market combines limited domestic production from temperate upland orchards with substantial import supply. Domestic cultivation is associated with Balochistan’s irrigated, temperate orchard systems and with deciduous-fruit valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan, while UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) show Pakistan as an import-dominant market for HS 080211. Imports are reported from origins such as the United States and Australia and via regional re-export hubs such as the United Arab Emirates. Market access depends on compliance with Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) import-permit and phytosanitary clearance process, and customs duty applies under the Federal Board of Revenue’s Pakistan Customs Tariff.
Market RoleNet importer with limited domestic production (import-dependent consumer market)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) states that no import of plant/plant products can be done without a valid import permit; missing/invalid DPP import permit or a non-conforming phytosanitary certificate can prevent release of in-shell almond consignments at entry.Secure the DPP import permit before shipment and run a pre-arrival document audit against the DPP release-order checklist (permit, phytosanitary certificate, invoice, packing list, transport document, bill of entry/GD, and treatment certificate if applicable).
Food Safety HighMycotoxin (aflatoxin) contamination is a critical compliance and reputational risk for almonds and other tree nuts; failures in supplier controls or poor moisture management in hot/humid conditions can trigger detentions, rejections, or buyer de-listing.Require lot-level mycotoxin testing/COAs aligned to buyer requirements, implement moisture/temperature controls through transit and warehousing, and use sealed packaging with moisture protection during humid periods.
Logistics MediumIn-shell almonds are commonly imported by sea and are exposed to freight-rate volatility and route disruptions; these shocks can materially affect landed costs for Pakistan importers.Lock freight early where possible, maintain buffer inventory for peak disruption windows, and diversify sourcing origins and routes.
Climate MediumLocal reporting highlights climate stress and limited modernization/financing as threats to Balochistan’s almond sector, potentially constraining domestic availability and consistent quality.Treat domestic supply as supplemental and maintain diversified import sourcing while supporting orchard climate-adaptation and irrigation-efficiency measures with local partners.
Sustainability- Water-use efficiency for irrigated almond orchards in arid/semi-arid upland production zones (notably Balochistan).
- Climate resilience for temperate orchards (yield variability and quality impacts linked to climatic stress have been highlighted by local stakeholders).
Labor & Social- Smallholder livelihood sensitivity in remote mountain horticulture value chains (documented for Gilgit-Baltistan dry-fruit processing/export initiatives).
FAQ
Is an import permit required to bring in-shell almonds into Pakistan?Yes. Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) states that no import of plant or plant products can be done without obtaining a valid import permit, which is commodity- and country-specific.
Which documents are commonly required for DPP quarantine clearance and release of imported in-shell almonds?DPP’s import procedure lists a valid DPP import permit and an exporter-issued phytosanitary certificate as core requirements, alongside standard trade and clearance documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and the bill of entry/Goods Declaration. A treatment certificate may also be required depending on the consignment.
What is the customs duty rate for in-shell almonds under Pakistan’s Customs Tariff (FY 2025–26)?The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Pakistan Customs Tariff FY 2025–26 lists PCT 0802.1100 (almonds, in shell) with Customs Duty (CD) of 10%. Other taxes or surcharges can apply depending on the import regime.
Which countries are reported as key external suppliers of in-shell almonds to Pakistan?UN Comtrade data presented via the World Bank WITS portal reports Pakistan’s in-shell almond (HS 080211) imports from suppliers including the United States and Australia, and also shows significant reported exports to Pakistan from the United Arab Emirates, consistent with regional re-export activity.