Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood and industrial ingredient
Market
Potato starch in Pakistan is primarily an import-supplied ingredient market; the Pakistan Business Council notes Pakistan relies on imports to meet domestic demand and that local manufacturing of potato starch is limited. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal indicates Pakistan imported potato starch (HS 110813) in 2024 and sourcing is concentrated in European origins (e.g., EU/Sweden/Germany). Domestic processing capability exists but appears small-scale/limited, with at least one reported potato-starch processing plant in Punjab (Kasur) and distribution/handling nodes connected to Lahore and Karachi logistics. Import market access can be blocked by phytosanitary import-permit and documentation requirements administered by Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, alongside the applied tariff/tax stack for HS 110813 shown on Pakistan’s Trade Information Portal.
Market RoleNet importer (domestic production limited; imports meet most demand)
Domestic RoleIndustrial ingredient used as a binding/thickening agent in food manufacturing and as a binder/adhesive in paper-making; local production exists but is limited
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports; any local production is linked to Punjab potato supply and processing capacity.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Food-grade potato starch is typically traded as a fine, white powder (quality specifications set by supplier and buyer contract).
Compositional Metrics- Buyer specifications commonly reference parameters such as moisture and ash limits and absence of off-odors/adulterants; exact limits should be verified against supplier COA and any applicable national standards.
Grades- Food grade
- Pharmaceutical grade (where applicable; Pakistan tariff nomenclature includes a pharmaceutical-grade line under HS 110813)
Packaging- Bulk packaging and labeling per importer/buyer requirements (verify net weight, batch/lot identification, and intended end-use on documentation for clearance).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Imported supply: overseas producer (notably European exporters) → sea freight → Karachi entry/industrial zones → customs + Department of Plant Protection release/order clearance → importer/distributor → food and paper manufacturers
- Domestic supply (limited): Punjab potato base → processing (e.g., reported plant in Kasur) → domestic distribution
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPakistan’s Department of Plant Protection states that imports of plant/plant products require a valid import permit and are cleared through inspection/sampling/treatment with a release order; missing/incorrect permit or phytosanitary documentation can block clearance or cause extended delays for potato starch shipments.Confirm whether the shipment is treated as a plant product under DPP rules; obtain the DPP import permit in advance and run a pre-shipment document audit (import permit, phytosanitary certificate, invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, bill of entry/G.D.) aligned to the importer’s clearance checklist.
Supply Security MediumPakistan Business Council reports Pakistan relies on imports to meet domestic demand for potato starch and that local manufacturing is limited, so any disruption in imported supply (availability, shipping delays, or procurement constraints) can tighten domestic supply for industrial users.Dual-source across multiple exporting origins and maintain safety stock for key industrial customers while exploring qualified local suppliers where feasible.
Domestic Production Constraint MediumPakistan Business Council notes the potential for localized potato-starch production exists but overall opportunities and scale are constrained by processing economics and supply-chain limitations; local substitution may not be reliable for consistent volumes/specs in the near term.If pursuing local sourcing, qualify suppliers through COA/spec verification and trial runs; keep import-based backup supply contracts active.
FAQ
Does Pakistan mainly source potato starch domestically or through imports?Imports are the primary supply source. The Pakistan Business Council states Pakistan relies on imports to meet domestic demand for potato starch, and UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows ongoing imports with major supplying exporters in recent years coming from Europe.
What import duties and taxes are shown for potato starch (HS 110813) in Pakistan?Pakistan’s Trade Information Portal lists HS 11081300 potato starch with a Customs Duty of 15% (valid from July 1, 2025), Additional Customs Duty of 2% (valid from July 1, 2025), Sales Tax (VAT) of 18% (valid from July 1, 2013), and Income Tax of 12% (valid from July 1, 2023).
What documentation can block clearance if missing when importing potato starch into Pakistan?Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection lists a valid import permit and a phytosanitary certificate (from the exporting country) among required documents for release/clearance of plant and plant products, along with standard trade documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/airway bill and bill of entry.