🏗 1. PAKISTANI PORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Karachi Port (KPT)

The Port of Karachi is the main and oldest port in Pakistan. It serves as the country’s economic lifeline for maritime trade.

  • 2024–2025 Statistics: 50 million tons of cargo handled and an all-time record of 2.65 million TEUs.
  • Performance : Current average customs clearance time of 5 days. Among the lowest production times in Asia, well below those of India, Turkey, or Bangladesh for premium cargo.
  • Capacity : The berths are operating at near-full capacity, causing waiting times of up to 3 days for ships.
  • Investments : Major $1 billion project by Hutchison Ports and a 25-year concession signed with AD Ports Group.
  • 2026 Target : Reduce processing times by 30%.

Port Qasim (PQA)

Located 28 km southeast of Karachi, it is the country’s second major port.

  • Ranking : 9th globally in the 2024 Container Port Performance Index (World Bank), with a significant improvement of +35.2 points.
  • Specialties : Bulk cargo, industrial products, textiles, and rice.
  • Importance : Together with Karachi, handles 80% of Pakistan’s exports.
  • Future : Development of a coastal economic zone and two new LNG terminals.

Gwadar Port (CPEC)

Strategic deep-water port developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

  • Investment : $4.5 billion funded by China.
  • Infrastructure : 9 new berths with a 14-meter draft (higher than Karachi’s 12 m).
  • Volume : Still underutilized, with 200,000 tons in 2024 (0.2% of trade).
  • Avantage : Potential to reduce transit time to the Middle East by 2 days.
  • Challenges : Regional security and currently low cargo volume.

⚓ 2. MOROCCAN PORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Tanger Med Port (MAPTM) – PREFERRED PORT

The largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean, Tanger Med is a leading global logistics hub.
  • 2025 Statistics (Record): 11.1 million TEUs (+8.4%) and 161 million tons of cargo (+13.3%).
  • Calls: 16,686 vessels received in 2025.
  • Connectivity: Connected to over 180 global ports.
  • Innovation: PCS system for real-time tracking and inauguration of an advanced logistics center in November 2025.
  • Karachi Transit Time: 24 to 26 days (direct route).

Casablanca Port (MACAS)

Historic port primarily dedicated to the import of general cargo for local consumption.
  • Karachi Transit Time: 30 to 31 days (with stops).
  • Catchment Area: Casablanca-Rabat-Marrakech economic corridor.
  • Management: Marsa Maroc.

Other Secondary Ports

  • Agadir: Hub for agribusiness and fishing.
  • Jorf Lasfar: Chemicals, sulfur, phosphates.
  • Nador: Textiles and goods for the Oriental region.

🚢 3. MARITIME TRANSPORT – ROUTES AND TRANSIT TIMES

Main Route: Karachi → Tanger Med

Criterion
Detail
Fastest Transit Time
24 days (direct route)
Sea Distance
18,471 km
Service Type
Transshipment (via Port Said / Dubai / Singapore)
Departure Frequency
Weekly to bi-weekly
Shipping Lines
COSCO, CMA CGM, OOCL, ONE, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen
CO₂ Emissions
~873 kg CO₂e / TEU

Secondary Route: Karachi → Casablanca

Criterion
Detail
Average Transit Time
28 to 31 days
Distance
11 514 km
Stops
1 to 5 stops (frequent transshipment)
Frequency
Every 1–2 weeks
Services
CMA CGM (EPIC EUROMAR), ONE (IOM 4E2), AAK
CO₂ Emissions
~1,22 t CO₂e / TEU

Transshipment Hubs

  • Port Said (Egypt): Key hub in the Mediterranean
  • Dubai / Jebel Ali (UAE): Gulf export hub.
  • Algeciras (Spain): Hub opposite Tanger Med.
  • Singapore / Colombo: For Asian consolidations.
  • Karachi Transit Time: 24 to 26 days (direct route).

✈ 4. PAKISTAN → MOROCCO AIR FREIGHT

Routes and Airlines

Route
Flight Time
Frequency
Airlines
Type
KHI → CMN
16h25
2–4× / week
Gulf Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways
Passenger + Cargo
KHI → CMN
17-18h
Daily
Turkish Airlines (via IST)
Passenger + Cargo
KHI → RBA
18h19
1–2× / day
Saudia, Flynas
Passenger + Cargo
KHI → CMN
Variable
1–2× / month
Royal Jordanian Cargo
Full Cargo

Airports

Pakistan: Jinnah International (Karachi – KHI), Allama Iqbal (Lahore – LHE)
Morocco: Mohammed V (Casablanca – CMN), Rabat-Salé (RBA)

Priority Cargo

  • Textile Samples and Prototypes
  • Urgent Industrial Spare Parts
  • High-Value Premium Textiles
  • Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products
  • Original Documents (B/L, Certificates)

📦 5. CONTAINER TYPES AND PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Container Type
Capacity / Use
Ideal Use Pakistan → Morocco
20' Standard
33 m³ / ~21 tons
Dense textiles, spare parts, manufactured goods
40' Standard
67 m³ / ~26 tons
Furniture, bulky equipment, large textile orders
40' High Cube
76 m³ (+30 cm height)
Lightweight bulky textiles, garments on hangers, leather
20'/40' Reefer
Temperature-controlled (-25/+25 °C)
Fresh food, pharmaceuticals
Open Top / Flat Rack
Oversized cargo
Industrial machinery, construction equipment
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Shared volume
Small shipments for SMEs (<15 m³)

🛃 6. MOROCCAN CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

Phase 1: Pre-Validation (Before Shipment)

  • Check if the product is allowed for import.
  • Identify the 10-digit HS Code (basis for calculation).
  • Check the requirement for a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) at origin (mandatory for textiles, auto parts, electrical items).

Phase 3: Customs Clearance Procedures (Badr System)

The BADR system automatically assigns a clearance route based on risk analysis:

  • 🟢 Green Circuit: Immediate release (Rate ~20%).

  • 🟠 Orange Circuit: Documentary check (Time 1–2 days).

  • 🔴 Red Circuit: Physical inspection of the goods (Time 3–5 days).

Phase 2: Mandatory Documentation File

Document
Description
Importance
Commercial Invoice
Details value, Incoterm, origin
CRITICAL
Packing List
Details packaging, weight, dimensions
MANDATORY
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Original transport document
CRITICAL
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Pakistan Chamber of Commerce
MANDATORY
Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
Proof of compliance with NM standards
DEPENDING ON PRODUCT
Import Declaration
Filed on PortNet
MANDATORY

Phase 4: Control Authorities

  • ADII: Customs Administration (Central Authority).
  • ONSSA: Food and agricultural products.
  • ANRT: Telecom equipment (Radio, WiFi).
  • IMANOR: Industrial standards (Textiles, Toys).
  • MCINET: Industrial product quality control (CQP).

💰 7. IMPORT DUTIES AND TAXES

Example of Calculation (Cotton Textile):

  • CIF value = 100,000 MAD
  • + DI (28%) = 28 000 MAD
  • + VAT (0.25%) = 250 MAD
  • VAT base = 128,250 MAD
  • + VAT (20%) = 25,650 MAD
  • Total customs clearance cost = 53,900 MAD (Effective rate ~54%)

Tax Calculation

The basis for calculation is the CIF value (Cost, Insurance and Freight to the port of entry).

Taxe
Rate
Basis of calculation
Examples
Import Duty (DI)
2.5% to 40%
CIF value
Textiles (25–32%), Machinery (2.5%), Electrical goods (17.5%)
TPI
0,25%
CIF value
Universal parafiscal tax
VAT
20% (Standard)
CAF + DI + TPI + TIC
20% Standard, 7% Medicines
TIC
Variable
Depending on product
Fuel, Alcohol, Tobacco

📋 8. INCOTERMS® 2020 – A PRACTICAL GUIDE

Incoterm
Freight paid by
Transfer of risk
Recommandation
EXW (Ex Works)
Buyer
Factory in Pakistan
⚠ Avoid (complex)
FOB (Free On Board)
Buyer
Ship in Karachi
✅ Very common (Exporter)
CFR (Cost & Freight)
Seller
Port in Morocco
⚠ Risky (without insurance)
CIF (Cost Ins. Freight)
Seller
Port in Morocco
✅ Recommended (Importer)
DAP (Delivered At Place)
Seller
Location, Morocco
✅ Practical

💻 9. DIGITAL PLATFORMS

  • PortNet (portnet.ma): National single window. Mandatory to create the Import Commitment.
  • BADR (badr.douane.gov.ma): Customs system for submitting the SAD (Single Administrative Document) and paying duties.
  • ADII Portal: Consultation of the customs tariff (HS code) and taxation.
  • Tanger Med PCS: Tracking of containers and port calls at Tanger Med.

🛡 10. TRANSPORT INSURANCE

Transport insurance is essential given the risks of transit and handling.

  • All Risks (Recommended): Covers theft, loss, damage, and water exposure. Indicative cost: 0.3% to 0.8% of the value.
  • FAP (Particular Average Losses): Standard marine coverage (shipwreck, fire).

Recommended insurers: DB Schenker, DocShipper, Transmec, or local Moroccan insurers via the freight forwarder.

🚚 11. FREIGHT FORWARDERS

Actor
Type
Strength / Specialty
CMA CGM
Shipping Line
Global leader, direct routes, high frequency
Maersk
Shipping Line
Integrated logistics, reliability, digital solutions
MSC
Shipping Line
Large capacity Asia-Africa
FWFreight
Freight Forwarder
Specialist in Pakistan-Morocco corridor
Alliance Shipping
Freight Forwarder
Gulf and regional expertise
Local Forwarder – Morocco
Local Agent
Customs clearance and final delivery in Morocco

📊 12. SUMMARY OF TIMEFRAMES AND COSTS

Mode
Route
Total Time
Estimated Cost
Recommendation
Direct Sea
Karachi → Tanger
24-26 days
$1,500–$2,500 / TEU
✅ Medium/large volume
Standard Sea
Karachi → Casa
28-31 days
$1,500–$2,500 / TEU
✅ Local distribution
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Karachi → Morocco
35-45 days
$250–$400 / m³
✅ SMEs / Small volume
Express Air
KHI → CMN
3-5 days
$4–$8 / kg
✅ Urgent shipments

Note: Additionally, plan for customs clearance fees ($150–$300), port charges ($200–$400), and final inland transportation.

🚩 13. CAUTION POINTS AND STRATEGY

⚠ CRITICAL ALERTS 2026

  • Customs Duties: No FTA. Full rates apply. Major increase on Jacquard textiles (30%).
  • Karachi congestion: Expect waiting times at departure (up to 3 days).
  • Sanitary: ONSSA is very strict on food products (rice, spices).
  • Documentation: A missing CoC = guaranteed Red Channel + storage penalties.

Best Practices

  • Pakistani Exporters: Obtain the CoC at origin (SGS/Bureau Veritas Pakistan), sell on FOB or CIF terms (avoid complex DDP).
  • Moroccan Importers: Open the import commitment on PortNet as soon as the order is placed. Check the product status on the MCINET portal.

High-Potential Products

  1. Textiles: Denim fabrics, home linen (despite high duties).
  2. Leather: Semi-finished materials, leather goods, sports balls.
  3. Agro: Basmati rice (sanitary certificate required).
  4. Medical: Surgical instruments from Sialkot (low duties 2.5%).

📞 14. CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

  • Moroccan Customs: www.douane.gov.ma
  • PortNet : www.portnet.ma
  • Ministry of Commerce Pakistan: commerce.gov.pk
  • Pakistan Embassy in Morocco (Rabat): +212 537 754 896
  • SGS Pakistan : www.sgs.pk