International Buyers Reject Pakistani Salt Exports Over Poor Packaging

Pakistan Customs Export Collectorate has directed that salt export consignments must be shipped with proper and standardized packaging to ensure smooth and uninterrupted exports.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Collector Customs Exports Rizwan Mehmood and representatives of the Salt Manufacturers Association, led by founding chairman Ismail Sattar, along with Chairperson Saima Akhtar and other officials.

During the meeting, exporters and customs authorities agreed on corrective measures to address longstanding issues that were affecting the reputation of Pakistan’s salt industry in international markets.

Exporters informed customs officials that overseas buyers had raised concerns after receiving shipments with damaged packaging. According to the association, the issue largely stemmed from improper resealing of containers at ports after customs examinations, which caused packaging to deteriorate during transit.

In response, Customs decided to stop the practice of declaring salt exports under general trade codes, which had been triggering unnecessary and repeated inspections at ports.

Deputy Collector Usman Hameed Butt and Assistant Collector Asma Sikandar said incorrect classification under Harmonized System (HS) codes was a major reason behind repeated examinations and export delays.

They clarified that many exporters were using generic HS codes instead of specific classifications. Customs emphasized that HS Code 2501.00.10 applies to table salt, 2501.00.20 to rock salt, while 2501.00.90 should only be used for salt categories that do not fall under the first two classifications.