How to Import Himalayan Salt from Pakistan: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Zayan Rauf
Key takeaways
- Pakistan’s correct export HS code is 25010020 for rock salt and 25010090 for processed salt
- Import duty is 0% in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia; EU buyers can claim 0% under Pakistan’s GSP+ status
- US food salt imports require an FDA-registered supplier facility and a Prior Notice filing before arrival
- Always order a sample and verify a third-party Certificate of Analysis before placing any bulk order
- Bulk FOB prices typically range from USD 80 to 150 per metric ton, depending on grade and packaging
Pakistan supplies most of the world’s authentic Himalayan pink salt. According to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, more than 90% of Pakistan’s salt exports are shipped under HS code 25010020, the rock salt classification used by Pakistan Customs. If you are a food brand, distributor, or wellness manufacturer planning your first bulk order, this guide walks you through the import process from HS codes and duties to documents and shipping.
This guide is for B2B buyers placing orders of 1 metric ton or more. It covers the import process, not personal or retail purchases.
Why Does Authentic Himalayan Salt Come Only from Pakistan?
Himalayan salt is mined from the Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan, primarily from the Khewra Salt Mine. No other country has a commercial deposit of the same pink halite formation. The Khewra mine produces around 385,000 metric tons of salt each year and holds reserves estimated at over 220 million tons, making Pakistan the only viable long-term source for authentic pink Himalayan salt. For more on how the salt is extracted, see our guide to the Khewra mining process and salt extraction methods.
Did You Know?
From November 2023 to October 2024, Pakistan exported 1,121 shipments of Himalayan salt to the United States alone, showing a remarkable 24% growth compared to the previous year.
What HS Code Applies to Himalayan Salt?
The HS code (Harmonized System code) is the international product classification used to determine import duties and customs treatment. Pakistan exports Himalayan salt under two main codes:
Pakistan Export Code | Product Type | Applies To |
25010020 | Rock salt (raw, unprocessed) | Salt chunks, boulders, lumps, minimally processed rock salt — used for over 90% of Pakistan’s salt exports |
25010090 | Other salt (processed) | Refined edible salt, ground salt, iodized salt, gourmet specialty salts, and other value-added forms |
In the destination country, both products are classified under the international heading 2501.00. Your customs broker will assign the country-specific 8 to 10-digit code based on whether the product is for human consumption (typically 2501.00.91) or other use (2501.00.99).
Read More: HS Code Guide for Himalayan Salt Importers: Classification, Duties & Tariffs
What Are the Import Duty Rates by Country?
Import duties on Himalayan salt are zero in most major markets. Below are the standard rates as of 2025–2026:
Country | Duty Rate | Trade Scheme / Notes |
United States | 0% | Standard MFN rate — salt is duty-free into the US |
United Kingdom | 0% | UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) — Pakistan qualifies |
European Union | 0% (GSP+) or 9.6% (MFN) | Pakistan holds EU GSP+ status — requires Form A certificate of origin to claim 0% |
Canada | 0% | General Preferential Tariff (GPT) — Pakistan qualifies |
Australia | 0% | Salt is duty-free; standard 10% GST applies at import |
UAE | 5% | GCC common external tariff; 5% VAT also applies |
Always verify duty rates with a licensed customs broker in your country before finalizing a quote tariff schedule change. US importers must also meet specific food safety rules; review the FDA registration and prior notice requirements for salt exports to the USA before placing any food-grade order.
What Are the Steps to Import Himalayan Salt from Pakistan?
Here is the practical process from first contact to goods arriving at your warehouse:
- Define your product and quantity. Choose between food-grade edible salt, bath salt, salt lamps, or industrial salt. Decide on grain size, packaging format, and order volume.
- Contact certified manufacturers. Ask for ISO 22000, HACCP, or FDA Facility Registration. Avoid brokers who cannot show factory operations or third-party certifications.
- Request samples and a Certificate of Analysis. A 2 to 5 kg sample shipped by courier is standard. The COA must come from a third-party laboratory and confirm sodium chloride percentage and moisture levels.
- Agree on commercial terms. Standard payment is 30% deposit by Telegraphic Transfer (TT) and 70% balance against shipping documents. For first orders above USD 20,000, request a Letter of Credit.
- Confirm the Incoterm. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) gives a predictable landed cost to the destination port. FOB (Free on Board) gives more control if you have your own freight forwarder. Never compare an FOB price from one supplier with a CIF price from another.
- Prepare import documentation. The supplier provides the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and Certificate of Analysis. The shipping line provides the Bill of Lading. US-bound food shipments also need an FDA Prior Notice filing.
- Arrange shipping and clear customs. Sea freight from Karachi takes 25–35 days to the US, 20–28 days to Europe, and 18–25 days to Australia. A 20-foot container holds approximately 22–25 metric tons; a 40-foot container holds 25–28 metric tons.
For deeper guidance on choosing a Pakistani supplier and evaluating quality at the procurement stage, read our companion guide on bulk Himalayan salt procurement and supplier verification.
What Documents Are Required to Clear Customs?
Missing documents are the most common cause of shipment delays. Confirm all of the following with your supplier before the vessel departs Pakistan:
Document | Purpose | Provided By |
Commercial Invoice | States the buyer, seller, product description, quantity, and value used for customs duty calculation | Supplier |
Bill of Lading | Title to the goods, required to claim cargo at destination port | Shipping line |
Packing List | Details contents, weights, and dimensions of every carton or pallet | Supplier |
Certificate of Origin | Confirms the goods were produced in Pakistan, required to claim preferential duty rates (Form A for EU GSP+) | Pakistan Chamber of Commerce |
Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Confirms NaCl purity, moisture, and heavy metal levels, required for food-grade imports | Third-party laboratory |
Health Certificate | Confirms food safety compliance, required for the EU, UK, and Australia | Pakistan food authority |
FDA Prior Notice | Advance notification of a food shipment arriving in the US | Buyer or US customs broker |
Read More: Salt Export Documentation & Compliance
How Much Does Bulk Himalayan Salt Cost to Import?
FOB Karachi prices for bulk Himalayan salt typically range from USD 80 to 150 per metric ton, depending on grade, grain size, and packaging. Your total landed cost will include ocean freight, marine insurance, port handling, customs broker fees, import duties, and inland delivery.
Example: 25 MT food-grade salt to Los Angeles
Cost Component | Amount (USD) |
Product cost (FOB Karachi, USD 120/MT × 25 MT) | 3,000 |
Ocean freight (Karachi to Los Angeles) | 1,250 |
Marine insurance (~0.4% of cargo value) | 15 |
US customs duty (0% on HS 2501.00) | 0 |
US port handling charges | 400 |
Customs broker fees | 200 |
Total landed cost | USD 4,865 (~ USD 195 per MT) |
Demand for Himalayan salt is rising worldwide for global market trends, see our analysis of the growing demand for Himalayan pink salt in international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for Himalayan salt from Pakistan?
1 metric ton for bulk edible and bath salt, 500 pieces for salt lamps, and 100 pieces for salt tiles. Smaller samples are available by courier.
How long does shipping from Pakistan take?
Sea freight takes 25–35 days to the US, 20–28 days to Europe, 18–25 days to Australia, and 7–12 days to the UAE. Add 5–7 days for production and loading.
Do I need a license to import Himalayan salt?
No special import license is required in most countries. For US food imports, your supplier must be FDA-registered and you must file an FDA Prior Notice before arrival.
What does FOB mean for Pakistan salt imports?
FOB (Free on Board) means the supplier’s price covers the goods until they are loaded onto the ship at Karachi. You then pay for ocean freight, insurance, and all destination costs.
Can I import Himalayan salt under my own brand?
Yes — most Pakistani manufacturers offer private label and custom packaging for edible salt, bath salt, and salt lamps.
Sources
- Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) — Salt Sector Report (HS 250100): tdap.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Report-on-Salt.pdf
- Geological Survey of Pakistan — Khewra Salt Mine production data: gsp.gov.pk
- US International Trade Commission — Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Chapter 25: hts.usitc.gov
- UK Government Trade Tariff — Commodity 2501, Salt: trade-tariff.service.gov.uk
- European Commission — Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+): ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs
- US Food and Drug Administration — Food Facility Registration and Prior Notice: fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/registration-food-facilities
- Australian Border Force — Working Tariff Document, Chapter 25: abf.gov.au
- Canada Border Services Agency — Customs Tariff: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
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