What is prohibited to export from Pakistan

Historical and cultural treasures protected by the state and included in Pakistan's official cultural heritage register.

• Any items from public and private museums, archives, and collections—paintings, ancient manuscripts, antique books, manuscripts, and antiques, regardless of where they were acquired.
• Archaeological finds, ethnographic objects, and items related to the ancient history of Pakistan, including the Indus Valley civilization, religious traditions, and folk legends.
• Fragments of monuments, ancient buildings, and architectural structures, as well as decorative elements, stone carvings, and historical details.
• Religion: ancient religious manuscripts, scrolls, cult objects, texts, and artifacts created before the 19th century are prohibited from sale and export without special permission.
• Antiques: antique jewelry, gold, silver, and precious stone items of historical value are prohibited from export without an official expert opinion.
• Rare and protected animals and plants, as well as any products and souvenirs made from their parts — skins, bones, horns, fangs, feathers, and shells.
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives, drones, and any dangerous items are prohibited from export due to security threats and require special permission from government authorities.
• Narcotic, psychotropic, and potent substances are prohibited from export in any form

What can be exported, but only with documents and caution

• Antiques, vintage items, and works of national art — with official permission, expert opinion, and customs clearance.
• Traditional musical instruments, folk souvenirs, textiles, and handmade items — with confirmation that they are modern and not included in the list of protected valuables.
• Jewelry, precious stones, and metal items — permitted if they are modern items; documentary permission is required for antiques.
• Domestic and exotic animals, birds — only with veterinary certificates and permits.
• Plants, seeds, and planting material — may be exported only with a phytosanitary certificate.
• Products of animal origin (meat, fish, caviar) — in permitted quantities and with veterinary documents.
• Medicines containing potent or psychotropic substances — only with a prescription and accompanying documents.
• Large amounts of cash and valuables must be declared when leaving the country.

Recommendations for tourists

• Keep your receipts for purchases.
• Do not buy antiques from private sellers.
• If in doubt, check the customs regulations.
• Obey the laws of the country to avoid fines and confiscation.