Pakistan customs opens new laboratory at Azakhel dry port to fast-track trade

October 10, 2025 (MLN): In a significant step toward trade facilitation and improved customs operations, Pakistan Customs has established a new Customs Laboratory at Azakhel Dry Port.

The facility is equipped with essential testing instruments capable of analyzing fabrics, plastics, plastic-related products, edibles, and dyes a long awaited development for importers and traders in the region.

Previously, trade samples from Azakhel were sent to laboratories in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad for testing, a process that often took several days and increased clearance costs.

With the establishment of the new laboratory, around 80% of the samples can now be tested locally, significantly reducing delays, costs and overall dwell time.

Importers have welcomed the initiative, noting that it will streamline customs procedures, speed up the clearance process, and strengthen trade competitiveness.

The move also fulfills a long standing demand of the business community, particularly those operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr. Junaid Altaf, commended Pakistan Customs for setting up the laboratory, calling it a major step toward improving trade facilitation and ensuring transparency in the sampling process.

Officials added that the new facility will enhance customs control by maintaining the integrity of samples and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

In addition, Pakistan Customs informed that another state of the art laboratory will soon become operational at the Torkham Border Station under the Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) Project, further bolstering border trade efficiency.

With these initiatives, Pakistan Customs continues to advance its trade modernization and digitalization agenda, aligning with global standards and supporting the government’s vision of ease of doing business in Pakistan.

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