How to Import Basmati Rice from Pakistan: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Buyer Guide 2 June 2026 7 min read
How to Import Basmati Rice from Pakistan: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Pakistan is one of the world’s largest rice exporters, shipping millions of tonnes of basmati and non-basmati rice every year. For importers, sourcing directly from Pakistan means competitive pricing, authentic long-grain basmati and reliable volumes — provided you work with the right partner and get the specification right. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Why source basmati rice from Pakistan?

Pakistani basmati is prized for its exceptional grain length, natural aroma and fluffy, separate texture after cooking. As direct-from-mill rice exporters in Pakistan, established houses can offer better value than trading intermediaries.

  • Authentic extra-long-grain basmati (1121, 1509) and economical non-basmati (IRRI-6, PK-386, C-9).
  • Competitive FOB Port Qasim pricing and CIF options to most major ports.
  • Large, consistent volumes backed by in-house milling capacity.
  • Internationally recognised certifications and third-party inspection on request.

Step 1: Define your specification

Before requesting quotes, decide exactly what you need. A clear specification prevents disputes later and lets exporters quote accurately.

  • Variety: 1121, 1509, IRRI-6, PK-386, C-9 or a blend.
  • Processing: Sella (parboiled), Steam, or raw white.
  • Broken percentage: e.g. 1%, 2%, 5% for basmati; up to 25% for non-basmati.
  • Moisture and purity limits, packaging size, and any private-label requirement.

Step 2: Choose a reliable rice exporter

Verify that your supplier is a registered exporter with a track record. In Pakistan, look for REAP (Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan) registration and a chamber-of-commerce membership, along with food-safety systems such as ISO 22000 and HACCP.

Kassam Trading Company has milled and exported rice since 1999, is REAP-registered and operates its own mill at Port Qasim — giving buyers direct-from-source quality and consistency.

Step 3: Agree Incoterms and payment

Clarify commercial terms early. The most common arrangements are:

  • FOB Port Qasim — you arrange freight from Karachi.
  • CIF / C&F — the exporter arranges freight and insurance to your port.
  • Payment usually by irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight or advance T/T for smaller orders.

Step 4: Inspection and documentation

Independent inspection protects both parties. Reputable exporters welcome pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas. Standard export documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and phytosanitary and fumigation certificates.

Step 5: Shipping and delivery

Once quality is confirmed and documents are in order, cargo is loaded — in containers or in bulk for larger vessels — and shipped from Port Qasim. A dependable exporter keeps you updated through loading, sailing and delivery.

Working with Kassam Trading Company

From a single container to full vessel quantities, KTC supplies rice to buyers across the Gulf, Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. Share your specification and destination port and we will respond with pricing, samples and lead times.

Sourcing rice from Pakistan?

Kassam Trading Company mills and exports the full range of basmati and non-basmati rice, salt and grains. Tell us your requirement and destination port.