AliExpress has suspended several shipping routes to Pakistan following changes in customs regulations that have disrupted access to budget-friendly cross-border delivery options. The decision affects both Pakistani buyers and international sellers who rely on affordable logistics to facilitate small-value orders. The platform has begun offline processing of logistics routes destined for Pakistan and Sri Lanka, citing a lack of clarity surrounding the latest tax and customs policy changes introduced by authorities in both countries.
Sellers were officially notified by AliExpress that beginning July 7, 2025, they will no longer be able to select certain shipping channels when submitting logistics orders and shipping declarations for customers in Pakistan. These changes effectively remove popular delivery options such as AliExpress Standard Shipping and Cainiao from the platform’s shipping selection for Pakistani customers. These services had played a central role in making Chinese products widely accessible in Pakistan, offering delivery with little or no additional shipping cost.
The move stems from recent enforcement actions by Pakistani customs authorities aimed at tightening oversight on under-declared imports and discounted shipping models. Though exact details of the updated customs rules have not been disclosed publicly, the impact is already being felt. Buyers in Pakistan are now finding it difficult to access affordable shipping options, which were a major incentive behind the popularity of platforms like AliExpress for ordering low-cost electronics, accessories, household items, and fashion products.
According to sellers and platform guidance, the removal of these shipping services may significantly reduce the volume of small-package imports into Pakistan. With standard shipping options no longer available, only higher-cost logistics channels remain, potentially making many low-priced products unaffordable for cost-conscious customers. This development could also affect the operations of small-scale resellers and online businesses that source inventory from China using these platforms.
AliExpress has advised sellers to stay updated on changes and adapt their shipping templates to comply with the revised policies. However, no official timeline has been provided for when, or if, budget logistics services will resume for Pakistan-bound deliveries. The current uncertainty is expected to persist unless customs authorities issue detailed guidelines or introduce policy adjustments to accommodate cross-border e-commerce needs.
The disruption is not isolated to Pakistan. Similar actions have impacted routes to Sri Lanka, where customs authorities are also introducing reforms to regulate low-cost import channels. AliExpress’s response reflects a broader shift in how global e-commerce platforms are adapting to evolving regulatory environments in emerging markets. For Pakistani consumers, who have grown accustomed to affordable access to a wide variety of goods through international platforms, the latest restrictions may lead to a notable change in online shopping behavior and pricing dynamics.
