Pakistani carpets, rugs and handmade crafts are loved around the world, and many people want to send them to family, customers or their own new home abroad. These goods are heavy, bulky or fragile, so they need more care than a normal parcel. This guide explains how to pack them, which shipping method to pick, what paperwork to prepare and what mistakes to avoid. It is written for both individuals and small sellers working with Air Cargo QLC in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Can You Ship Handicrafts, Carpets and Rugs Abroad from Pakistan?
Yes, you can. Carpets, rugs and handicrafts are shipped from Pakistan every day, both as personal gifts and as business consignments. The main points to settle are the shipping method, the packing, and the rules of the destination country. Each destination has its own import rules, and some materials are checked more closely than others. Planning these three things before pickup saves time, money and damage later. The two sections below explain what is usually sent and why these goods need special handling.
Which Items Are Commonly Shipped?
Most shipments fall into a few groups. Knowing which group your goods belong to helps you pick the right packing and the right service.
- Hand-knotted and hand-woven carpets and rugs
- Flat-woven dhurries and kilims
- Embroidered shawls, bedsheets and wall hangings
- Wooden furniture pieces, carved boxes and frames
- Blue pottery, ceramics and glass items
- Brass and copper decor, lamps and mirror work
Why These Goods Need Extra Care
A rug can weigh a lot and take up large space even when rolled. Pottery breaks, wood cracks under pressure, and textiles can be ruined by damp or dirt. Carpets are also valuable, so a small stain or crushed edge can reduce the price a buyer will pay. This is why simple cardboard and a few layers of tape are rarely enough. Good packing, the right transport method and cargo insurance work together to protect the goods from pickup to delivery.
Air Cargo or Sea Cargo: Which Is Better for Carpets and Handicrafts?
The answer depends on weight, budget and how soon the goods are needed. Air cargo is faster and suits smaller or urgent shipments. Sea cargo costs less per kilo and suits heavy loads such as several carpets or full home decor orders. The table below shows the approximate rates and transit times from Pakistan by destination. Final prices depend on the exact weight, size and packing, so treat these as a guide and confirm with our team. You can also read our guide on air cargo vs sea cargo from Islamabad for a wider comparison.
| Destination | Air Cargo (per KG) | Sea Cargo (per KG) |
| Dubai / UAE | PKR 1,200–1,800 (3–6 days) | PKR 500–700 (15–25 days) |
| Qatar | PKR 1,500–2,000 (4–7 days) | PKR 600–800 (20–30 days) |
| Saudi Arabia | PKR 1,800–2,200 (4–7 days) | PKR 700–900 (20–30 days) |
| UK / Italy / Europe | PKR 2,500–3,500 (5–8 days) | PKR 600–1,200 (30–45 days) |
| USA | PKR 3,000–4,000 (5–10 days) | PKR 1,200–1,800 (35–50 days) |
| Australia | PKR 3,000–4,000 (6–10 days) | PKR 1,400–2,000 (35–50 days) |
When Air Cargo Makes Sense
Choose air cargo services when you need the goods quickly or the shipment is small. A single rug for a wedding gift, a few handicraft samples for a buyer, or a set of fragile pieces that should spend less time in transit are good examples. Air freight also means fewer handling stages, which lowers the risk of damage. The cost per kilo is higher, so it works best when the weight is modest or the deadline is firm.
When Sea Cargo Makes Sense
Sea freight is the better choice for heavy or bulky goods where time is flexible. If you are moving several carpets, a full set of decor or stock for a shop, the saving per kilo adds up quickly. Smaller loads can travel as part of a shared container through LCL sea cargo, while large orders may need a full container under FCL sea cargo. Plan for the longer transit time shown in the table above.
How to Pack Carpets and Rugs for International Shipping
Good packing is what protects a rug on a long journey. The goal is to keep it dry, clean and free from folds that leave permanent marks. Most carpets travel best when rolled tightly instead of folded. Follow these steps before the shipment is picked up.
- Clean the rug and let it dry fully. Trapped damp causes mildew.
- Roll it along the direction of the pile with the face inward.
- Wrap it in clean cotton or acid-free paper first, then in thick plastic.
- Seal the ends so dust and water cannot get in.
- Add a strong outer layer such as woven sack or a cardboard tube.
- Write the weight, size and your contact details on the outside.
Hand-Knotted and Flat-Woven Rugs
Hand-knotted rugs are thick and heavy, so roll them firmly and avoid sharp bends. Flat-woven items like dhurries and kilims are lighter and more flexible, but they can still crease if folded for long periods. For both types, avoid pressing heavy cartons on top of the roll during storage and transport. A tight, even roll with strong wrapping is usually enough for standard sizes.
Silk, Antique and High-Value Pieces
Silk and older rugs are delicate. Do not fold them, and avoid rolling too tightly. Wrap them in soft breathable paper before the plastic layer, and think about adding a rigid tube for support. For valuable pieces, ask about wooden crating and insurance before booking. It costs a little more, but it removes most of the risk on a costly item.
How to Pack Fragile Handicrafts Safely
Handicrafts come in many materials, and each one breaks in a different way. The common rule is to wrap every piece separately, fill all empty space inside the box, and keep heavy items at the bottom. Nothing should be able to move when you shake the closed box gently. Air Cargo QLC offers packaging and wooden crating, so you can ask for help instead of guessing with delicate pieces.
Pottery, Glass and Mirror Work
Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or soft paper, with extra layers around handles, rims and corners. Place them in a strong double-wall box with padding on all sides. Never pack two pieces so they touch each other. Mark the box as fragile and keep the open side facing up. Flat mirror work and glass panels should be stood on their edge between rigid boards.
Wood, Metal and Bone Items
Carved wood can crack if it is squeezed or dropped, so use firm corner protection. Brass and copper may scratch, so wrap them in cloth or soft film before outer padding. Wooden crates and boxes may need to meet treatment rules for wood packaging in some countries. Items made with bone or other animal material can face stricter checks, so confirm the rules for your destination first.
Embroidered Shawls and Textiles
Fold embroidered shawls and wall hangings with tissue between the layers to protect the threadwork. Place them in a sealed plastic bag to keep out moisture, then inside a sturdy outer box or sack. Avoid adding heavy items on top. Keep them away from damp areas before pickup, because moisture can leave marks on silk and dyed fabric.
Documents and Customs Rules to Check Before Shipping
Paperwork depends on who is sending the goods and where they are going. A personal gift needs less than a commercial order, but a clear description of every item is needed in both cases. Missing or unclear details are one of the most common reasons shipments get delayed at customs. Rules also change from country to country, so check them before you book. Our team will tell you what applies to your route when you confirm the shipment.
- A detailed packing list with the item, material, size and quantity
- A commercial invoice showing value, if the goods are for sale
- A copy of your CNIC or passport for the sender
- Receiver name, address and contact number
- Any permit or certificate the destination country asks for
Wood, Plant and Animal Materials
Countries are strict about natural materials. Wooden items, straw, date leaf products, bone and leather can all trigger inspection or extra paperwork. Australia, for example, is known for careful checks on goods made from plant material. Describe the materials honestly on the packing list. Hiding or misnaming them can cause delays, fines or the goods being refused.
Gifts, Personal Goods and Commercial Orders
Shipping a rug as a gift to a relative is treated differently from shipping stock to a shop. Commercial goods usually need an invoice with proper value, and duties may apply on arrival. Gifts may have value limits before duty is charged, and these limits differ by country. Tell us in advance which type of shipment you have, so the paperwork is prepared correctly the first time.
What Decides the Cost of Shipping Carpets and Handicrafts?
Price is not set by weight alone. Shippers look at the total weight, the size of the package, the destination and the service you choose. Extra services such as wooden crating or insurance also change the total. You can check general rate information on our pricing page, then send your item details for a quote that fits your exact shipment.
- Actual weight and packed size
- Air or sea transport
- Destination country and route
- Packing type, such as plain wrap or wooden crate
- Cargo insurance for high-value items
- Door delivery or port or airport pickup
Weight Versus Size
Carriers charge on whichever is higher, the real weight or the volumetric weight, which is calculated from the box size. A rolled rug is heavy, so real weight usually decides the price. Light but bulky handicrafts, such as large baskets or wicker decor, may be charged by size. Packing tightly and avoiding oversized boxes can lower the chargeable weight.
Why Insurance Is Worth Considering
Carpets and handmade pieces are hard to replace and often cost more than the shipping itself. Cargo insurance covers loss or damage during transit under the terms of the policy. Ask what is covered and what documents you need to keep. For antique or high-value pieces, insurance is a sensible step.
How to Book Your Shipment with Air Cargo QLC
Booking is simple when you have the basic details ready. We work from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and we can arrange collection from your location through our door-to-door cargo services. Here is how the process works.
- Share what you are sending, the approximate weight and the destination.
- Choose air or sea based on budget and time.
- Get the quote and confirm the packing method.
- Prepare the packing list and any documents needed.
- Hand over the goods for pickup and packing.
- Receive updates from our team until the goods are delivered.
Sending from Other Cities
If your goods are in another city, contact us first. We can discuss pickup coordination and the best way to bring the shipment to our Islamabad and Rawalpindi hub. Share the pickup address and the goods list, and we will explain the options for your location.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Carpets and Handicrafts
Most problems are easy to prevent. Many shipments are damaged or delayed because of small decisions made in a hurry. Watch for these mistakes before you hand over your goods.
- Folding a rug instead of rolling it
- Packing a damp rug or textile
- Using thin boxes for pottery and glass
- Leaving empty space inside cartons
- Writing vague item descriptions on documents
- Skipping insurance on valuable pieces
- Choosing the cheapest option without checking handling and packing
