AliExpress, one of the leading global e-commerce platforms, has restricted several popular shipping options to Pakistan following recent customs enforcement actions targeting low-cost delivery methods.
This decision stems from new tax reforms introduced by Pakistani and Sri Lankan customs authorities, which have rendered previously affordable logistics routes—such as AliExpress Standard Shipping and Cainiao—unviable. These options were a major draw for Pakistani consumers seeking budget-friendly online purchases.
In a message circulated to sellers, AliExpress stated that shipping to Pakistan and Sri Lanka is now being processed offline due to ongoing regulatory uncertainty. The platform has advised its merchants to update their logistics templates and stop using the affected shipping routes starting July 7, 2025.
Although specific details of the new tax requirements remain unclear, the immediate impact is significant. Buyers in Pakistan will no longer have access to low-cost delivery options, a move expected to sharply affect the affordability and attractiveness of cross-border e-commerce.
The customs changes appear to target low-declared value shipments—an area that has long enabled cheap international shopping but now draws increasing scrutiny amid broader tax reform efforts. Industry experts warn that unless customs guidelines are clarified or amended, this disruption could persist indefinitely.
