Import & Export · Business & Trade

TDAP registration for exporters: do you need it, and how REX works

TDAP says general exporter registration is no longer required. What you do need: certificates of origin and EU REX registration, both through PSW.

By Ahtisham Imtiaz · Updated · 3 min read

General registration
Not required
Apply through
PSW (LPCO)
REX validity
No expiry
REX return
Monthly, by 15th
Summarize it for me

AI Summary

You don't need to register with TDAP to export: its own FAQ says registration for importers and exporters is no longer required. You deal with TDAP through Pakistan Single Window when you need one of its services, mainly an electronic certificate of origin for trade-agreement countries, or REX registration to self-certify origin for EU, Swiss, Norwegian and Turkish GSP exports. REX registration is a one-off with no expiry, but you must send TDAP a monthly statement-on-origin return by the 15th.

You don’t need to register with TDAP to export. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s own FAQ says registration for importers and exporters “is no longer required”. You deal with TDAP through Pakistan Single Window (PSW) only when you need one of its services: an electronic certificate of origin, or REX registration to self-certify origin for EU GSP exports.

How do I get a certificate of origin?

TDAP issues electronic certificates of origin (E-CO) for shipments under trade agreements and GSP schemes. Since 30 September 2024 it issues no manual certificates.

  1. Log in to psw.gov.pk, open LPCO on the dashboard, choose Electronic Certificate of Origin and click Create New Request.
  2. Select the trade agreement.
  3. Select your goods declaration(s). Only those marked “Consignment Shipped” appear; up to three can go on one E-CO if the consignee, destination and transport are the same.
  4. Fill in the TDAP office, producer, consignee, transport, goods and origin criterion, and upload the bill of lading and invoice.
  5. Pay TDAP’s processing fee through the PSID PSW generates. TDAP’s guide doesn’t state the amount.
  6. TDAP approves, e-signs and QR-codes the E-CO. Print it on plain A4, sign and stamp the exporter’s declaration, and send it to your buyer.

What is REX, and how do I register?

REX (Registered Exporter System) lets you certify origin yourself with a “statement on origin” for GSP exports to the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Turkey. You need a REX number when the originating goods in a shipment are worth more than EUR 6,000. TDAP is Pakistan’s REX authority.

  1. In PSW, go to LPCO, then REX Registration Endorsement, then Create New Request.
  2. Follow the link to the European Commission’s REX pre-application and fill it in. Your TIN is PK plus your NTN without the hyphen, for example PK76598431.
  3. Print it, sign and seal boxes 5 and 6, and attach your SECP certificate or, if you’re not SECP-registered, your chamber of commerce or trade association membership certificate, attested by that body.
  4. Upload both on the same PSW screen and submit.
  5. TDAP sends your REX number and certificate to your PSW inbox.

What do I have to do after REX registration?

  • Issue your own statements on origin for GSP exports to the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Turkey. You can’t get TDAP certificates of origin for these any more.
  • Send TDAP copies of all statements made in a month, with a summary, by the 15th of the next month.
  • Keep records for three years and allow TDAP to verify your accounts and production.
  • Tell TDAP about any change to your registration details.

REX registration doesn’t expire while Pakistan qualifies for GSP, but TDAP can revoke it for breaking these terms.

What else does TDAP offer?

TDAP organises international trade fairs and subsidises part of the cost: for example 30% for textiles, 50% for leather, footwear and carpets, and 80% for new exporters and women entrepreneurs. Selected exhibitors pay a participation fee and a refundable Rs 50,000 security deposit.

For the full export process, see how to export from Pakistan and the import/export checklist.

More guides: Import & Export.

Questions people ask

Is TDAP registration compulsory for exporters?

No. TDAP's own FAQ says registration for importers and exporters is no longer required. You use TDAP's services through PSW only when you need them, such as a certificate of origin or REX registration.

How do I register for REX through TDAP?

In PSW go to LPCO, then REX Registration Endorsement, then Create New Request, and fill in the EU's REX pre-application using PK plus your NTN as the TIN. Upload the signed, attested pre-application with your SECP certificate or chamber membership certificate.

How do I get a certificate of origin from TDAP?

In PSW go to LPCO, choose Electronic Certificate of Origin and create a request against your shipped goods declaration. Pay the processing fee through the PSID; TDAP approves and e-signs it, and you print it on plain A4 paper.

How long is REX registration valid?

It has no expiry date and stays valid while Pakistan qualifies for the GSP preferences, but TDAP can revoke it for non-compliance.

What does TDAP charge for trade fairs?

For international exhibitions it subsidises part of the cost by sector, and selected exhibitors pay a participation fee plus a refundable Rs 50,000 security deposit.

Sources

  1. Frequently Asked Questions, TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  2. Commissioning of the Electronic Certificate of Origin (E-CO) system (12 Aug 2024), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  3. Steps for obtaining a new or amended E-CO (Feb 2026), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  4. Simple steps for registration to REX (Feb 2026), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  5. Main terms for REX-registered businesses, TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  6. REX operational guide (Dec 2023), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  7. Registered Exporter (REX) system, European Commission (accessed 7 Oct 2026)
  8. Guidelines for participation in international exhibitions (June 2026), TDAP (accessed 7 Oct 2026)

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