Indian government bans Pakistani cargo shipments; Pakistan reciprocates with trade restrictions on Indian cargo after May 2 and May 4 directives

This is to inform you of recent developments impacting cargo movement between India and Pakistan. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of the Indian Government has issued a prohibition on Pakistan cargo dated May 2nd 2025 and The Government of Pakistan ministry of commerce ordered the prohibition of Indian cargo dated May 4th 2025.

In response to the evolving situation, both countries have implemented restrictions that affect not only direct vessel calls and bilateral cargo movement, but also shipments transiting through or destined to/from third countries via Indian or Pakistani ports.

India:
(The official DGFT notice: link)

• All containers originating from Pakistan, including empty units, in-transit (ROB), transshipment, and import cargo, are now strictly prohibited from entering Indian ports.
• Vessels carrying Pakistan-origin cargo that departed prior to the implementation of the restriction will not be permitted to berth at Indian ports until such cargo is discharged at an alternate location.

Pakistan:
(The notice by government: linkTO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF PAKISTAN-EXTRA ORDINARY( PART-I) GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN MINISTRY OF COMMERCE Islamabad, the 4h May, 2025 ORDER S.R.0. 750(1)/2025.- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Imports &E xports (Control) Act, 1950 (XXXIX of 1950), the Federal Government is pleased top rohibit the following, in the interest of national security and in public interest, namely: - The import of Indian origin goods by third countries via sea, land and air; transiting through Pakistan; (i) Goods imported from India by third countries via sea, land and air; transiting through Pakistan; (ii) The exports of third countries, to India via sea, land and air; transiting through Pakistan; and; (iv) The above-mentioned prohibitions shall not be applicable to those imports/exports for which the Billo f Lading (B/L)o r Letter of Credit (L/C) is issued or established prior to the issuance of the Order. [F. No. 1(3)/2018-AC(TP)] (WaqasAzeem) Joint Secretary (EXIM))

• The import or transit of Indian-origin goods whether shipped directly or via third countries and across all modes of transport has been prohibited.
• Additionally, exports to India that transit through Pakistani territory are also restricted.

As the situation remains fluid, Ocean Network Express (ONE) is currently seeking clarification on handling of cargo that will be impacted while ONE will continue to monitor the developments closely.  ONE will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.