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Export Promotion & Software Export Documentation
| Scheme | Benefit | Eligibility | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EFS | Pre-shipment financing at concessionary rates | Valid export contract | SBP EF Circular | |
| IERS | Refund on input taxes | Registered exporter | FBR notification | |
| LTFF | Financing up to 10 years for export projects | PSEB registration required | SBP circular | |
| PSW Integration | Single Window for export declarations | All exporters | PSW Act 2022 | |
| TDAP Trade Fairs | Subsidized participation in international events | PSEB members priority | TDAP schedule |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trade Development Authority of Pakistan |
| Type | Federal regulatory body under Ministry of Commerce |
| Established | 2012 (by merging former TDPOs) |
| Website | tdap.gov.pk |
| Phone | +92-51-9202901-5 |
| info@tdap.gov.pk | |
| Address | Plot # 18-A, Sector H-8/1, Islamabad |
TDAP plays a pivotal role in promoting Pakistan's software and IT-enabled services exports as part of its mandate to expand non-traditional exports:
| Incentive | Rate/Benefit | Conditions | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHT on IT Export (PSEB) | 0.25% (Federal/ICT) | PSEB registration + 80%+ export revenue | ITO §154A |
| WHT on IT Export (non-PSEB) | 1% | No PSEB registration | ITO §154A |
| Startup Tax Credit | 100% for 3 years | PSEB mandatory, <PKR 100M turnover | ITO §65F(b) |
| 50% FCY Retention | Retain 50% of export proceeds in foreign currency | All IT exporters | SBP FECL 05/2026 — Foreign Exchange |
| Duty-Free IT Equipment | 0% customs duty | PSEB-registered companies | PSEB / SRO 488(I)/2013 |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Full foreign equity allowed in IT | All IT companies | BOI Investment Policy 2023 |
| SEZ Tax Holiday | 10-year income tax exemption | SEZ-registered companies | SEZ Act 2012 / BOI |
| SST Sindh (IT export, PSEB) | 0% | PSEB + 80% export | SRO 981(I)/2015 |
| SST Punjab (IT export, PSEB) | 0% | PSEB + 80% export | PRA Act 2012 |
| SST KP (IT export, PSEB) | 0% | PSEB + 80% export | KPRA Act 2013 |
| SST Balochistan (IT export) | 0% | PSEB + export | BRA |
| Program | Description | IT Sector Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Export Promotion Schemes | Financial assistance for overseas exhibitions, trade delegations, promotional campaigns | Subsidized booths at GITEX, LEAP, Web Summit |
| Market Development Fund (MDF) | Reimburses a portion of export-related expenses | Product launches and buyer meetings abroad |
| Buyer's Guide & Directory | Directories of verified international buyers | IT services sourcing from Pakistan |
| Brand Pakistan | National branding for IT exports at international events | Visibility for Pakistani IT brands |
| SBP EFS | Export Finance Scheme at concessional rates | Working capital for IT exporters |
| SBP LTFF | Long-Term Financing Facility at KIBOR+2% (as of April 2026) | Capital expenditure for PSEB-registered IT |
| Platform | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| PSEB TechDestination | IT export promotion portal | pseb.org.pk (0800-01010) |
| WeBOC | Electronic customs declarations | weboc.gov.pk |
| PSW | Pakistan Single Window for unified documentation | psw.gov.pk |
| Roshan Digital Account | Overseas Pakistani investment and remittance | roshandigitalaccount.com |
| Raast | Instant payment system | raast.pk |
| IMF Program | $7B EFF — ending currency controls by March 2027 | IMF |
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), established under TDAP Ordinance 2013, is Pakistan's premier trade promotion body. TDAP plays a pivotal role in promoting IT/ITeS exports through:
| Scheme | Benefit | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Development Fund (MDF) | 50% subsidy on trade show participation, 75% for SMEs | PSEB-registered, annual export >USD 25,000 | TDAP portal → MDF application |
| IERF Matching Grant | 50% matching grant up to PKR 5 million for marketing, certifications, branch offices | Continuous exporter for 2 years | TDAP portal → IERF |
| Duty Drawback | Refund of customs duty on inputs used in export IT services | FBR-registered exporter | Customs → WeBOC |
| FCY Retention (BOI) | Retain 50% of export proceeds in FCY account | BOI-registered IT exporter | BOI/Bank |
| Roshan Digital Account | Non-resident PKR accounts for diaspora IT entrepreneurs | NRPs with valid CNIC/NICOP | RDA portal |
| Item | Rate | Jurisdiction | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Export WHT | 0.25% (PSEB) / 1% (non-PSEB) | Federal/ICT | ITO 2001 §154A |
| Corporate Tax (IT) | 20% | Federal/ICT | ITO 2001 §35 |
| Startup Tax Credit | 100% for 3 years | Federal/ICT | ITO 2001 §65F(b) |
| SST IT Export | 0% (PSEB export) / 3–5% (domestic IT) | Provincial | Provincial SST Acts |
| Customs Duty (IT Equipment) | 0–3% (PSEB) / 5–20% (standard) | Federal | Pakistan Customs Tariff |
| BOI — Foreign Ownership | 100% IT sector | Federal | BOI IT Policy |
| EOBI | 5% employer + 1% employee (PKR 37,000/mo ceiling — EOBI Act & Rules) | Federal | EOBI Act 1976 |