We checked the US and Pakistani rules on this page in September 2026. Rules change, so we confirm them again before we start your work. We are not lawyers or tax advisers. Where a license is needed, we work with licensed partners.
The short answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does it cost? | $99 a month for up to 5 cartons, plus the actual courier cost. |
| How fast do samples reach buyers? | Usually 1 to 5 business days inside the US, compared with one to three weeks from Pakistan. |
| Do samples pay US duty? | Usually yes. Duty-free entry for low-value parcels is suspended for all countries. |
| Can buyers visit? | Yes, by appointment at our Chicago office. |
Why samples in the US matter
US buyers compare many suppliers at once. The supplier whose sample arrives first often gets looked at first. Samples from Chicago usually arrive in 1 to 5 business days. Samples from Pakistan can take one to three weeks, plus time in customs.
How it works
- 1You sendYou ship samples to our Chicago office by courier.
- 2We receiveWe check, photograph and list every item.
- 3Buyer asksWe confirm with you before anything ships.
- 4We shipUPS, FedEx or USPS, with tracking sent to you.
- 5Follow upA few days later, we ask the buyer for feedback.
You get a stock list with photos, and we tell you when a sample runs low so you can send more before a buyer asks.
Sending samples to Chicago
On the courier invoice, describe your samples honestly and completely:
- A clear description of each item, for example: cotton bath towel, 70 x 140 cm
- The real value of each item. Do not mark samples as zero value
- The country of origin: Pakistan
- The tariff code (HS code), if you know it
- A note such as: commercial samples, not for resale
- Our Chicago address and phone number as the receiver
Mark each sample with your product code, and put a spec sheet in the box. Our guide on how to send samples to US buyers has more tips.
Customs and product rules
| Rule | What it means for you | Who is in charge |
|---|---|---|
| Duty on samples | The US exemption for parcels worth $800 or less is suspended for all countries and ends completely on July 1, 2027. Your samples go through customs and usually pay duty. Your courier handles the entry and bills you. | CBP |
| Duty-free samples | Some samples can enter duty free if each one is worth $1 or less, or is clearly marked, cut or damaged so it cannot be sold (US tariff heading 9811.00.60). Your courier or broker confirms if yours qualify. | CBP |
| Food samples | Food samples still need FDA prior notice before they arrive, and food labeling rules apply once they are given to buyers. | FDA |
| Medical device samples | Surgical and dental instruments are medical devices. Your FDA registration and device listing should be in place before you ship samples. | FDA |
| Children's products | Samples of regulated children's products should be tested and certified before they are used to take orders. | CPSC |
| Country of origin | Samples, like all imported goods, must show their country of origin. | CBP |
Pakistani rules for samples
Pakistani customs and State Bank of Pakistan rules allow exporters to send trade samples abroad, with limits on value. Your courier or clearing agent in Pakistan confirms the paperwork for your shipment.
What we can store
- Finished products: textiles, leather goods, sports goods, instruments, crafts, cutlery and similar items
- Packaged, shelf-stable food samples with proper labels
- Catalogs, swatch cards and packaging samples
We cannot store dangerous goods, items that need refrigeration, loose batteries or anything that needs a license to hold. Ask us if you are not sure.
Price
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Storage of up to 5 cartons | $99 (about Rs. 28,000) per month |
| Shipping to US buyers | Actual courier cost, no markup |
| US Sales Desk clients | Storage included |
| More than 5 cartons | Quoted on request |
Common questions
How many samples can I store?
The standard plan covers up to 5 cartons. Tell us if you need more space and we will quote it.
Can buyers visit to see the samples?
Yes, by appointment at our Chicago office.
Do samples from Pakistan pay US duty?
Usually yes. The US duty-free exemption for low-value parcels is suspended for all countries. Some samples marked or cut so they cannot be sold may enter duty free.
Do you ship without asking me?
No. We confirm with you before any sample goes to a buyer.
Can you store food samples?
Yes, if they are packaged, shelf-stable and properly labeled, and if FDA prior notice was filed when they were imported.