Shipping Policy
International shipping for surgical instruments worldwide.
Last Updated: April 2026
SalarSurgicals Pvt. Ltd. ("SalarSurgicals") ships surgical instruments to customers in over 50 countries worldwide. This Shipping Policy outlines our shipping methods, estimated delivery timelines, packaging standards, and customs information. All shipments originate from our manufacturing facility in Sialkot, Pakistan.
1. Shipping Methods
We offer multiple shipping methods to accommodate different urgency levels and budget requirements:
1.1 Air Freight
Air freight is our most commonly used method for international shipments. Goods are shipped via major airlines from Sialkot International Airport (SKT) or Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore (LHE). Air freight is ideal for orders up to 500 kg and provides a good balance between speed and cost.
1.2 Sea Freight
Sea freight is recommended for large-volume orders exceeding 500 kg or where cost optimization is a priority. Shipments are routed through the Port of Karachi or Port Qasim. Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options are available.
1.3 International Courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS)
For urgent shipments, sample orders, and small parcels, we offer door-to-door delivery via DHL Express, FedEx International, or UPS Worldwide Express. Courier shipments include real-time tracking, customs clearance assistance, and delivery confirmation.
1.4 Buyer-Arranged Logistics
Buyers who prefer to use their own freight forwarder or logistics provider may do so. Under EXW (Ex Works) terms, goods are made available at our facility in Sialkot for collection by the Buyer's designated carrier.
2. Estimated Delivery Timelines
The following timelines are estimates from the date of shipment (after production and quality control are completed). Actual delivery times may vary based on customs clearance, carrier delays, and local conditions.
| Region | Air Freight | Sea Freight | Courier (DHL/FedEx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America (USA, Canada) | 5-7 business days | 25-35 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Europe (EU, UK) | 4-6 business days | 20-30 business days | 3-4 business days |
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) | 3-5 business days | 10-15 business days | 2-3 business days |
| Asia-Pacific (Australia, Japan, Korea) | 4-7 business days | 18-28 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Africa | 5-8 business days | 25-40 business days | 4-6 business days |
| South America | 7-10 business days | 30-45 business days | 4-7 business days |
Note: These timelines do not include production lead time. Total order-to-delivery time includes production (15-45 days depending on order type) plus shipping transit time. Customs clearance times are not included and vary by country.
3. Packaging Standards
We employ rigorous packaging standards specifically designed for the safe transportation of surgical instruments:
- Individual Protection: Each instrument is individually wrapped in anti-corrosion VCI paper or plastic sleeves to prevent moisture damage and surface scratching during transit.
- Inner Packaging: Instruments are placed in polystyrene trays, foam-lined boxes, or custom-molded inserts that secure each item and prevent movement.
- Outer Cartons: Corrugated export-grade cartons (5-ply or 7-ply depending on weight) with reinforced corners and edges. Each carton is sealed with industrial-grade packing tape.
- Labeling: Each carton is labeled with product details, batch numbers, quantity, gross and net weight, "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" markings, and destination information.
- Palletization: For large orders, cartons are stacked on wooden pallets (ISPM 15 compliant, heat-treated) and secured with stretch wrap and banding straps.
- Custom Packaging: For OEM/private label orders, we offer custom retail packaging including branded boxes, pouches, instrument rolls, and kit trays per your specifications.
4. Customs and Duties
4.1 Export Documentation
We provide all necessary export documentation with each shipment, including:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Air Waybill (air freight)
- Certificate of Origin (issued by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry)
- Certificate of Conformity / Quality Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate (for wooden packaging, as required)
- GSP Form A (for eligible countries receiving preferential tariff rates)
- Any additional certificates required by the destination country (upon request)
4.2 Import Duties and Taxes
Unless the agreed Incoterm is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), all import duties, customs fees, VAT, GST, and other governmental charges levied at the destination country are the sole responsibility of the Buyer. Duty rates for surgical instruments vary by country and HS Code classification (typically HS Code 9018). We recommend consulting your local customs broker for specific duty rates applicable to your import.
4.3 Customs Clearance
The Buyer is responsible for customs clearance in the destination country unless DDP terms are agreed. For courier shipments (DHL/FedEx/UPS), the courier service typically handles customs clearance on behalf of the consignee, though duties and taxes remain the Buyer's responsibility. We recommend the Buyer engage a licensed customs broker familiar with medical device imports.
5. Incoterms
We operate under Incoterms 2020 as published by the International Chamber of Commerce. The following terms are available:
FOB Sialkot (Free on Board) — Default Term
The Company delivers the goods to the carrier nominated by the Buyer at the port of shipment (Karachi/Lahore). The Company handles export clearance. Risk and cost pass to the Buyer once goods are delivered to the carrier.
Buyer's responsibility: Freight charges, marine/cargo insurance, import duties, customs clearance, and inland delivery at destination.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
The Company pays for freight and marine insurance to the destination port. Risk transfers to the Buyer at the port of shipment. Insurance covers minimum coverage under Institute Cargo Clauses (C) unless additional coverage is requested.
Buyer's responsibility: Import duties, customs clearance, inland transport from destination port, and any additional insurance desired.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
The Company assumes all costs and risks until goods are delivered to the Buyer's designated address, including import duties and taxes. This is the most comprehensive term for the Buyer.
Buyer's responsibility: Unloading at the delivery point. All other costs are covered by the Company.
EXW Sialkot (Ex Works)
Goods are made available at our facility in Sialkot. The Buyer arranges all logistics from our premises, including export clearance, freight, insurance, and import clearance.
Buyer's responsibility: All costs and risks from the point of collection at our facility.
6. Shipment Tracking
Upon shipment, we provide the Buyer with complete shipping documentation including tracking numbers, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill numbers, and estimated arrival dates. For courier shipments, real-time tracking is available through the carrier's website. For air and sea freight, we provide updates upon request and share the carrier's tracking portal information where available.
7. Insurance
Under FOB terms, cargo insurance is the Buyer's responsibility. We strongly recommend that buyers obtain adequate marine/cargo insurance for the full invoice value plus 10% to cover potential loss or damage during transit. Under CIF terms, we provide minimum insurance coverage per Institute Cargo Clauses (C). Buyers desiring broader coverage (Institute Cargo Clauses A, "All Risks") should inform us at the time of order placement, as additional premiums may apply.
8. Shipping Damage
Upon receipt of goods, the Buyer must inspect the shipment immediately. Any visible damage to the outer packaging must be noted on the carrier's delivery receipt at the time of delivery. Claims for shipping damage must be reported to us within seven (7) business days of delivery, accompanied by photographs of the damaged packaging and products. Failure to report damage within this period may affect claim eligibility.
9. Contact Us
For questions regarding shipping, tracking, or logistics, please contact our export team:
SalarSurgicals Pvt. Ltd.
Export & Logistics Department
Email: info@salarsurgicals.com
Phone: +92-52-1234567
WhatsApp: Chat with us