Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is planning to introduce a Unified Payment System (UPS) that will allow importers and exporters to pay customs duties, taxes and other trade-related charges through a pre-funded digital wallet. The proposed system is aimed at simplifying payment processes associated with cross-border trade by providing businesses with a centralized digital payment option within the PSW ecosystem. The initiative is expected to improve convenience, transaction visibility and payment management for businesses involved in international trade.
Under the proposed arrangement, the digital wallet will be operated by a licensed bank or fintech company within a structure permitted by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Rather than developing an entirely new payment infrastructure, the system will rely on existing banking and payment technology. This approach is intended to support implementation while allowing regulated financial service providers to manage customer funds and payment operations.
The wallet will allow traders to maintain reusable balances and add funds through multiple channels, including inter-bank fund transfers, Raast, banking applications, online portals and over-the-counter deposits. Users will also be able to withdraw funds remotely, providing greater flexibility in managing their payment balances. The system is designed to enable businesses to deposit funds in advance and use them for different trade-related charges as required, reducing the need to initiate separate payment arrangements for every transaction.
Payments will be settled against payment advice generated within the PSW ecosystem. The system is expected to cover services connected with Pakistan Single Window, the Maritime Single Window, Port Community System, Air Community System, Customs Clearance System and other PSW-linked platforms. By connecting these services through a unified payment mechanism, the initiative aims to streamline financial transactions associated with customs processing and trade documentation.
The licensed service provider will be responsible for managing the wallet’s financial operations, including fund custody, balance management, deposits, withdrawals, refunds, reversals and settlement. The provider will also conduct customer due diligence and anti-money laundering checks in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. These responsibilities will remain with the regulated financial institution or fintech company operating the wallet.
PSW itself will not hold, intermediate or settle customer funds under the proposed structure. Instead, the digital wallet will connect with the PSW platform exclusively through the Unified Payment System. The framework is also designed to accommodate additional payment providers in the future, allowing PSW to expand its network without requiring major changes to the underlying system. This could create opportunities for greater participation by regulated banks and fintech companies in trade-related digital payments.
Currently, payments within the PSW ecosystem are processed through Pre-Deposit accounts and bank or payment gateway-based mechanisms. The proposed wallet will be introduced as an additional payment option rather than a replacement for existing arrangements. Businesses using Pre-Deposit accounts will not be required to migrate their balances to the new system, allowing existing payment processes to continue alongside the wallet.
For importers and exporters, the proposed system is expected to offer greater convenience and improved visibility over trade-related payments. Businesses will be able to maintain funds in advance, use a single balance to pay multiple charges and monitor individual transactions, settlements and reconciliation records. These capabilities could help reduce administrative work and make it easier for companies to manage payments associated with customs clearance and other trade services.
The Unified Payment System forms part of broader efforts to digitalize Pakistan’s trade processes and improve the financial infrastructure supporting cross-border commerce. By integrating reusable digital balances with existing banking and payment channels, PSW aims to provide traders with a more accessible and transparent way to manage government duties, taxes and service charges. The initiative is expected to support more efficient trade operations while expanding the role of regulated digital payment providers in Pakistan’s trade ecosystem.
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