Govt Temporarily Relaxes Used Car Import Rules

The Ministry of Commerce has allowed a one-time exemption from certain inspection requirements for used vehicles imported under the Gift, Personal Baggage, and Transfer of Residence schemes, while also recognizing pre-shipment inspection (PSI) certificates issued by two companies.

In separate notifications issued on Monday, the ministry clarified that pre-shipment inspection certificates issued by M/s EAA Company (Pvt.) Ltd. and M/s Auto Terminal Pak (Pvt.) Ltd. will be accepted for used vehicles imported from Japan under the schemes covered by Appendix E of the Import Policy Order 2022.

The government has also granted a one time exemption from conformity assessment requirements for vehicles shipped under master bills of lading dated between January 16, 2026 and March 9, 2026. The relaxation applies only to vehicles imported under the Gift, Personal Baggage, and Transfer of Residence schemes.

Under the exemption, imported vehicles must still meet other applicable provisions of the Import Policy Order 2022. Authorities also said vehicles graded below average, repaired after major accidents, or carrying poor condition ratings at auction will not qualify for the relief.

The ministry said the certificates, issued through the companies’ internationally accredited principals in Japan, would be treated as proof of compliance with minimum safety, environmental, and regulatory standards under SRO 61(I)/2026. However, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority-registered local offices of the companies will remain responsible for verifying the authenticity of certificates and handling complaints.

The Ministry of Commerce said the clarification and exemption were approved by the competent authority and were intended to facilitate imports under the specified schemes while ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and quality standards.