Navigating the customs regulations for vehicle import into Pakistan can be complex. Under the Import Policy Order 2022 (Appendix-E), only non-resident Pakistanis are eligible to import used vehicles, and the process is strictly regulated.
Whether you are relocating or sending a vehicle to a loved one, here is everything you need to know to ensure a smooth clearance process.
📋 Allowed Import Schemes & Eligibility
Used vehicles can only be imported once every two years (700 days) by non-resident Pakistanis under one of three specific schemes.
⚠️ Note: Students or non-earning dependents living abroad are not eligible to import vehicles under these schemes.
1. Personal Baggage Scheme
- Stay Requirement: The importer must have stayed abroad for a minimum of 180 days within the 7 months immediately preceding the application date.
2. Transfer of Residence Scheme
- Stay Requirement: The applicant must have resided abroad for at least 700 days in the preceding 3 years.
3. Gift Scheme
- Stay Requirement: The sender must have stayed abroad for at least 700 days in the preceding 3 years.
- Recipients: Vehicles can only be gifted to immediate family members (parents, spouse, siblings, or children over 18 years of age).
🚗 Vehicle Age Limits & Rules
Before purchasing or shipping a vehicle, ensure it meets the strict age criteria set by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR):
- Standard Cars: Must not be older than 3 years.
- Commercial/Other Vehicles: Must not be older than 5 years (except for specialized bulletproof vehicles).
- Age Calculation Formula: The vehicle’s age is calculated from January 1st of the year subsequent to the manufacturing year up to the exact date of shipment listed on the Bill of Lading. (For example, a car manufactured in 2024 and shipped in late 2026 is considered under 2 years old).
- What Counts as “New”? A vehicle is only classified as brand new if it was manufactured within 12 months of the import date and has not been registered or driven for more than 500 kilometers prior to import.
🗂️ Regulatory & Documentation Requirements
To avoid heavy penalties or customs delays, the importer must pay all duties and taxes in full from their personal bank account and provide the following documentation:
- ✔️ Original Passport
- ✔️ Original or Express Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
- ✔️ Original Technical Passport / Certificate of Title
- ✔️ Vehicle De-registration Certificate
- ✔️ Purchase Invoice (detailing the engine number, model, and horsepower)
- ✔️ PRC (Payment Receipt Certificate): Critical proof that duties were remitted from the importer’s personal account.
- ✔️ A detailed Goods Declaration (GD) submitted to Pakistan Customs.
💰 How Customs Assessment & Costs Work
The final cost of importing a vehicle depends on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value alongside specific evaluation metrics:
- Valuation Rulings: Customs determines the Free on Board (FOB) value based on the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and active ITP Valuation Rulings. They may consult local authorized dealers or official manufacturer websites to verify the value.
- Depreciation Allowance: Used vehicles are eligible for a depreciation discount on duties, up to a maximum of 60%.
🚢 Need Expert Freight & Logistics Assistance?
Importing a vehicle involves intricate legal paperwork and strict timelines. At A1 Cargoo, we manage your international vehicle shipping with absolute precision, ensuring all paperwork complies seamlessly with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) guidelines.
Contact A1 Cargoo today for a custom vehicle shipping quote and hassle-free customs clearance!