ISLAMABAD: The government has initiated the registration process for importers interested in the commercial import of up to five-year-old used vehicles, in line with the policy approved by the federal cabinet, sources in the Ministry of Commerce told Business Recorder.
The Engineering Development Board (EDB) has been tasked with registering prospective importers to establish a comprehensive database and ensure regulatory oversight of the sector.
Under the newly notified criteria, only companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017 will be eligible for commercial imports. Individual proprietorships and unregistered entities have been excluded from the scheme to ensure transparency and formalization of the business.
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According to the guidelines, a company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA/AoA) must clearly specify the import of motor vehicles, systems, or parts as its principal line of business.
Additionally, companies must possess a valid National Tax Number (NTN) and be active sales tax filers with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
All commercial importers will be required to obtain a formal registration certificate from the EDB before initiating imports. While the minimum paid-up capital requirement will be determined by the federal cabinet, companies must disclose their capital details in documents submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
To promote financial transparency and curb illicit practices, all import-related transactions — including purchase of vehicles abroad and payment of duties — must be conducted through authorized banking channels within Pakistan.
A key feature of the policy is the emphasis on consumer protection and long-term usability of imported vehicles. Importers will be required to establish, either independently or through partnerships, a nationwide network of after-sales services, including 3S facilities (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts). These facilities must be equipped with trained technicians, diagnostic tools, and an adequate inventory of genuine spare parts.
Importers must also provide a written assurance guaranteeing the availability of genuine spare parts throughout the expected lifecycle of the vehicle across Pakistan. Larger importers may operate shared or common facilities to meet these requirements.
To ensure quality and compliance, vehicles must undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by accredited firms registered with the EDB. The PSI certificate must confirm that the vehicle meets the conditions outlined in the government notification issued on September 30, 2025. Upon arrival in Pakistan, each vehicle will be subject to a second inspection at an EDB-designated facility—at the importer’s expense — to verify that it matches the certified condition at the origin.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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