Pakistan has introduced sweeping new auto regulations, significantly tightening safety and quality requirements for imported and locally manufactured vehicles. The measures, designed to align with international practices, also meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Major Increase in Vehicle Safety Standards
The Engineering Development Board (EDB), working under the Ministry of Industries and Production, issued the notification. It mandates 62 safety and quality standards, compared to only 17 previously. This shift represents Pakistan’s most ambitious step to date in road safety, environmental compliance, and consumer protection.
Imported vehicles must comply from October 1, 2025. However, locally assembled and manufactured vehicles have until July 1, 2026, to meet the requirements.
Pre-Shipment Inspections from Accredited Bodies
Under the new framework, importers must submit pre-shipment inspection certificates from accredited international organizations. These include the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC), Japan Automotive Appraisal Institute (JAAI), Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), and China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI).
Even with approved inspections abroad, vehicles can still be denied entry if they fail Pakistan’s safety, quality, or environmental benchmarks.
Stricter Rules for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) face additional mandatory checks. These include testing battery life, charging compatibility, durability, and recycling capacity. The goal is to ensure EV safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability before they are cleared for public use.
Oversight by the Engineering Development Board
The EDB will directly oversee compliance with these regulations. Inspections will cover key technical specifications such as seating capacity, load limits, axle configuration, and overall performance. By enforcing these standards, Pakistan seeks to improve road safety and reduce risks associated with substandard vehicles.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s decision to enforce 62 mandatory auto standards reflects its commitment to modernizing the automotive sector. The regulations aim to improve safety, protect consumers, and encourage sustainable transport, while also fulfilling IMF requirements.
About The Truth International
The Truth International (TTI), based in Islamabad, is a private organization, doing research work/projects and running its print and digital media wing _ a website, a fortnightly magazine, a YouTube Channel, and social media pages on all platforms. Stay up to date by staying connected to The Truth International.
