The federal government has removed the five-year age restriction on the commercial import of used vehicles into Pakistan, allowing businesses to import older vehicles under the revised policy.
The Ministry of Commerce confirmed the decision in an official memorandum sent to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on October 30, 2026. The change takes effect retrospectively from July 1, 2026, following an earlier decision approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the federal cabinet.
The clarification came after the FBR requested guidance on October 23 regarding the continuation of the age restriction beyond June 30, 2026.
Five-Year Restriction Officially Removed
Previously, the government allowed commercial imports of used vehicles only if they were no more than five years old. This restriction applied to vehicles imported under PCT headings 8702, 8703, 8704 and 8711.
However, the original policy allowed the government to remove the age limit after June 30, 2026. Consequently, the Ministry of Commerce has now confirmed that the restriction no longer applies to commercial used vehicle imports.
The decision follows the government’s earlier plan to gradually liberalise used vehicle imports and expand commercial import opportunities.
Environmental and Safety Standards Remain Applicable
Despite removing the age restriction, the government has maintained other import requirements. Importers must ensure that vehicles meet the prescribed environmental, safety and quality standards established by the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Engineering Development Board (EDB).
Meanwhile, the government has also introduced additional regulatory duties on commercial used vehicle imports. These duties will gradually decrease by 10 percentage points annually until 2029-30.
The policy change could increase the availability of imported vehicles in Pakistan. However, its impact on local manufacturers and the automobile market remains to be seen.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
