What Is the Procedure for Importing a Car into Pakistan?

Importing a car into Pakistan involves more than simply buying a vehicle from another country and shipping it to Pakistan. The importer must first determine whether the vehicle is legally eligible for import, select the correct import route, arrange the purchase and shipment, complete customs documentation, pay the applicable duties and taxes, obtain customs clearance and then complete vehicle registration with the relevant authority.

The procedure is different depending on whether the vehicle is new or used, whether it is being imported commercially or under an overseas Pakistani scheme, and what type of vehicle is involved.

Pakistan's vehicle-import rules have also changed during 2025 and 2026. The Ministry of Commerce amended the Import Policy Order in January 2026, including removing references to the Personal Baggage route for vehicles. Commercial import of used vehicles was also introduced through amendments to the Import Policy Order. Therefore, older articles describing the previous vehicle-import procedure may no longer accurately reflect the current rules.

This guide explains the general procedure and the important checks a buyer should make before importing a car into Pakistan.

What Types of Cars Can Be Imported?

The first step is to identify the type of vehicle you want to import.

Broadly, a person may be dealing with:

• A new vehicle

• A used vehicle

• A completely built unit (CBU)

• A vehicle imported commercially

• A vehicle imported under an applicable Gift scheme

• A vehicle imported under an applicable Transfer of Residence scheme

The applicable procedure and eligibility conditions depend on the category.

According to FBR's vehicle-import information, new vehicles can be imported into Pakistan by any person subject to the applicable duties, taxes and import procedures.

Used vehicles are subject to additional policy conditions.

Important 2026 Change: Personal Baggage Scheme

People searching online for Pakistani car-import procedures will find older information referring to three schemes:

1. Personal Baggage

2. Gift

3. Transfer of Residence

This information needs to be treated carefully.

The Ministry of Commerce issued S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 on January 15, 2026, which removed references to "personal baggage" from the relevant vehicle-import provisions. The same amendment changed several conditions for the remaining schemes, including the period used for eligibility and the transfer restriction.

The Ministry of Commerce's current SRO listing also records the January 2026 amendment to the vehicle-import procedure.

Therefore, anyone planning to import a used car should not rely on older Personal Baggage instructions without first confirming the current legal position.

This is particularly important because the FBR vehicle-information page still contains older wording that lists Personal Baggage alongside Gift and Transfer of Residence. The newer Ministry of Commerce notification should be checked when determining the current eligibility framework.

Commercial Import of Used Cars

Pakistan has also moved toward allowing commercial imports of used vehicles.

The Ministry of Commerce lists S.R.O. 1895 dated September 30, 2025, titled "Removal of Quantitative Restrictions on Commercial Import of used Vehicles."

A National Assembly document records that SRO 1895(I)/2025 allowed commercial import of five-year-old used vehicles up to June 30, 2026, with a subsequent regime providing for commercial import without an age restriction, subject to the applicable requirements.

The commercial-import framework is different from importing a personal vehicle under an overseas Pakistani scheme. A commercial importer should therefore follow the requirements applicable to commercial imports rather than using the personal Gift or Transfer of Residence route.

Step 1: Decide Why You Are Importing the Car

Before purchasing the vehicle, determine your purpose.

For example, you may want to:

• Import a new car for personal use

• Import a used car under an eligible overseas Pakistani scheme

• Import a vehicle commercially for business

• Purchase a vehicle from an overseas seller through an importer

• Import a specialized vehicle that is not commonly available in Pakistan

The purpose matters because different rules may apply.

Step 2: Confirm That the Vehicle Is Importable

Do not purchase the car before confirming that the exact vehicle is eligible.

Check:

• Vehicle type

• New or used status

• Manufacturing year

• Engine capacity

• Fuel type

• Country of origin

• Steering configuration

• Applicable environmental requirements

• Safety requirements

• Import-policy restrictions

• Applicable customs classification

Import policies can change, so an old article or a previous year's rule should not be treated as confirmation of current eligibility.

The Ministry of Commerce continues to amend the Import Policy Order, including during 2026.

Step 3: Check the Vehicle's Age

Vehicle age is especially important for used-car imports.

FBR's current vehicle information states that, under the overseas Pakistani schemes described on its page, cars must not be older than three years and other vehicles must not be older than five years. However, the policy framework has undergone amendments, so the applicable age condition should be confirmed against the current Import Policy Order before purchase.

Commercial used-vehicle imports operate under a different framework.

Therefore, never use the age limit for one import category to calculate eligibility for another category.

Step 4: Check Whether You Qualify for a Special Scheme

If you are an overseas Pakistani considering a used vehicle, determine whether you qualify for the Gift or Transfer of Residence route under the current rules.

The January 2026 amendment changed the conditions associated with these schemes.

Among other changes, the amendment increased the relevant period to 850 days and provided that vehicles imported under Gift or Transfer of Residence remain non-transferable for one year from the date of importation.

The exact eligibility conditions should be checked before the vehicle is purchased or shipped.

Step 5: Check Your Previous Vehicle Import History

Previous vehicle imports can affect eligibility.

The current rules use a defined period for determining whether a person is eligible to import or gift another vehicle.

The January 2026 amendment changed the relevant period to 850 days from the date on which the Goods Declaration for the previous import was filed for the specified eligibility calculation.

This is one reason buyers should verify their individual circumstances rather than relying on general statements such as "you can import one car every two years."

Step 6: Check the Country-of-Residence Requirement

For Transfer of Residence cases, the country from which the vehicle is imported can matter.

The 2026 amendments tightened the rules associated with overseas Pakistani vehicle imports.

The current legal text should therefore be checked to determine whether the vehicle's country of origin satisfies the applicable Transfer of Residence requirement.

Step 7: Check Safety and Environmental Requirements

Vehicle-import rules are not limited to customs duties.

Imported vehicles may also have to satisfy applicable:

• Safety standards

• Environmental requirements

• Technical requirements

• Regulatory requirements

The January 2026 amendments require vehicles imported under the retained overseas Pakistani schemes to meet the applicable regulatory standards associated with commercial used imports.

This means a buyer should not assume that a vehicle is importable simply because it is available for sale in another country.

Step 8: Select the Exact Vehicle

Once eligibility has been established, select the exact vehicle.

Record:

• Make

• Model

• Variant

• Manufacturing year

• Chassis number or VIN

• Engine number where applicable

• Engine capacity

• Fuel type

• Transmission

• Mileage for used vehicles

• Country of manufacture

• Country from which it will be exported

For a used vehicle, obtaining the vehicle identification details before payment is particularly important.

Step 9: Check the Vehicle's History

For a used imported car, investigate the vehicle's history before purchasing it.

Depending on the country of origin, this can include checking:

• Auction history

• Accident history

• Flood damage

• Mileage

• Previous owners

• Service history

• Repair history

• Export records

• Chassis/VIN information

A low purchase price does not necessarily mean a low total cost if the vehicle has significant damage or requires expensive repairs.

Step 10: Calculate the Complete Cost

Never compare the foreign purchase price alone with the price of a car already available in Pakistan.

The complete import cost can include:

• Vehicle purchase price

• Shipping

• Marine insurance where applicable

• Port charges

• Customs duties

• Sales tax where applicable

• Federal excise duty where applicable

• Regulatory or additional duties where applicable

• Customs clearance charges

• Clearing-agent charges

• Transportation

• Registration charges

• Number plate or related registration costs

• Other applicable government or service charges

The exact tax calculation depends on the vehicle and the tariff and tax rules in force.

Customs Duty and Taxes

The Federal Board of Revenue publishes the current Pakistan Customs Tariff and the Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act.

For FY 2026-27, FBR provides updated customs tariff documents for determining prevailing tariff treatment.

This is important because vehicle duties and taxes can change.

Do not use a duty figure from an old YouTube video, Facebook post, dealer quotation or outdated article without checking the applicable tariff.

Step 11: Check Customs Valuation

The price shown on a foreign invoice is not necessarily the only consideration in customs assessment.

Pakistan Customs has a legal framework for customs valuation.

The customs authorities may assess the vehicle according to the applicable customs valuation rules and procedures.

Therefore, calculate the expected customs liability using the current official framework rather than simply multiplying the foreign purchase price by a tax percentage.

Step 12: Arrange Payment for the Vehicle

After confirming eligibility and estimated costs, arrange the vehicle purchase through a lawful payment method appropriate to the transaction.

Keep evidence of:

• Purchase price

• Seller details

• Payment

• Vehicle identification

• Invoice

• Export documentation

These records can become important during customs clearance and ownership verification.

Step 13: Obtain the Export Documents

The seller or exporter should provide the documents required by the exporting country and Pakistan's import process.

Depending on the transaction, documentation may include:

• Commercial invoice

• Bill of lading

• Export certificate

• Vehicle registration or deregistration documents

• Purchase documents

• Insurance documents

• Vehicle identification details

• Other documents required by customs

The exact documents vary according to the country and type of import.

Step 14: Arrange Shipping

The vehicle can then be shipped to Pakistan through an appropriate shipping arrangement.

Common considerations include:

• Port of loading

• Pakistani port of arrival

• Shipping company

• Freight cost

• Transit time

• Insurance

• Container or Ro-Ro arrangements where available

• Required shipping documents

The shipping documentation should match the vehicle and importer details.

Step 15: Prepare for Pakistan Customs Clearance

After the vehicle arrives in Pakistan, it must go through the applicable customs process.

Pakistan Customs uses the WeBOC computerized customs-clearance system for goods declarations and related clearance processes. FBR describes WeBOC as an online system providing end-to-end automated customs clearance and online filing and payments.

For commercial imports, importers or their authorized representatives may use the applicable customs procedures.

Step 16: Register for Customs Where Required

For people or businesses who need access to WeBOC, FBR provides a customs-registration procedure.

FBR's registration information states that applicants submit the required registration documents, appear before the relevant WeBOC User-ID Section with the original CNIC, and undergo identification steps before a User ID can be created if the application is accepted.

Whether you personally need a WeBOC registration depends on how the vehicle is being imported and who is handling the customs clearance.

Step 17: File the Goods Declaration

The applicable Goods Declaration, commonly referred to as a GD, is submitted through the customs process.

The declaration identifies the imported goods and provides the information required for customs assessment.

WeBOC supports online Goods Declaration filing and online payments.

A clearing agent may handle this process where authorized.

Step 18: Submit Supporting Documents

The customs process can require supporting documents relating to the vehicle and shipment.

These may include:

• Invoice

• Bill of lading

• Import documents

• Vehicle identification documents

• Proof relating to the applicable import scheme

• Payment-related documents

• Other documents required by Customs

The exact document list depends on the import category.

Step 19: Customs Assessment

Customs authorities assess the declaration and determine the applicable customs liability according to the relevant law and tariff.

WeBOC uses a risk-management approach and can route consignments through different clearance channels.

FBR describes Green, Yellow and Red channels in its WeBOC information.

The exact treatment of a particular vehicle depends on the customs assessment and risk-management process.

Step 20: Pay the Applicable Duties and Taxes

Once the customs liability is determined, the importer must pay the applicable duties and taxes before the vehicle can be released according to the applicable customs procedure.

Do not assume that a vehicle can be released merely because the foreign purchase price has already been paid.

Import-stage government charges are separate from the price paid to the foreign seller.

Step 21: Customs Examination

Depending on the applicable risk channel and customs requirements, the vehicle may be subject to examination.

Customs may verify details such as:

• Vehicle identity

• Chassis/VIN

• Engine details

• Description

• Quantity or vehicle particulars

• Documents

• Other information relevant to assessment

FBR's WeBOC system supports electronic assessment and risk-based processing.

Step 22: Resolve Any Customs Objection

If Customs identifies a documentation, valuation, classification or other issue, it may need to be resolved before clearance.

The importer or authorized clearing representative should provide the required explanation or documentation.

Do not attempt to bypass customs requirements.

Step 23: Obtain Customs Clearance

After the applicable customs requirements are completed and the required duties and taxes are paid, the vehicle can be released according to the applicable clearance procedure.

Keep the customs clearance documentation safely.

It can later be required for registration and ownership verification.

Step 24: Transport the Vehicle From the Port

After customs release, arrange lawful transportation of the vehicle from the port or customs-controlled location to the required destination.

Keep all release and transportation documents.

Step 25: Prepare for Vehicle Registration

Customs clearance does not by itself mean that the vehicle is fully registered for road use.

The importer must complete registration with the relevant provincial or territorial motor-vehicle registration authority.

Registration procedures vary according to jurisdiction.

Step 26: Submit Import and Customs Documents for Registration

The registration authority may require documents establishing:

• Vehicle identity

• Customs clearance

• Payment of applicable government charges

• Ownership

• Import status

• Other registration information

The exact requirements should be confirmed with the relevant Excise & Taxation or motor-registration authority.

Step 27: Pay Registration-Related Charges

Registration can involve government fees and taxes according to the relevant provincial or territorial rules.

These charges are separate from customs duties and taxes.

Therefore, when calculating the total cost of importing a car, include both federal import-stage costs and applicable registration costs.

Step 28: Obtain the Registration Certificate and Number Plate

After the registration process is completed, the relevant authority issues the applicable registration documentation and number plate according to its procedure.

Keep the registration documents with the vehicle's ownership and customs records.

Step 29: Check the Vehicle Before Regular Use

Before using the imported vehicle extensively, check:

• Brakes

• Tyres

• Lights

• Battery

• Engine fluids

• Cooling system

• Suspension

• Steering

• Safety equipment

• Vehicle identification numbers

A used imported vehicle should receive a proper mechanical inspection.

Step 30: Keep All Records

Maintain a complete file containing:

• Purchase invoice

• Payment evidence

• Shipping documents

• Bill of lading

• Customs documents

• Goods Declaration

• Duty and tax payment evidence

• Customs clearance

• Registration documents

• Warranty documents

• Service records

These records can be useful if the vehicle is later sold or if a government authority requires verification.

Special Procedure for Overseas Pakistanis

Overseas Pakistanis should pay particular attention to the current Gift and Transfer of Residence rules.

The 2026 amendments changed the framework and removed Personal Baggage references. The rules also introduced an 850-day condition for specified eligibility calculations and a one-year non-transfer restriction for vehicles imported under Gift or Transfer of Residence.

FBR's vehicle page still describes the older three-scheme structure, so readers should verify the current position against the latest Ministry of Commerce notifications rather than relying on the older FBR webpage alone.

Commercial Import Procedure

Commercial importers follow a different process from individuals importing a vehicle under a personal overseas-Pakistani scheme.

A commercial importer should generally:

1. Establish the appropriate importer status.

2. Confirm that the vehicle is permitted for commercial import.

3. Check the applicable age and technical conditions for used vehicles.

4. Verify the applicable tariff classification.

5. Arrange the commercial purchase.

6. Prepare shipping documents.

7. Complete the applicable banking and payment requirements.

8. File the relevant Goods Declaration.

9. Complete customs assessment.

10. Pay the applicable duties and taxes.

11. Complete any required inspection or regulatory compliance.

12. Obtain customs release.

13. Complete the applicable registration and sale documentation.

The exact commercial procedure can involve additional requirements, particularly for used vehicles.

Can Anyone Import a New Car?

FBR states that new vehicles can be imported by any person subject to the applicable duties, taxes and general import procedures and requirements.

However, "any person" does not mean that every vehicle can be imported without checking the applicable policy, technical requirements, customs classification and documentation.

The exact vehicle still needs to comply with the rules in force when the import takes place.

Can an Individual Import a Used Car?

The answer depends on the applicable import route.

Used vehicles can be subject to special eligibility conditions.

An overseas Pakistani may potentially use a retained Gift or Transfer of Residence scheme if the person and vehicle satisfy the current requirements.

Commercial importers can also operate under the commercial used-vehicle framework where the vehicle meets the applicable conditions.

Because the policy has changed recently, eligibility should be checked immediately before purchasing or shipping the vehicle.

What Are the Duties and Taxes on an Imported Car?

There is no single universal duty amount for every imported car.

The applicable amount can depend on factors such as:

• Vehicle type

• Engine capacity

• Fuel type

• Vehicle value

• Customs classification

• New or used status

• Import scheme

• Country of origin

• Applicable tariff concessions

• Additional customs duties

• Regulatory duties

• Sales tax

• Federal excise duty

• Other applicable charges

FBR publishes the prevailing customs tariff, including FY 2026-27 tariff documents.

For this reason, a buyer should calculate the cost using the current official tariff rather than using a fixed percentage copied from an old article.

Are Hybrid and Electric Cars Treated Differently?

Hybrid and electric vehicles can have different tariff and policy treatment from conventional petrol or diesel vehicles.

FBR's vehicle information currently describes exemptions for certain hybrid electric vehicles under the overseas vehicle-import schemes, while Pakistan's auto-sector policies have also included specific treatment for electric vehicles.

However, the exact benefit depends on the vehicle, engine or battery specifications, import category and rules currently in force.

The buyer should verify the latest tariff and policy before calculating the expected cost.

What Happens If You Import the Car Without Checking the Rules?

Buying a car first and checking eligibility later can create serious financial and legal problems.

Possible problems can include:

• Customs clearance delays

• Unexpected duties or taxes

• Documentation problems

• Vehicle eligibility issues

• Regulatory compliance problems

• Storage or port charges

• Difficulty obtaining registration

• Financial losses if the vehicle cannot be cleared as expected

The safest approach is to confirm the current rules before paying the seller or shipping the vehicle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying on Old Personal Baggage Information

Older websites may still describe Personal Baggage as a current vehicle-import route.

The January 2026 Ministry of Commerce amendment removed the relevant Personal Baggage references.

Calculating Tax From the Foreign Purchase Price Alone

Customs assessment should be based on the applicable customs rules and valuation framework.

Ignoring the Vehicle's Age

Used-car age restrictions can apply depending on the import route.

Buying Before Checking Eligibility

Always verify eligibility first.

Ignoring Safety and Environmental Requirements

A vehicle that is legal in another country may still need to meet Pakistan's applicable standards.

Forgetting Registration Costs

Customs clearance and vehicle registration are separate stages.

Using an Unverified Clearing Agent

If using a clearing agent, verify their identity, experience and documentation practices.

Paying an Unofficial "Extra Fee"

Government duties and taxes should be paid through the authorized process. Always obtain official payment evidence.

Should You Use a Clearing Agent?

An individual importer may find customs procedures complicated, particularly if the importer is unfamiliar with customs documentation and WeBOC.

A licensed or properly authorized customs-clearing professional can assist with:

• Goods Declaration

• Customs documentation

• Assessment

• Communication with customs

• Payment procedures

• Clearance formalities

However, the importer should still understand the process and keep copies of all documents.

Do not hand over complete control of the transaction without maintaining your own records.

How Long Does Car Importation Take?

There is no single official processing time that applies to every imported car.

The overall time can depend on:

• Seller preparation

• Export procedures

• Shipping schedule

• Port arrival

• Customs documentation

• Customs examination

• Assessment

• Duty payment

• Clearance

• Registration

Therefore, avoid websites that promise a fixed number of days for every vehicle.

What Is the Safest Way to Calculate the Total Cost?

Create a complete cost sheet before purchasing.

Start with:

Vehicle purchase price

Then add:

Shipping + insurance + customs duties + applicable taxes + port/clearance charges + agent charges + transportation + registration-related charges

The exact government duties and taxes should be obtained using the current official tariff and applicable vehicle-import rules.

Final Checklist Before Importing a Car

Before sending money to the seller, confirm:

• The vehicle is legally importable.

• The exact vehicle category is known.

• The applicable import route is known.

• The vehicle's age meets the applicable requirement.

• You qualify for the selected scheme if using one.

• The vehicle meets applicable safety requirements.

• The vehicle meets applicable environmental requirements.

• The expected customs valuation has been considered.

• Current duties and taxes have been checked.

• Shipping costs have been calculated.

• The seller is legitimate.

• Vehicle history has been checked.

• Export documents are available.

• Customs documentation is understood.

• Registration requirements have been checked.

• You have sufficient funds for the complete process.

Final Takeaway

The procedure for importing a car into Pakistan begins before the vehicle is purchased.

First, identify the type of import, confirm that the vehicle is legally eligible, check the applicable age and technical requirements, determine whether you qualify for a particular overseas Pakistani scheme or are importing commercially, and calculate the likely total cost.

After purchasing the vehicle, arrange the required export and shipping documents, bring the vehicle to Pakistan, complete the customs declaration and assessment, pay the applicable duties and taxes, obtain customs clearance and then register the vehicle with the relevant registration authority.

Pakistan's vehicle-import rules are changing, particularly for used vehicles. The Ministry of Commerce amended the vehicle-import framework in January 2026, and commercial used-vehicle imports were also opened through later policy changes.

For this reason, readers should verify the latest Import Policy Order, Ministry of Commerce notifications, FBR customs tariff and relevant registration requirements immediately before importing a vehicle. FBR currently publishes the customs tariff for FY 2026-27 and provides vehicle-import information, while the Ministry of Commerce publishes amendments to the Import Policy Order.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Decide whether you want to import a new or used vehicle.

2. Determine whether the import is for personal use, an overseas Pakistani scheme or commercial purposes.

3. Identify the exact make and model.

4. Confirm the exact variant.

5. Record the manufacturing year.

6. Record the vehicle identification number or chassis number where available.

7. Record the engine number where applicable.

8. Check the vehicle's engine capacity and fuel type.

9. Check whether the vehicle is legally importable under the current Import Policy Order.

10. Check the current rules for new vehicles.

11. If the vehicle is used, check the applicable age requirement.

12. If using an overseas Pakistani scheme, confirm that you qualify.

13. Do not rely on old Personal Baggage information without checking the current rules.

14. Check the current Gift and Transfer of Residence requirements where applicable.

15. Check whether your previous vehicle-import history affects eligibility.

16. Check the applicable stay-abroad or residency conditions where relevant.

17. Check the country-of-origin requirements for the selected import route.

18. Check applicable safety requirements.

19. Check applicable environmental requirements.

20. Verify the vehicle's export eligibility in the country of purchase.

21. Check the vehicle's accident and repair history if it is used.

22. Check the vehicle's mileage and service history.

23. Obtain a reliable purchase quotation or invoice.

24. Calculate the foreign purchase price.

25. Estimate shipping and insurance costs.

26. Check the current Pakistan Customs Tariff.

27. Determine the applicable customs classification.

28. Estimate the applicable duties and taxes.

29. Add port and customs-clearance costs to the estimate.

30. Add expected registration-related costs.

31. Calculate the complete estimated landed cost.

32. Compare the total cost with similar vehicles already available in Pakistan.

33. Verify the foreign seller or exporter.

34. Confirm the seller's payment terms.

35. Keep proof of payment.

36. Obtain the required vehicle export documents.

37. Obtain the commercial invoice or other applicable purchase document.

38. Obtain the shipping documentation.

39. Arrange shipment to Pakistan through an appropriate shipping arrangement.

40. Keep the bill of lading and other shipping records.

41. Prepare the customs-clearance documentation.

42. Determine whether you or an authorized clearing representative will handle customs.

43. Complete any required WeBOC registration or use an authorized representative where applicable.

44. File the applicable Goods Declaration.

45. Submit the required supporting documents.

46. Allow Customs to assess the vehicle.

47. Provide additional information if Customs requests clarification.

48. Complete any required customs examination.

49. Pay the assessed duties and taxes through the authorized process.

50. Obtain customs clearance and release documentation.

51. Arrange lawful transportation of the vehicle from the port or customs-controlled location.

52. Prepare the documents required for vehicle registration.

53. Contact the relevant provincial or territorial registration authority.

54. Submit the customs clearance and ownership documents for registration.

55. Pay the applicable registration charges and taxes.

56. Complete registration formalities.

57. Obtain the registration documentation and number plate as applicable.

58. Keep the original customs and registration documents safely.

59. Have the vehicle mechanically inspected before extensive use.

60. Keep service and maintenance records for future ownership and resale purposes.