Pakistan Scraps 5-Year Age Limit on Imported Used Cars: What It Means for Buyers
Registered importers can now bring in used cars older than 5 years if they pass inspection. The 50% regulatory duty stays, so prices will not crash overnight. Full rules and what it means for Quetta buyers.
By Saad Nadeem · Published 6 Nov 2026 · 3 min read
Pakistan has abolished the 5-year age limit on used vehicles brought in by registered commercial importers. Older cars can now be imported, as long as they pass inspections and meet safety and environmental standards. The Ministry of Commerce confirmed the federal cabinet's decision on 30 October 2026. A 50% regulatory duty still applies, so don't expect used-car prices to crash overnight.
What exactly changed?
- Before: commercial imports of used cars were allowed from the 2024–25 budget onward, but only for vehicles up to 5 years old. The conditions were strict, and dealers say almost no cars came in this way.
- Now: the 5-year cap is gone. Registered importers can bring in older vehicles that pass the required checks.
- Unchanged: the gift and transfer-of-residence schemes for overseas Pakistanis remain. A gifted car still can't be transferred to another name for one year. The baggage scheme was discontinued in 2025.
The conditions importers must meet
- Registered for income tax and sales tax, and with the Engineering Development Board (EDB).
- Inspection before shipment and again on arrival in Pakistan.
- No stolen or accident-damaged vehicles.
- Must meet safety and environmental standards.
- Must provide after-sales service and spare parts, either through their own workshop or a partner workshop.
Car importers' association leaders are advising importers to stick to cars no more than about 10 years old, because older vehicles are much less likely to pass inspection.
Will used car prices drop in Quetta?
Not straight away. The 50% regulatory duty still applies, which keeps landed costs high. The more likely short-term effect is more choice: more Japanese-auction hybrids and kei cars, and older SUVs that weren't viable before. Prices could soften later if the government goes ahead with duty cuts in the new auto policy.
| Who | Likely effect |
|---|---|
| Buyers | More models to choose from; prices may ease gradually if duties fall |
| Sellers of local used cars | Some price pressure on older Japanese models once imports pick up |
| Local assemblers | More competition; the industry has raised concerns about jobs |
| Quetta & Balochistan market | Imported SUVs and 4x4s may become easier to find through Karachi importers |
What else is coming
The government is preparing a new auto policy for 2026–31, approved by the Prime Minister but still awaiting final cabinet approval. Reports say it includes:
- Engine-size levies: 2% on 1,001–2,000cc, and 10% on 2,001cc and above.
- A carbon levy on petrol and other combustion-engine vehicles.
- Continued lower sales tax on EVs.
None of these levies is final yet. We'll update this page when they are confirmed.
Buying an imported used car? Check these first
- Ask for the auction sheet and verify it independently.
- Book a pre-purchase inspection. QuettaWheels offers vehicle inspection in Quetta.
- Make sure the car has proper customs papers and registration. Never buy a "non-custom-paid" vehicle without understanding the legal risk.
Browse used cars in Quetta · Sell your car free
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a car older than 5 years into Pakistan now? Registered commercial importers can, as long as the car passes pre-shipment and arrival inspections and meets safety and environmental standards. Individual imports still go through the gift or transfer-of-residence schemes.
Will imported car prices fall in Pakistan? Not immediately. A 50% regulatory duty still applies. Prices could ease later if the duty cuts in the new auto policy go ahead.
What age of imported car is safest to buy? Industry advice is to stick to cars no more than about 10 years old, which are more likely to pass inspection and have spare parts available.
Sources: ARY News (30 Oct 2026); Daily Pakistan (2 Nov 2026); background from PakWheels.
#used car import#auto policy#Pakistan#import rules
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