Automotive & EV | June 2026 | 4 min read
⚡ Quick Takeaways
- The Ministry of Commerce has allowed a one-time inspection relaxation for selected used vehicles already caught in the transition period.
- The relief applies to vehicles shipped under master bills of lading dated between January 16, 2026 and March 9, 2026.
- Pre-shipment inspection certificates from EAA Company and Auto Terminal Pak will be accepted for eligible Japan-origin used vehicles.
- Vehicles with poor auction grades, major accident repairs or below-average condition ratings will not qualify for the relaxation.
- Importers must still meet the remaining requirements of the Import Policy Order 2022 and SRO 61(I)/2026.
Pakistan has introduced a narrow, one-time relaxation for used-car imports to ease clearance problems for vehicles already shipped during the change in inspection rules. The move gives relief to affected importers, but it does not remove safety, environmental or documentation checks.
| Jan 16-Mar 9 Shipping window for relief |
2 firms Recognised PSI certificate issuers |
Japan Main covered export market |
What the Temporary Relaxation Covers
The Ministry of Commerce has allowed a one-time exemption from certain conformity assessment requirements for used vehicles imported under the Gift, Personal Baggage and Transfer of Residence schemes. The relief is limited to vehicles shipped under master bills of lading dated between January 16, 2026 and March 9, 2026.
The decision addresses vehicles already in the import pipeline when new inspection conditions created uncertainty. It gives authorities a route to clear eligible cases without treating every pending shipment as a fresh violation.
At the same time, the relaxation is not a blanket amnesty. Imported vehicles must still comply with other applicable provisions of the Import Policy Order 2022. The authorities have also made clear that poor-quality or accident-repaired vehicles will remain outside the scope of the relief.
| Important: The relaxation is one-time and limited. It does not permanently remove inspection requirements for future used-car imports. |
Approved Inspection Certificates for Japan-Origin Vehicles
In separate notifications, the ministry clarified that pre-shipment inspection certificates issued by M/s EAA Company (Pvt.) Ltd. and M/s Auto Terminal Pak (Pvt.) Ltd. will be accepted for used vehicles imported from Japan under the schemes covered by Appendix E of the Import Policy Order 2022.
The certificates will be treated as proof that the imported vehicle meets minimum safety, environmental and regulatory standards under SRO 61(I)/2026, provided the certificates are issued through the companies’ internationally accredited principals in Japan. Their Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority-registered local offices will remain responsible for checking authenticity and handling complaints.
This matters because these imports often involve tight documentation timelines. Recognising specific PSI certificate issuers gives importers a clearer compliance path.
Who Benefits and Who Does Not
| Category | Covered by relief? | Key condition | Practical impact |
| Gift scheme vehicles | Yes | Must fall in the eligible shipping window | May receive one-time clearance relief |
| Transfer of Residence vehicles | Yes | Must satisfy remaining import rules | Eligible importers get a defined compliance route |
| Personal Baggage cases | Reportedly covered in the relaxation wording | Subject to scheme-specific legal treatment and documentation | Importers should confirm status before relying on relief |
| Low-grade or accident vehicles | No | Poor auction grades or major accident repairs excluded | Vehicle may be rejected despite the relaxation |
| Future shipments after March 9 | No blanket relief | PSI certificate expected before export | Normal inspection process should apply |
The most sensitive point is vehicle condition. Authorities have said cars graded below average, repaired after major accidents or carrying poor condition ratings at auction will not qualify. This means the exemption is aimed at procedural relief, not at allowing weak-quality imports into the market.
| Buyer warning: Importers should verify auction sheets, bill of lading dates, PSI certificate source and scheme eligibility before committing payment. |
Why the Rule Change Matters for Importers
Used-car imports are a major concern for overseas Pakistanis using the Gift and Transfer of Residence routes. A sudden inspection change can leave vehicles stuck between shipment, documentation and clearance. The exemption is designed to reduce that disruption.
The policy also signals that Pakistan is not stepping away from tighter checks on imported used vehicles. SRO 61(I)/2026 linked these imports with minimum safety, environmental and regulatory standards. The latest clarification keeps that framework in place while creating a limited solution for pending shipments.
For the local auto market, the impact is likely limited but meaningful. It may help clear stranded vehicles and reduce delays, but it is not a wider liberalisation of used-car imports or a tax cut.
What Importers Should Check Before Clearance
Anyone importing a used vehicle under the covered schemes should first confirm the master bill of lading date. If the shipment falls between January 16 and March 9, 2026, it may fall within the one-time exemption window. If the vehicle was shipped after that period, the importer should expect the normal PSI requirement to apply.
Importers should also confirm whether the inspection certificate was issued through EAA Company or Auto Terminal Pak and can be verified locally. Any mismatch could delay clearance.
Buyers should not ignore the auction grade. A vehicle may still fail if its auction sheet shows poor condition or accident repair history. The government has opened a temporary door but kept the quality gate in place.
| Bottom line: The relief helps importers caught in a rule-change gap, but future used-car imports will still need proper inspection and documentation. |
Disclaimer: This article is based on available notifications, official policy references and reported details. Importers should confirm their individual case with customs, Ministry of Commerce guidance or a licensed clearing agent before making financial decisions.
