16/01/2026
As of mid-January 2026, Pakistan's import policy saw major changes, primarily tightening rules for used vehicle imports by abolishing the "Personal Baggage" route and restricting "Gift" & "Transfer of Residence" schemes, requiring 850-day waiting periods, country-of-residence matching, and 1-year non-transferability to curb misuse, alongside continuing duties on paperboard from China, all aimed at protecting foreign exchange reserves and supporting local industry.
Key Changes in Vehicle Imports (Effective Jan 2026)
Personal Baggage Abolished: You can no longer import used cars under the personal baggage scheme.
Stricter Gift & Transfer Schemes:
850-Day Waiting Period: A mandatory 850-day (approx. 28 months) wait from the last import's declaration date before importing another vehicle.
Country of Residence: Cars under the Transfer of Residence must come from the country where the overseas Pakistani resides.
1-Year Non-Transferable: Imported vehicles under these schemes cannot be sold for one year.
Purpose: These changes aim to stop commercial misuse, protect foreign reserves, and promote domestic auto manufacturing.
