If you’re importing vehicles to Pakistan or considering entering this market, a recent announcement changes everything. The Pakistani government has rolled out sweeping new regulations that expand mandatory safety and quality standards from 17 to 62 requirements, and these aren’t just guidelines, they’re IMF-mandated conditions that took effect immediately.

What Changed and When

The Engineering Development Board (EDB) under Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production issued the notification that affects all vehicle imports. Here’s the timeline that matters to your business:

• October 1, 2025: All imported vehicles must meet the new 62 standards (already in effect)
• July 1, 2026: Locally manufactured and assembled vehicles must comply

New Requirements That Impact Your Imports

The regulations introduce mandatory pre-shipment inspection certificates from accredited international bodies, including:

• Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC)
• Japan Automotive Appraisal Institute (JAAI)
• Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL)
• China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI)

These certificates must verify that vehicles are:

• Roadworthy and accident-free
• Odometer tamper-free
• Free from serious interior or exterior damage
• Compliant with noise and emission standards
• Have intact safety features, including all airbags

Bottom line: If a vehicle fails any of these criteria, it won’t clear Pakistani customs.

Electric Vehicles Face Additional Scrutiny

EVs get extra attention with mandatory checks covering:

• Battery life verification
• Charging compatibility
• Durability assessments
• Recycling capability

This reflects Pakistan’s focus on EV safety and sustainability, something to factor into your electric vehicle sourcing strategy.

What This Means for Your Business

Immediate Impact: Only licensed commercial importers can bring vehicles into Pakistan. Cars with excessive exhaust emissions, worn tires, or safety compromises will be rejected outright.

Quality Control: Even if a vehicle passes pre-shipment inspection abroad, Pakistan’s EDB can still block it if it doesn’t meet their safety, quality, or environmental benchmarks.

Market Opportunity: Officials expect these changes to eliminate substandard used cars from the Pakistani market, potentially creating opportunities for dealers who consistently source quality vehicles.

Our Take

This is exactly why our human inspection approach matters. While these new regulations add complexity, they align with what we’ve always done, physically examining every vehicle before purchase. Our 20+ auction inspectors already verify the condition details that Pakistan now requires by law.

For dealers considering the Pakistani market or currently importing there, this regulatory shift reinforces the importance of working with partners who understand compliance and can navigate these requirements seamlessly.

Questions About Pakistani Imports?

These regulatory changes are significant, and we’re monitoring how they affect the import process. If you’re importing to Pakistan or exploring this market, our team can walk you through how these new standards impact your sourcing strategy.

Need specific guidance on Pakistani compliance? Contact our team directly, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and keep your imports moving smoothly.