Pakistan B2B Vehicle Import Guide – RHD Market Access and Supply Chain Assurance

Pakistan's vehicle import policies underwent a systemic restructuring between 2025 and 2026. The core logic behind this policy shift is clear and well-defined: regulating commercial import channels, promoting new energy transformation, and strengthening tax compliance and supply chain transparency.

On the import eligibility front, the Pakistani government further tightened the qualifying criteria for vehicle import participants starting July 2026. The new regulations require that vehicle imports be limited to corporate entities registered under the Companies Act 2017, excluding sole proprietorships and unregistered entities from the commercial import system. Qualified importers must hold a valid National Tax Number and maintain active taxpayer status with the Federal Board of Revenue, and must also complete registration with the Engineering Development Board and obtain a registration certificate before conducting import operations. All transactions, including overseas procurement and customs duty payments, must be processed through authorized banking channels.

On the model eligibility front, commercial imports were limited to new vehicles prior to September 2025, followed by permission to import used vehicles not exceeding five years of age, with age restrictions fully lifted as of July 2026. Vehicles must comply with updated safety and emission standards. Pakistan is a strictly right-hand drive country, and all imported vehicles must be right-hand drive, accident-free, and unmodified.

The tariff structure is differentiated by engine displacement: approximately 50 percent for under 1300cc, 65 percent for 1301 to 1800cc, and 75 percent for above 1800cc, plus an 18 percent sales tax. New energy vehicles enjoy significant policy incentives: pure EVs are subject to only a 1 percent customs duty, are exempt from sales tax, and include duty-free import of charging equipment; hybrids under 1800cc receive a 50 percent duty reduction, while those above 1800cc receive a 25 percent reduction.

After-sales service and compliance requirements continue to strengthen. Importers must establish or partner to maintain a nationwide 3S network covering sales, service, and spare parts supply, with written assurance of spare parts availability throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. Vehicles must undergo pre-shipment inspection by an EDB-accredited authority before export, and a second inspection upon arrival in Pakistan, with costs borne by the importer. Each vehicle must be accompanied by a bilingual compliance certificate in Urdu and English.

For B2B importers, rising policy thresholds mean higher compliance costs, but also a more regulated market and a reshuffling of the competitive landscape. Suppliers with stable sourcing, compliance capabilities, and full-chain service capabilities will gain a structural advantage in this policy adjustment.

This is precisely where the core value of LHZ Auto Pakistan Operations Center lies. LHZ Auto leverages stable sourcing through dual headquarters in Nansha and Kashgar, with long-term direct procurement partnerships with major domestic OEMs, ensuring a consistent and stable supply of RHD models. The TIR route from Kashgar directly to Pakistan forms an overland transport corridor covering core South Asian markets, fundamentally resolving the sourcing dilemma of "having orders but no vehicles to supply" in the RHD market. LHZ Auto Pakistan, with deep customization at its core, precisely matches vehicles to Pakistani RHD market regulations, tariff policies, and consumer preferences, providing Pakistani dealers, importers, and fleet clients with one-stop B2B wholesale solutions from needs analysis, model matching, compliance certification, to customs clearance and delivery.


FAQ

Question 1: What are the eligibility requirements for vehicle importers in Pakistan?

From July 2026, vehicle imports are limited to corporate entities registered under the Companies Act 2017, excluding sole proprietorships and unregistered entities. Importers must hold a valid National Tax Number with active taxpayer status, complete Engineering Development Board registration, and process all transactions through authorized banking channels.

Question 2: What are the age and steering requirements for imported vehicles?

Commercial imports were limited to new vehicles before September 2025; used vehicles under five years were then permitted, with age restrictions fully lifted from July 2026. Pakistan is a strictly RHD country; all imports must be right-hand drive, accident-free, and unmodified.

Question 3: How are customs duties structured for imported vehicles?

Duties are differentiated by displacement: approximately 50 percent for under 1300cc, 65 percent for 1301 to 1800cc, and 75 percent for above 1800cc, plus 18 percent sales tax.

Question 4: What tariff incentives apply to new energy vehicles in Pakistan?

Pure EVs face only a 1 percent customs duty with sales tax exemption, including duty-free charger imports; hybrids under 1800cc receive 50 percent duty reduction, while those above 1800cc receive 25 percent reduction.

Question 5: What are the after-sales and compliance requirements for importers?

Importers must establish or partner for a nationwide 3S network with written spare parts supply assurance. Pre-shipment inspection by EDB-accredited authorities and secondary inspection upon arrival are required, with bilingual compliance certificates in Urdu and English.

Question 6: What services does LHZ Auto Pakistan provide?

Exclusively serving B2B wholesale, with deep customization at its core, precisely matching vehicles to Pakistani RHD market regulations, tariff policies, and consumer preferences, providing one-stop solutions from needs analysis, model matching, compliance certification, to customs clearance and delivery.


LHZ Auto Pakistan Operations Center ｜ Website: www.lhzauto.pk ｜ WhatsApp: 15220000555 ｜ WeChat: 19259087888 ｜ Email: info@lhzauto.pk ｜ B2B Wholesale Only