Used car imports jump 57% to 2,276 in September as EDB eases import rules

Pakistan imported 2,276 used cars in September 2026, 57% more than the 1,445 in August, and almost all of them (2,238) came in under the gift scheme, Dawn reported on 3 October, citing official data. Local parts makers say every imported car costs them business, and a rule change on 30 September makes importing easier still.

Used car imports by month, 2026

That is 6,550 used cars in five months, most of them since the 2026-27 budget cut duties on completely built units (CBUs) by 20% to 25%.

What changed on 30 September

An Engineering Development Board (EDB) notification dated 30 September 2026, as reported by Dawn:

• removes the minimum capital requirement for companies importing vehicles;
• lets any tax-registered individual or firm import (SECP registration is no longer needed);
• moves inspection of imported vehicles to the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

Dawn also reports that the one-year bar on transferring ownership of an imported car is not being enforced in some cities.

Why local industry is worried

Abdul Rehman Aizaz, chairman of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), told Dawn that locally assembled cars contain up to 60% local parts by value, and that the 2,276 imported cars in September meant about Rs 3.4 billion of parts production lost to local vendors.

If you are thinking of buying an imported used car

• Check the papers before you pay. Ask for the bill of entry, the gift scheme documents and the registration. Verify the registration online first: our guide to online vehicle verification in Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad and KP shows how.
• Know the transfer rule. A car imported under the gift scheme carries a one-year restriction on transfer. Buying one inside that year can leave you unable to register it in your name, whatever a dealer says about local enforcement.
• Work out the full cost. Add registration and token tax with our car registration tax calculator and token tax calculator, and the transfer fee with the vehicle transfer fee calculator.
• Compare with a new local car. Our car price list carries makers' official prices, updated as they change.