The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has asked the government to suspend a new Engineering Development Board (EDB) notification that relaxes the rules for commercial imports of used vehicles. In a letter to Haroon Akhtar Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, PAMA Director General Razi-ur-Rehman says commercial imports of used vehicles have already climbed from 48 units in May 2026 to 2,276 in September 2026.
Commercial used-vehicle imports, month by month
| Month (2026) | Units imported |
|---|---|
| May | 48 |
| June | 843 |
| July | 1,938 |
| August | 1,445 |
| September | 2,276 |
PAMA takes these figures from Ministry of Commerce data. Volumes dipped in August, but September was the highest of the five months, and PAMA warns that removing key safeguards is likely to push the trend further.
What the 30 September notification changes
The EDB notification, dated 30 September 2026, revises the framework set by an earlier notification dated 30 September 2025. PAMA says the new version dilutes the earlier safeguards:
| 1 | Narrower scope: it regulates used vehicles only, whereas the 2025 notification covered both new and used completely built-up (CBU) units. |
|---|---|
| 2 | No minimum capital: the minimum capital requirement for importing companies is removed. |
| 3 | No after-sales requirement: the requirement for adequate after-sales service is dropped, without an effective product recall mechanism in its place. |
| 4 | New inspection body: pre- and post-shipment inspection moves from the EDB to the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). |
| 5 | Easier routes: it further facilitates commercial imports under SRO 2443(I)/2025, allowing PSQCA-registered companies to inspect imported used vehicles. |
Why PAMA wants it suspended
PAMA estimates that a return to FY 2025-26 import volumes could cause losses of more than PKR 50 billion for the domestic automotive industry and its vendor network. It also points to built-in cost advantages for commercially imported used vehicles, including depreciation benefits of up to 36%, while local manufacturers must invest in plants, localisation, technology, jobs, quality systems, tax and regulatory compliance.
The association says the timing adds to the uncertainty, with the forthcoming Auto Policy and the National Tariff Policy 2025-30 still ahead, and proposals for significant tariff reductions under discussion. It warns that displacing locally made vehicles could hit investment, localisation, employment, government revenue and the parts vendor base. PAMA has asked the government to review the notification and suspend its implementation until there has been meaningful consultation with the industry and other stakeholders.
What buyers in Pakistan should check
PAMA's letter is a request, not a decision, so the new rules stand unless the government acts. If you are considering a commercially imported used car:
| 1 | Ask the importer in writing who provides after-sales service and parts, since adequate after-sales support is no longer a stated requirement. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Ask for the pre-shipment and post-shipment inspection papers for the exact car you are buying. |
| 3 | Check whether the model has any open recalls and who would carry out the work in Pakistan. |
| 4 | Work out the full price, not just the invoice, with the on-road cost calculator. |
For the wider picture, read how Pakistan ended used-car imports under the personal baggage scheme and the one-year transfer restriction on imported cars.
Bottom line
Commercial imports of used vehicles grew from 48 units in May to 2,276 in September, and the local industry wants the latest relaxation paused before the trend grows further. The decision now sits with the government, alongside the new Auto Policy and tariff plans. Follow our Auto Policy 2026-31 coverage and the CarVoltX blog for updates.
