Used Cars Imported Under Gift and TR Schemes Receive Temporary Clearance Exemption
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a one-time relaxation to facilitate the clearance of thousands of imported used vehicles stranded at Karachi Port due to newly introduced inspection requirements.
The Ministry of Commerce has exempted certain used vehicles imported under the Gift, Personal Baggage, and Transfer of Residence (TR) schemes from specific conformity assessment rules. The decision aims to resolve delays caused by the mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) requirements introduced earlier this year.
Karandaaz Pushes for Greater Women’s Economic and Digital Inclusion in Pakistan
The relief applies to vehicles covered under Master Bills of Lading dated between January 16 and March 9, 2026. Following the implementation of the new regulations in January, all used vehicles imported from Japan were required to obtain a PSI certificate before export to verify compliance with safety and quality standards.
However, the sudden enforcement of the rule created difficulties for importers and overseas Pakistanis, as many vehicles had already been purchased, shipped, or had arrived at Pakistani ports without the required certification, leading to lengthy customs clearance delays.
Under the one-time exemption, eligible vehicles imported through the Gift, Personal Baggage, and Transfer of Residence schemes may be cleared even without a PSI certificate. Industry sources said customs authorities can rely on original Japanese auction sheets for assessment, while only vehicles found to be in satisfactory condition will be allowed clearance.
The Ministry of Commerce has also directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Customs authorities to ensure that all other provisions of the Import Policy Order 2022 are fully complied with before granting final clearance to the vehicles.
