Right-Hand Drive Car: Importing a car into Pakistan requires following strict rules and regulations, especially for right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. Since only RHD cars are legal for import and registration in the country, understanding the process, eligibility, duties, and required documents is essential.
Is Right-Hand Drive Required in Pakistan?
Yes. Only right-hand drive cars are permitted for import and registration in Pakistan. Left-hand drive vehicles are not allowed, except for certain specialized purposes.
Who Can Import Cars to Pakistan?
Eligibility depends on whether the car is new or used:
- New Cars: Any individual can import by paying the applicable customs duties and taxes.
- Used Cars: Only overseas Pakistanis can import under three official schemes:
- Personal Baggage Scheme
- Gift Scheme
- Transfer of Residence (TR)
Car Import Age Limits (2025)
- Cars (sedans, hatchbacks): Maximum 3 years old
- SUVs, vans, pickups, 4×4: Maximum 5 years old
Age is calculated from the year of manufacture to the date the vehicle enters Pakistan.
READ MORE: Customs Duty on Cars in Pakistan 2025 – Latest Rates & Import Policy
Residency Requirements for Import
- Gift Scheme / Transfer of Residence: Importer must have stayed abroad for at least 700 days in the last 3 years.
- Personal Baggage Scheme: Importer must have lived abroad for at least 180 days during the last 7 months before arrival.
Foreign Exchange Condition
For vehicles imported under Gift, Baggage, or Transfer of Residence schemes, duties and taxes must be paid through foreign exchange remitted from abroad. A bank encashment certificate proving this remittance is mandatory.
Required Documents for Import
To successfully clear a car at port, the following documents are required:
- Original Passport & CNIC
- Purchase Invoice of the vehicle
- Export Certificate / Registration Cancellation from the exporting country
- Bill of Lading (BL) with correct consignee details
- Gift Undertaking (for Gift Scheme only)
- Bank Encashment Certificate (foreign remittance proof)
- Goods Declaration (GD) filed in WeBOC by a clearing agent
Step-by-Step Import Process
- Choose an RHD vehicle within the allowed age limit.
- Arrange shipment to Karachi Port or Port Qasim and secure the BL.
- Hire a licensed clearing agent to file GD in WeBOC and process customs clearance.
- Pay applicable duties and taxes via foreign remittance with encashment certificate.
- Customs inspection and valuation of the vehicle.
- Release order issued after clearance and port charges settlement.
- Vehicle registration at the Excise and Taxation Department in your province.
Taxes and Duties on Imported Cars (2025)
The total amount depends on engine size, fuel type, and vehicle category. Components usually include:
- Customs Duty
- Regulatory Duty (RD)
- Additional Customs Duty (ACD)
- Sales Tax
- Federal Excise Duty (FED) for larger engines
- Withholding Income Tax
👉 For 2025, the Additional Customs Duty (ACD) is set at 6%, while revised Regulatory Duty (RD) slabs apply to certain cars and SUVs. Always check the latest FBR notifications before making payments.
Classic and Vintage Car Import Rules
Cars manufactured before January 1, 1968 may be imported at a flat US$5,000 duty and tax rate, under the special vintage car policy.
Key Legal References
- Import Policy Order 2022 (with amendments)
- FBR Vehicle Import Policy Guidelines
- SRO 833(I)/2018 – Vintage/Classic Car Policy
Import Timeline and Tips
- Clearance time: Usually 2 to 6 weeks, depending on port congestion and document verification.
- Always ensure all documents match (passport, BL, embassy certificates).
- Purchase cars from verified exporters with genuine auction sheets.
- Avoid LHD-to-RHD conversions, as they are not legally recognized.
READ MORE: Car Token Tax in Pakistan 2025 – Complete Rates, Rules & Payment Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a Pakistani resident import a used car?
No, only overseas Pakistanis can import used cars under Gift, Baggage, or TR schemes. Local residents can only import brand-new vehicles.
Q2: Can duties be paid from a local account in PKR?
No, duties must be paid through foreign exchange remittance for used car imports under special schemes.
Q3: Will import rules change in 2025?
The government is considering allowing imports of up to 5-year-old used cars, but until officially notified, the current 3-/5-year age limits remain in place.
Conclusion
The right-hand drive car import process in Pakistan requires compliance with age limits, residency requirements, and foreign exchange conditions. By preparing all documents in advance, hiring a licensed clearing agent, and checking the latest duty slabs, overseas Pakistanis can successfully import and register vehicles in 2025.
