Pakistan has taken significant strides in streamlining the vehicle importation process for overseas Pakistanis in 2024 through the implementation of the Import Policy Order 2022.
This initiative is geared towards facilitating a smoother and more accessible procedure for eligible individuals looking to import vehicles. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the process of importing vehicles into Pakistan under personal baggage.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the importation or gifting of a vehicle, individuals must adhere to specific conditions outlined by the Import Policy Order 2022. While Pakistan Nationals are generally eligible, certain exceptions apply. Students receiving remittances from Pakistan, non-earning family members of Pakistani nationals, and individuals who have imported, gifted, or received a vehicle within the last two years are ineligible.
Types of Imports: Vehicles can be imported into Pakistan under three primary categories: personal baggage, Transfer of Residence, or as a gift.
Conditions of Import:
1. Age Restrictions:
• Vehicles older than five years are prohibited from being imported under gift, personal baggage, and Transfer of Residence schemes.
• An exception is made for secondhand or used bulletproof vehicles, which are allowed under these schemes.
• Cars exceeding three years in age are not eligible for importation under these schemes.
2. Minimum Stay Requirements:
• For personal baggage imports, individuals must have a minimum stay of 180 days within the last seven months preceding the application.
• Gifting a vehicle or importing under Transfer of Residence requires a minimum stay of at least 700 days during the past three years.
3. Recipient Eligibility:
• Vehicles can only be gifted to a family member who is normally resident in Pakistan.
4. Payment of Duties and Taxes:
• Duty and taxes for all vehicles, whether new or used, must be paid using foreign exchange arranged by Pakistan Nationals themselves or a local recipient, supported by a bank encashment certificate.
• The remittance for duties and taxes must originate from the account of the Pakistani national sending the vehicle from abroad.
• In the event of currency depreciation or changes in import duties or taxes before the filing of the goods declaration, the importer is permitted to cover the shortfall through local sources.
5. Motorcycles and Scooters:
• Motorcycles or scooters can be imported under Transfer of Residence, subject to the same conditions applicable to other vehicles.
6. Specialized Vehicles:
• Agricultural tractors, bulldozers, laser land levelers, and combined harvesters are allowed under gift, baggage, and Transfer of Residence schemes with conditions similar to those for the import of standard vehicles.
• Import under the gift scheme for specialized vehicles is limited to once a year.
7. Legal Heir Consideration:
• In the unfortunate event of the death of an overseas Pakistani who imported a vehicle under the Transfer of Residence scheme, the vehicle shall be released to the legal heir(s).
With the detailed guidelines provided by the Import Policy Order 2022, the process of importing vehicles into Pakistan under personal baggage has become more accessible for eligible overseas Pakistanis. It is imperative for individuals to carefully adhere to the specified conditions and requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant importation process. By following these guidelines, individuals can navigate the importation process with confidence and compliance during 2024.
