Govt to open borders for used cars' commercial imports from Sept

The Federal Ministry of Commerce and Trade has hinted at a major shift in automobile import policy, proposing to allow commercial import of up to five-year-old used vehicles from September 2025, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the ministry officials, the proposal was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, on Friday.

Officials revealed that under the new proposal, only 5-year-old vehicles will be allowed initially, and in the first year, 40% additional taxes and duties will be imposed on these imports. These extra taxes will be phased out over the next four years.

By 2026, vehicles older than five years may also be allowed, subject to final approval.

In the meeting, Senator Mandviwalla also proposed extending the same permission for five-year-old vehicles under the Baggage Scheme, a long-standing channel for overseas Pakistanis to import personal-use vehicles.

Meanwhile, the finance minister present at the meeting remarked that local car manufacturers have been protected for too long, and it's time to introduce fair competition in the market.

Reporter: Waqas Azeem