Pakistan to Enforce New Auto Safety and Import Rules from October
ISLAMABAD – The federal government has announced sweeping reforms for Pakistan’s automobile sector, set to take effect from October 2025, in a move aimed at raising safety standards and tightening import controls.
According to official documents, locally manufactured vehicles will now be required to comply with 57 safety standards, up from the existing 17. This means manufacturers will have to adopt an additional 40 safety measures within the coming weeks.
To ensure compliance, the government has decided to establish the Pakistan Automotive Institute, which will be tasked with monitoring and certifying the quality of locally produced vehicle parts.
The import policy for cars is also undergoing major changes from 30 September. The import of accidental Type D cars will no longer be permitted, while vehicles without proper chassis or engine numbers will face a blanket ban. Importers will now be required to provide detailed specifications, including seating and load capacity, axle strength, safety features, and overall quality standards.
For electric vehicles, stricter rules will apply, covering battery life, durability, charging standards, performance, and recycling processes.
The government has finalized the Motor Vehicle Industry Development Act 2025, which aims to regulate local production, prevent dumping, and bring the industry in line with international requirements. Under the new law, no unverified vehicle will be allowed for sale in the market after 1 October.
Manufacturers will be required to obtain a separate license for every vehicle type produced, while both local producers and importers must secure approval from the Engineering Development Board of Pakistan.
Officials confirmed that the import of poor-quality and environmentally non-compliant vehicles will be completely banned. Only those meeting performance and safety benchmarks will be permitted entry into the country.
The reforms mark a significant overhaul of Pakistan’s auto sector and are being linked to commitments made under IMF targets, with the government stressing its determination to align local practices with global safety and quality standards.
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