Car Import to Pakistan in 2026: Personal Baggage Scheme Ended — Gift and Transfer of Residence Explained
Personal Baggage is gone. The Ministry of Commerce removed it from the Import Policy Order 2022 through S.R.O. 61(I)/2026, dated 15 January 2026. The government said it was being misused for commercial imports.
What changed, side by side
| Point | Before | Now (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Schemes | Personal Baggage, Gift, Transfer of Residence | Gift and Transfer of Residence only |
| Gap between imports | 2 years | 3 years |
| Stay abroad | 700 days (as reported) | 3 years, with at least 850 days of stay |
| Selling the car | Not stated | Not transferable for 1 year |
| Standards | Not stated | Must meet the safety and environment standards for commercial used-car imports |
| Ship from your country of residence | All schemes | Transfer of Residence only |
Source: the Commerce Ministry's written answer in the National Assembly, reported by Dawn on 20 August 2026.
One detail to confirm: CustomsNews.pk described the 850-day rule as the wait between imports. The Ministry described it as the stay-abroad condition. Check the wording with your clearing agent before you buy.
Gift scheme in plain words
An overseas Pakistani sends a car as a gift to a family member in Pakistan. The sender must meet the stay-abroad condition. The person in Pakistan pays the duty and taxes. Under the new rules the car must meet commercial-import standards and cannot be sold for one year.
The car no longer has to come from the sender's country of residence under the Gift scheme. That condition now applies only to Transfer of Residence.
Transfer of Residence in plain words
This is for Pakistanis moving back home for good. The car must be shipped from the country where you lived. The same stay-abroad, 3-year gap, 1-year lock and standards conditions apply.
Before you pay for a car abroad
- Check your stay abroad. Count your days out of Pakistan in the last 3 years (your passport stamps or FIA travel history help).
- Check when you last imported a car. You need a 3-year gap.
- Ask a licensed customs agent if the model meets the current standards.
- Get the current duty for that model and year from FBR or your agent. Duty on cars is not covered by baggage allowances, and FERC duty credit cannot be used on vehicles.
- Plan to keep the car for at least a year.
What we did not confirm
We do not quote car age limits or duty amounts here. They depend on the vehicle and change often. Ask your agent or FBR for figures on the day you import.
Related: Pakistan baggage rules 2026 · Bringing a phone to Pakistan
Frequently asked questions
Can I still bring a car under Personal Baggage?
No. S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 removed the Personal Baggage scheme for vehicles. Only Gift and Transfer of Residence remain.
How long must I stay abroad now?
According to the Commerce Ministry, 3 years with at least 850 days of stay abroad. Check the exact wording with your customs agent.
How often can I import a car?
The gap between imports was raised from 2 years to 3 years.
Can I sell the car right away?
No. Cars imported under Gift or Transfer of Residence cannot be transferred for one year.
Does the gift car have to come from the country I live in?
Under the new rules, that condition applies only to Transfer of Residence, not the Gift scheme.
Can I use my FERC duty credit on a car?
No. The Baggage Rules say the FERC duty credit cannot be used on vehicles.
Sources
- Ministry of Commerce — S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 (PDF) Amends Import Policy Order 2022 (vehicles: gift and transfer of residence) Official
- Dawn — Used car imports thru 'personal baggage' abolished Commerce Ministry written reply in National Assembly, 20 Aug 2026; cites S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 of 15 Jan 2026
- CustomsNews.pk — Pakistan revises import policy for vehicles Summary of S.R.O. 61(I)/2026, 15 Jan 2026
- Baggage Rules, 2006 — S.R.O. 666(I)/2006 (FBR copy) Rules 2–18, notified 28 June 2006 under s.219 Customs Act 1969 Official
Estimate and information only, not legal or tax advice. Customs and FBR make the final decision. Spotted a rule change? Tell us.