Personal Baggage Car Scheme Abolished (S.R.O. 61(I)/2026)
What changed: overseas Pakistanis can no longer import a used car under the Personal Baggage scheme. Only the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes remain.
The change in short
| Point | New rule |
|---|---|
| Law | S.R.O. 61(I)/2026, dated 15 January 2026, amending the Import Policy Order 2022 |
| Personal Baggage scheme | Abolished for vehicles |
| Schemes left | Gift and Transfer of Residence |
| Gap between imports | 3 years (was 2) |
| Stay abroad | 3 years, with at least 850 days of stay |
| Selling the car | Not transferable for 1 year |
| Standards | Same safety and environment standards as commercial used-car imports |
| Same-country rule | Now only for Transfer of Residence |
Why it changed
The Commerce Ministry told the National Assembly that the Personal Baggage scheme was being misused to import cars for sale. The change was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee and the federal cabinet. Dawn reported the Ministry's written answer on 20 August 2026.
One detail to confirm
The Ministry describes the 850 days as the stay-abroad condition (3 years with at least 850 days). A CustomsNews.pk summary of the SRO described it as the wait between imports ("850 days instead of 700"). We could not open the SRO text itself. Check the exact wording with your customs agent before you buy a car.
What to do now
Read our full car import guide for 2026 for the step-by-step checks before you pay for a car abroad.
Frequently asked questions
When did the change happen?
S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 is dated 15 January 2026. The Commerce Ministry confirmed the change in the National Assembly in August 2026.
Can I still send a car as a gift?
Yes. The Gift scheme is still open, with tighter conditions: a 3-year gap between imports, a 1-year lock on selling, and commercial-import safety and environment standards.
What about moving back for good?
Transfer of Residence is still open. The car must come from the country where you lived.
Sources
- Dawn — Used car imports thru 'personal baggage' abolished Commerce Ministry written reply in National Assembly, 20 Aug 2026
- Ministry of Commerce — S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 (PDF) Amends Import Policy Order 2022; 15 Jan 2026 Official
- CustomsNews.pk — Pakistan revises import policy for vehicles Summary of S.R.O. 61(I)/2026, 15 Jan 2026
Estimate and information only, not legal or tax advice. Customs and FBR make the final decision. Spotted a rule change? Tell us.