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SRO Issued: Govt Ends “Personal Baggage” Scheme for Used Car Imports

Carr.pk
Carr.pk
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The Ministry of Commerce has issued S.R.O. 61(1)/2026, announcing key amendments to the Import Policy Order, 2022. The major takeaway: the popular “Personal Baggage” scheme for used-car imports has been abolished. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter regulations for the “Gift” and “Transfer of Residence” schemes.

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Here’s what you need to know.

1. “Personal Baggage” Scheme Officially Abolished

The government has removed the words “Personal Baggage” from Paragraph 16 and Appendix-B of the Import Policy Order.

Implication: You can no longer import vehicles under this scheme.

2. Stricter Eligibility Rules

If you have previously imported or gifted a car, you must wait 850 days before doing so again. The countdown starts from the date the Goods Declaration (GD) for the previous car was filed.

3. Transfer of Residence – Country Restriction

Under the amended rules, vehicles must be imported from the same country where the overseas Pakistani officially resides.

No more loopholes: You can no longer live in one country and ship a car from another under the “Transfer of Residence” scheme.

4. One-Year Ban on Selling Imported Cars

A new restriction has been introduced for both the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes:

  • Vehicles cannot be sold or transferred to anyone else for one year after importation.
  • This restriction starts from the date the car is imported.

5. Commercial Vehicle Safety Standards Now Apply

Cars imported under the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes must now meet minimum safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, similar to commercial imports.

  • These standards will be notified by the Ministry of Industries and Production (MOIP) or the Engineering Development Board (EDB).

Quick Overview Table of Changes

Policy / Rule Old Rule New Rule / Update
Personal Baggage Scheme Allowed Abolished
Waiting Period for Importers N/A 850 days between imports
Stay Abroad Requirement 700 days 850 days
Transfer of Residence – Country Rule Flexible Must import from the country of residence
Resale / Transfer Ban N/A 1 year minimum after import
Commercial Safety Standards N/A Now applicable to Gift & Transfer of Residence

PakWheels Take

The personal baggage scheme is now officially closed with the latest SRO. Importers and overseas Pakistanis will now need to plan carefully and meet stricter eligibility criteria to bring a used car into the country.

For buyers and car enthusiasts, the takeaway is simple:

  • The Personal Baggage scheme is gone
  • Gift and Transfer of Residence imports are stricter
  • One-year restriction prevents quick resale

This SRO is a game-changer for the used-car import market and signals a push for more regulated, safer, and environmentally compliant imports.

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