Pakistan drives on the left and therefore requires right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles, which makes Japanese used cars a natural fit. Almost all imports arrive through the port of Karachi. Importing is popular but tightly controlled: private individuals generally bring cars in under the personal baggage, gift, or transfer-of-residence schemes rather than as open commercial trade.
There is a strict age limit of roughly three years for used cars, and this rule changes frequently with each year's budget and policy notifications. Duties are high and are often assessed in fixed value bands by engine size rather than as a simple percentage, so the real cost can be substantial. Treat any figures here as rough estimates and verify the latest scheme rules before committing.
Overview
- Age limit
- 3 years
- Main ports
- Karachi
- Drive side
- RHD
- Currency
- PKR
- Inspection
- JAAI / pre-shipment inspection
Indicative duties & taxes
How import taxes stack up on the CIF value.
| FOB | $10,000 |
| Ocean freight | $0 |
| Marine insurance | $150 |
| CIF value | $10,150 |
| Customs Duty | $5,075 |
| Sales Tax | $1,827 |
| Withholding / Income Tax | $609 |
| Estimated taxes | $7,511 |
| Estimated landed cost | $17,661 |
Estimates only, based on indicative rates. Request a formal quote from ASTONISHING CARS for exact figures.
Required documents
- •Original Bill of Lading
- •Japanese export certificate with English translation
- •JAAI pre-shipment inspection certificate
- •Passport and proof of eligibility for the import scheme (baggage / gift / transfer of residence)
- •Commercial invoice / purchase receipt
- •Importer's CNIC / NICOP and bank remittance evidence
Popular models
Import process
- 1Confirm your eligibility under the baggage, gift or transfer-of-residence scheme and pick an RHD car within the ~3-year age limit.
- 2Complete payment and have the vehicle pass JAAI pre-shipment inspection in Japan.
- 3Ship to Karachi and obtain the Bill of Lading and export certificate from the exporter.
- 4Arrange remittance of duties from abroad as required and prepare your passport and scheme documents.
- 5Use a clearing agent at Karachi to assess duties, pay charges, clear the car and complete registration.
Buying & import guides for Pakistan
Model picks and import know-how for the Pakistan market.
Best Japanese Cars for the Pakistan Market
Pakistan drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive cars. Compact, fuel-efficient Japanese models matched to local conditions are the smart import choice.
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Read moreBuying guidesDaihatsu Mira kei car export buyer's guide
One of the cheapest cars to buy and run: what the Daihatsu Mira offers and what to check.
Read moreShipping & logisticsImport duty and taxes on used cars, explained
How duty, VAT, excise and clearing fees stack on top of CIF, and why the same car costs different amounts in different countries.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
How old can the car be?+
Pakistan applies a strict age limit of about three years for imported used cars under the personal schemes. This rule changes often, so confirm the current limit with Pakistan Customs (FBR) before buying.
Can anyone import a car commercially?+
Generally no. Used cars are usually imported by individuals under the baggage, gift or transfer-of-residence schemes, each with its own eligibility conditions. Open commercial import of used cars is restricted.
Are the duty rates here accurate?+
No. Duties are often charged in fixed bands by engine size and change with each budget. The figures here are only indicative for estimating cost — confirm current rates with Pakistan Customs (FBR).
Figures are indicative and change frequently. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official customs authority before importing.
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