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The government has officially enforced vehicle safety standards for both imported and locally manufactured vehicles, marking the first time such comprehensive regulations have been implemented. The move aims to align Pakistan’s auto industry with international practices but has already sparked concerns among industry stakeholders.
The Ministry of Industries and Production, through the Engineering Development Board (EDB), has made it mandatory for all new and used imported vehicles to comply with dozens of WP-29 standards. These global benchmarks cover passenger protection, road safety, emission controls, and environmental compliance, as outlined by the United Nations World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations. The federal cabinet ratified the decision on the recommendation of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
Importers will now be required to follow a wide range of UNECE regulations, including rules for airbags, braking systems, safety belts, lighting, child restraints, head restraints, emission levels, tyre safety, crash protection, and systems designed for electric and hydrogen vehicles. Only companies incorporated under the Companies Act 2017, with adequate capital and after-sales networks, will be allowed to import used cars. Each vehicle must have a pre-shipment inspection certificate from approved agencies such as JAAI (Japan) or KTL (Korea). Upon arrival, imported cars will also undergo post-shipment inspections at designated centres in Pakistan.
Compliance Deadline for Local Automakers
Locally manufactured vehicles must meet the same vehicle safety standards, including compliance with rules for braking, steering, glazing, tyres, structural strength, noise, and emissions. Both internal combustion engine cars and electric vehicles fall under this mandate. Automakers have until June 30, 2026, to comply, after which the EDB will have the authority to revoke manufacturing certificates and import authorisations for non-compliance.
Despite the government’s push, auto industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the framework’s implementation. Amir Allawala, a senior member of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), argued that local assemblers already follow global standards aligned with Japanese, Korean, or Chinese practices. He warned that without certified testing labs in Pakistan, automakers will be forced to test parts abroad, which would raise production costs and create foreign exchange outflows. He also questioned the credibility of any local labs that may be established.
The new framework has also created a jurisdictional dispute, as the EDB has been authorised to regulate automotive safety and quality, bypassing the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The PSQCA, an internationally recognised body under the Ministry of Science and Technology, represents Pakistan in the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and pays annual membership fees. Under the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement, overlapping standards-setting mandates are discouraged, which could complicate Pakistan’s compliance on the international stage.
