Approximately 44,000-45,000 cars used in fiscal year 2015 were imported, according to a Japanese car assembler and a brokerage house. However, the importers and vehicle dealers offer a different view.
According to Top Line Securities, the Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL) management reported in a corporate information session held in mid -July that around 45,000 “used cars” have imported in the last 12 months, with the majority of 1,000cc or less.
Honda Management believes that “it is unlikely that imports of cars used with the increase in rate affect the company, since these mainly benefit vehicles below 1,000cc, which represent 90 percent of total imports.”
Has said that greater clarity is expected about the implementation of the new government imported policy of the government in September 2025, particularly with respect to the tax structure, the safety standards and emissions of vehicles, and the limits of relaxation of the age.
Myesha Sohail of Top Line Securities, before the corporate session of HACL, had revealed imports of 44,000 units in fiscal year 2015, two percent more than fiscal year 2014. She expects imports to increase in more than 40 % in the fiscal year 26 to 62,000 units, after the opening of the government of commercial imports since September 2025.
As in the past, these imports of used cars will be largely concentrated in small -range vehicles, which will significantly affect the Pak Suzuki Company Limited (PSMCL) product line. Sedan car imports can become feasible once the additional tariff is reduced to 20pc in fiscal year28 from the current 40pc.
The high demand for local cars increased imports of semi kits and complete
However, she said that importers claim that allowing commercial imports would not affect any alignment, since the process has become very strict with higher additional tariffs.
According to the data of the Pakistan Statistics Office (PBS), the import of completely constructed units (CBU) that comprise old and new cars increased 3.44% in the 2015 fiscal year to $ 278 million from $ 269 million in fiscal year 2014. The automatic segment remained robust since car sales, trucks, trucks and SUV locally assembled Units, more than 43 percent year after year (interannual).
The general sale of used cars and cars assembled locally, SUV, trucks and trucks crossed 200,000 units in fiscal year 2015, thus canceling the impression that used cars have been affecting sales of local assemblies.
The high demand for cars also rose to the arrival of semi and completely demolished (CKD/SKD) kits for local car assemblers to $ 1.1 billion in fiscal year 200
The boss pattern, all car dealers and importers of Pakistan (APDA), Mian Shoaib Ahmed, citing customs figures, said that 38,761 units of used vehicles were imported during fiscal year 2015 under the transfer of residence, personal gift scheme and personal luggage compared to 36,458 in Fy24.
He said that the demand for used and new cars has shown a positive trend, thanks to the downward trend in interest rates, the introduction of new and face -to -face variants, relieving inflation and improving the feeling of consumers. The high prices of assembly vehicles will continue to change more buyers to used cars, he said.
To review a road map for imports of uses used after the budget for fiscal year 2016, the association held a meeting with the coordinator of the Prime Minister of Commerce IHSAAN AFZAL Khan, and discussed its policy recommendations for the next framework on the regulated import of used vehicles, which take effect as of September 2025.
He said the association supports the government initiative to allow the commercial import of used vehicles, bringing healthy competition to the car market and benefiting the end user. The delegation presented proposals focused on compliance with environmental and road safety, including inspections prior to shipping to guarantee structural emissions and standards, as well as transparent assessment mechanisms for imported vehicles.
Recommendations on the agreements and currency reviews were also shared to the existing depreciation framework to align with the market realities. During the discussion, it was stressed that taxes and tariffs for next year would require careful consideration.
To ensure that all imports of used vehicles comply with the appropriate reference points of safety, environmental and consumer protection, a clear and enforceable regulatory framework must be established without delay.
Mr. Ahmed said that the mandatory pre-Envio (PSI) inspection must verify the minimum emission standard of the Euro 3 or the equivalent road courage. At the same time, vehicles must be certified to stay worthy of road for a minimum of 10 years. The integrity of the odometer must be verified and not modeled, while battery health must be 70 percent or more.
It is necessary to confirm that the vehicle is not stolen or under any tax. The inspection agency must independently verify and certify the actual manufacturing date of the vehicle, not only its first registration date. The inspection agency must maintain offices both in the export country and in Pakistan, which allows cross verification.
It is important that the policy frame includes a clear and flexible currency mechanism to guarantee a soft and practical implementation, he said.
Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, July 28, 2025
