Starting in October, local car safety standards will undergo a major transformation as the government enforces 57 international benchmarks on locally manufactured vehicles. The move comes as part of commitments[1] under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and aims to bring the country’s auto industry closer to global practices while addressing persistent concerns over consumer safety.
At present, only 17 safety standards are applied to cars produced in Pakistan. The new framework significantly expands this number, making it compulsory for automakers to meet stricter quality and safety requirements.
To support the shift, the government will establish the Pakistan Automotive Institute to oversee the monitoring and certification of locally manufactured auto parts. Additionally, accidental “Type-D” vehicles will no longer be permitted for import, and changes to the Import Policy Order will take effect from September 30.
Under the revised system, unverified new vehicles will be barred from entering the market. Local manufacturers must now obtain licenses from their headquarters to certify the quality of vehicles, while the Engineering Development Board (EDB) will supervise licensing for all imports and sales. Companies will also be legally obligated to recall defective vehicles or parts. Failure to comply could result in penalties, including two to three years of imprisonment and heavy fines.
Further legislation on dumping control and local manufacturing has also been completed, tightening the regulatory environment for both consumer protection and the domestic industry. From 2025, all new vehicles sold in the country will fall under the Motor Vehicle Industry Development Act 2025, marking a complete overhaul of the auto regulatory regime.
With these sweeping reforms, Pakistan car safety standards are expected to finally align with global norms, ensuring safer vehicles on the road and stronger accountability for manufacturers.
References
- ^ commitments (www.techjuice.pk)