Govt. Issues Notification on Imported and Locally Assembled Vehicle Standards

Islamabad – The Government of Pakistan has issued a notice introducing new safety, quality, and environmental standards for both imported and locally made vehicles.

Review the government notification regarding locally assembled and imported vehicles.

Imported Vehicles

Imported vehicles must now comply with UNECE WP-29 regulations, which cover areas such as safety devices, braking systems, airbags, and emissions. These regulations apply immediately to all imported motor vehicles. Importers must also ensure the vehicles are certified through pre-shipment inspection and post-shipment checks.

Key Standards for Imported Vehicles (WP-29):

  1. Safety Features:

    • Braking Systems: Imported vehicles must meet international braking standards, ensuring vehicles can stop effectively under all driving conditions.

    • Seatbelts and Restraints: The vehicles must be equipped with safety belts, including child restraint systems (ISOFIX), to ensure safety for all passengers, including children.

    • Impact Protection: Imported vehicles must meet regulations for frontal and side impact protection, ensuring better safety in crashes.

    • Doors and Latches: Vehicles must meet regulations for door retention and safety in the event of an accident. This ensures that doors stay properly secured during crashes.

  2. Environmental Standards:

    • Emissions: Imported vehicles must comply with strict emissions regulations to reduce harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. This ensures that vehicles do not contribute excessively to air pollution.

    • Noise Levels: Imported vehicles must adhere to noise standards, limiting the amount of noise the vehicle makes during operation, especially for passenger cars and heavy vehicles.

    • Fuel Efficiency: The regulations also set limits on fuel consumption, promoting vehicles that use less fuel and emit fewer harmful substances.

  3. Vehicle Components:

    • Tyres and Lighting: Imported vehicles must meet standards for tyres and lighting systems, including requirements for fog lamps, headlamps, and indicators.

    • Windshields and Glass: Vehicles must have safety glazing for windows and windshields to prevent injury during accidents.

  4. Additional Requirements for Used Imported Vehicles:

    • Pre-shipment Certification: Importers of used vehicles must provide a pre-shipment inspection certificate from accredited bodies (like the Japan Automotive Appraisal Institute, Korean Testing Laboratory, etc.). This certification ensures the used vehicles comply with the standards and are roadworthy.

    • Post-shipment Inspection: After arrival in Pakistan, third-party post-shipment inspection is mandatory to verify compliance with the standards.

    • Condition of Used Vehicles: The certification should confirm that the vehicle:

      • Has no major accidents

      • Has an unaltered odometer

      • Is in good condition with no exterior damage or interior stains

      • Meets noise and emission standards

      • Has all required safety features (like airbags) intact

Importer Requirements:

Locally Assembled Vehicles

 

The second notification also outlines the UNECE WP-29 regulations, which apply to all vehicles manufactured or assembled in Pakistan. Here are the key WP.29 standards that locally manufactured vehicles must meet:

  1. Safety Standards:

    • Braking Systems: Vehicles must comply with specific braking regulations to ensure they can stop safely under all conditions.

    • Seatbelts and Restraints: Vehicles must have proper seatbelt systems, including child restraint systems, to protect passengers.

    • Door Safety: Regulations ensure that vehicle doors are secure and won’t open during accidents.

    • Impact Protection: Vehicles must be designed to protect occupants in case of frontal or side collisions.

  2. Environmental Standards:

    • Emissions: Vehicles must meet specific standards for harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, to reduce air pollution.

    • Noise Levels: There are limits on the noise levels a vehicle can produce, especially for larger vehicles.

  3. Component Standards:

    • Tyres: Vehicles must use tyres that meet safety and durability standards.

    • Lighting: Vehicles must have proper lighting systems, including fog lamps and headlamps.

    • Rear-View Mirrors: Vehicles need devices for proper visibility, including rear-view mirrors and indicators.

  4. Other Requirements:

    • Windshields and Glass: Must meet safety standards to prevent injury in case of accidents.

    • Fuel Efficiency: Standards for fuel consumption to ensure vehicles are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Deadline and Extensions

Manufacturers are required to meet these standards by June 30th, 2026. If they face challenges in adopting these standards (like needing new technology or making large investments), they can apply for an extension of up to two years.

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