The Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2421/44 dated 31 January 2025 has been published under the Import and Export Control Act No. 01 of 1969, removing the temporary import restrictions imposed on the import of motor vehicles since the beginning of the year 2020, with effect from 01 February 2025. Buses used for public transport, motor vehicles used for the transport of goods, vehicles used for special purposes, three-wheelers, motorcycles and other goods not using motor engines are classified under the Combined Classification Code 304.
i. Registered importers of the Department of Motor Transport and state institutions can import the required number of vehicles subject to the regulations imposed herein.
ii Importers other than those mentioned in paragraph (i) above can import only one (01) motor vehicle in a period of 12 months.
iii. Any imported motor vehicle shall be registered with the Department of Motor Transport in the name of the importer or in the case of purchase from a registered importer within 90 days from the date of the import bill/Customs Registration Deed (CUSDEC) relating to the said motor vehicle.
iv. For the registration of motor vehicles, the importer or purchaser shall submit to the Commissioner General of Motor Transport an affidavit containing the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued by the Department of Inland Revenue along with all other necessary documents.
v. No exemption from the fee will be granted in any case in respect of the payment of monthly late fees.
vi. In determining the age of the motor vehicle, the period between the date of the Bill of Lading/Air Waybill shall be calculated.
vii. Importation of motor vehicles under concessional tax concessions is prohibited.
viii. If any motor vehicle is imported in violation of the existing rules and regulations, the importer of such motor vehicle shall re-export it within 90 days from the date of the Customs Entry Certificate (CUSDEC).
Furthermore, Gazette Notification No. 2421/05 dated 27th January 2025 was published to re-enact the duties not levied under the provisions of the Customs Exemption Ordinance under the Conservation of Revenue Act No. 19 of 1962. Accordingly, the levy of duty at the rate of 20% of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of the vehicle on the import of motor vehicles under Section 87 of the Customs Code was brought into effect from 28th January 2025.
