Islamabad:
In a significant development, the federal cabinet approved on Wednesday the first Law of Pakistan to guarantee the minimum security in cars gathered and imported locally, proposing up to three years in prison and fines of up to RS10 million for offenders.
The Motorized Vehicle Industry Development Law was first authorized by the Cabinet Legislative Case Committee (CCLC) and then ratified by the Federal Cabinet. A cabinet member said that the law aims to enforce the minimum security, quality, performance and environmental standards for all vehicles manufactured or imported in Pakistan. This will be the first legislation that requires vehicle assemblies and all commercial importers to comply with minimal safety standards. Until now, Pakistan has implemented only 17 of the 163 standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNUC) of 1958.
Despite the long complaints of consumers and parliamentarians about the poor quality of locally assembled cars, this is the first time that the Ministry of Industries and Production recommends minimally binding minimal safety standards for the protection of vehicle users.
With the approval of the insured cabinet, the bill will now be presented before the permanent parliamentary committees for review. These committees can amend any clause before the bill to vote in both Chambers of Parliament is presented.
The proposed law will apply to all motor vehicles in Pakistan, except those that are made or adapted for use by the Armed Forces.
The offenders, including manufacturers, assemblers or importers, could face prison terms from six months to three years and fines between RS500,000 and RS10 million, according to the draft bill.
During CCLC’s discussions, some members opposed the prison terms for offenders, but the Ministry of Industries maintained its proposal, according to sources aware of the discussions.
Once promulgated, no one can sell a vehicle without registering first under the new law. Any person who manufactures or offers a vehicle in violation of the law could face up to a year in jail or a fine of at least RS500,000, or both.
Failure to comply with a certificate of conformity will result in up to six months in prison, or a fine of up to RS500,000, or both.
Another clause establishes that anyone who does not remember a vehicle, part or a defective component could face up to two years in jail or a fine of no less than RS5 million, or both.
Do not take corrective measures when indicated by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) will lead to a minimum three -year prison period or a fine of RS10 million, or both.
A condition of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also imposes that all the legislation necessary to raise quantitative restrictions in the importation of used vehicles will be presented in July 2025. This will initially apply to vehicles of less than five years, subject to complying with safety and environmental standards.
The government now plans to implement the importation of the status of five -year vehicles since September and imports completely open next year, provided that the minimum standards of safety and environment are in force under the new legislation. The bill proposes a period of grace of a year since the promulgation of local importers and assemblies to meet the security requirements.
The law establishes that no person will import motorized vehicles, parts or components that require repair and maintenance unless they are a registered company, will be imported from vehicles such as their main business, will comply with a minimum reserve capital established by the Government and obtain an EDB license.
Imports under luggage and gift schemes will be exempt, according to officials.
The bill also requires all manufacturers and importers to ensure that their vehicles, components and parts do not present security risks for users or others.
You cannot sell any vehicle unless you show key details such as height, length, weight, planned use, seat and load capacity, number of axes and other information that the EDB considers necessary for the safety and convenience of the user.
Similarly, electric vehicles must show information about the type of battery, performance, durability, recycling instructions and out -of -pleo load standards.
All vehicles, components and pieces must come with a certificate of conformity before being put up for sale.
Manufacturers and importers will also be obliged to remember any vehicle or part that presents a significant safety risk, whether or not to comply with type approval or relevant standards.
Not issuing a voluntary retirement could lead to a fine of RS5 million and up to two years in prison.
If the EDB finds a safety risk and the manufacturer or importer does not act, the authority can order a retirement. If that order is ignored, the Board can withdraw the vehicle or separate through a surveillance agency or other means.
