Pakistan is one of the more complex markets in South Asia for importing a BYD, mainly because the rules differ sharply between new and used vehicles. If you are budgeting a purchase, the short answer is: new electric BYD models can land at a meaningfully lower duty rate than a used unit, and used-vehicle import is restricted to specific personal-import schemes rather than open commercial ordering.

Duty and tax rates at a glance

  • New BYD (fully electric, CBU): Pakistan's National Electric Vehicle Policy provides a preferential customs duty band of roughly 10% for imported CBU electric vehicles, rather than the much higher rates applied to combustion-engine imports.
  • Used BYD: Used passenger vehicle imports generally carry duty of around 50%, and are only permitted under specific schemes — personal baggage, transfer-of-residence, or gift — each with its own eligibility rules. Commercial used-vehicle imports outside these schemes face additional restriction.
  • Sales tax (VAT-equivalent): 18% general sales tax applies on top of customs value plus duty.
  • Age limit for used vehicles: Used imports under the personal-baggage/transfer-of-residence/gift schemes are generally limited to vehicles around 3 years old or newer.

How the landed cost is calculated

We work out a full landed-cost estimate the same way for every market, so buyers can compare apples to apples:

  • FOB price of the vehicle
  • + $1,450 fixed ocean freight
  • + Insurance (1.1% of FOB)
  • + Import duty (Pakistan's duty rate × CIF value)
  • + Sales tax (18% × (CIF + duty))
  • + $650 fixed clearance and documentation fee
  • = Total Landed Cost

For a new fully-electric BYD, the 10% preferential duty band keeps the tax burden well below what a combustion-engine import would face. For a used unit, the combination of ~50% duty and 18% sales tax on a higher CIF base means the landed cost premium over a new EV import can be substantial — and that's before accounting for the scheme-eligibility hurdle.

What this means for your order

If your goal is the lowest total landed cost, a new fully-electric BYD ordered under the EV policy's reduced duty band is generally the more straightforward and cost-predictable path into Pakistan. If you are specifically looking at a used unit, confirm early which import scheme you qualify under (personal baggage, transfer of residence, or gift) since this affects both eligibility and the age ceiling on the vehicle you can bring in.

Transit time from China to Pakistan by sea typically runs 20-30 days, so it's worth factoring that into any timeline alongside customs clearance once the vehicle arrives at port.

Documentation buyers typically need

Regardless of scheme, Pakistani customs clearance generally expects a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin, plus scheme-specific paperwork (proof of residence abroad for transfer-of-residence cases, or the relevant gift-deed documentation for gift-scheme imports). Your broker will confirm the exact document set for your case, since requirements are occasionally updated.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I import a used BYD into Pakistan as a straightforward commercial purchase? Generally no — used passenger vehicle imports are tied to the personal-baggage, transfer-of-residence, or gift schemes, each with its own eligibility conditions. Open commercial used-vehicle import outside these schemes faces additional restriction.
  • Does the reduced EV duty band apply to all BYD models? The reduced ~10% band under the National EV Policy is aimed at fully electric CBU vehicles; plug-in hybrids and combustion models are typically taxed under different schedules. Confirm the classification of your specific model with your broker.
  • Is right-hand drive an issue? No — Pakistan is a right-hand-drive (RHD) market, matching the configuration BYD produces for RHD export markets, so this is generally a non-issue for sourcing.
  • How long is the incentive period for the EV policy's reduced duty? The National Electric Vehicle Policy's preferential rates run through defined incentive-period cutoffs that are subject to government review — always confirm the current cutoff date before finalizing an order.

Rates shown are indicative only — always confirm current duty, VAT and any EV incentives with a licensed customs broker in-country before ordering.

BYD Global Export is an independent export trading company and is not an authorized dealer or representative of BYD Auto Co., Ltd.

Have a specific BYD model in mind for Pakistan? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll put together a landed-cost estimate for your exact vehicle and destination city.