ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s push toward electric mobility has hit a roadblock as private-sector stakeholders raise concerns over regulatory barriers affecting the import and deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
At the center of the issue is a disputed classification under Customs General Order (CGO) Entry No. 938 in Draft CGO No. 3 (revised February 25, 2025). Industry players argue that the provision is delaying the rollout of EV charging stations nationwide by restricting imports under what they describe as non-tariff barriers.
The concerns have been formally highlighted by Go Green Avenue Pvt Ltd in a letter to the Engineering Development Board.
Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicles (NEV) Policy 2025–30 targets 30% electrification of new vehicle sales — including motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, buses, and trucks — by 2030. A key pillar of this plan is the installation of around 3,000 EV charging stations across the country, covering both standard and fast-charging infrastructure.
However, stakeholders warn that these targets may be at risk due to regulatory constraints that appear to favor certain local manufacturers. According to industry sources, the company benefiting from CGO Entry No. 938 claims to produce a full range of EV chargers, but critics contend its capabilities are limited to Level 2 chargers with output up to 50 kW. They argue that it does not manufacture Level 3 DC fast chargers, which are essential for building an efficient public charging network.
Concerns have also been raised regarding compliance with international safety and performance standards. The chargers in question are reportedly certified only for basic protection, without adherence to key global benchmarks such as IEC 61851, IEC 62196, and IEC 62311.
Experts further point to gaps in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and communication standards required for integrating EV chargers into a national grid. These include internationally recognized frameworks like ETSI EN 301 489 and EN IEC 61000.
Additionally, questions have been raised about compliance with quality management systems such as ISO 9001:2015.
Meanwhile, Go Green Avenue states that its operations have been directly impacted by the policy constraints. The company is working with automotive manufacturers and infrastructure partners to deploy EV charging stations at key locations including shopping malls, motorways, and fuel stations.
However, it reports that a recent shipment of EV chargers remains held at Karachi Customs due to the disputed CGO classification, delaying several ongoing and planned projects.
In its appeal to the Engineering Development Board, the company has requested the revision or removal of CGO Entry No. 938, along with a one-time exemption to facilitate the clearance of its current shipment.
As discussions continue, industry stakeholders warn that unless regulatory clarity is provided, Pakistan’s transition to electric mobility could face significant delays, undermining both investment momentum and long-term sustainability goals.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
