Govt. toughens vehicle import standards from 1 July

• Slaps ban on import of vehicles below Euro IV emission standards 
• Air bags, ABS and 3-point seat belts compulsory

The Government will stop imports of motor vehicles below Euro IV emission standards and those without airbags, Anti-locking Braking System (ABS) and three-point seat belts from 1 July.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media yesterday said that importation of motor vehicles below Euro IV emission standards or its equivalent and those that do not comply with the following safety standards would totally be prohibited effective from 1 July.

Imports of vehicles which do not carry air bags for driver and front seat passenger, Anti-locking Braking System (ABS) standards and three-point seat belts for driver and passengers travelling front and rear seats, except the middle seat, will not be allowed into the country, the Ministry said.

It was revealed that having considered the representations made by motor vehicle importers and manufacturers for a lead time to make required adjustments to comply with the proposed emission standards and safety measures, the Ministry had decided to postpone the implementation of the Budget proposal on introduction of emission standards and safety measures from 1 July.

As this rescheduling of the implementation is made based on industry representations, the dealers, importers and manufacturers are strictly advised to refrain from establishing any Letter of Credit (LCs) for import of motors vehicles which do not comply with the specified standards and safety standards with an estimated arrival date after 1 July.

Further details on the implementation of the new standards for vehicles, including the types of vehicles, will be notified by the respective implementation agencies shortly, the Ministry said.