Over-aged Vehicle Importers To Be Penalised

Parliament has amended the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (Management Law) of 1993 on the importation of over-aged vehicles. The amendment makes provision for the payment of penalties in respect of all over-aged vehicles shipped into the country. The Act takes effect from August 12, 2002.

PENALTIES FOR MOTOR CARS

Motor cars aged more than ten years but less than 12 years attract a penalty of 5% of the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of the cars. Those above 12 years but not more than 15 years old are to attract a penalty of 20% of the CIF value, while vehicles of more than 15 years old will attract 50% of the CIF value.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES – (BUSES, COACHES AND VANS)

With respect to commercial vehicles, a penalty of 2.5% of the CIF value will be imposed on those above 10 years but not more than 12 years.

Those above 12 years old but not less than 15 years old will attract a penalty of 10% of the CIF value.

Where the vehicles are more than 15 years old but less than 20 years old, a 15% penalty of the CIF value will be imposed.

Commercial vehicles above 20 years old will attract a flat penalty of 50% of the CIF value.

TRUCKS, TIPPER TRUCKS AND LORRIES

On importation of trucks, a penalty of 5% of the CIF value will be imposed on those above ten years old but not more than 12 years old.

Where such vehicles are over 12 years old but not more than 22 years old, a 10% penalty of the CIF value will be imposed.

A penalty of 30% of the CIF value will be imposed on all vehicles above 22 years.

For avoidance of doubt, the age of any vehicle will be determined from the year in which the motor vehicle was first manufactured.

IMPORTATION OF RIGHT-HAND STEERING VEHICLES

It is prohibited for any person to import a right-hand steering motor-vehicle into the country unless authorised by the appropriate sector Minister