The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) today identified a Japanese company as the authorised entity to provide certification for used vehicles to be exported from Japan to this country.
This announcement is in keeping with a policy unveiled last year by the GRA to crack down on so-called `Lemon Cars’ coming into the country.
The GRA had said that from January 1st this year it would require that an inspection certificate be provided from the place of import and given to it by the salespersons here.
In keeping with this stipulation, it announced today that AutoTerminal Japan Ltd has met the specifications required and is the first authorized inspection agency for the required vehicle inspection certificates.
“This means that effective February 1, 2025, AutoTerminal Japan Ltd will be the first and presently the only competent Authority in the Country of Export, for provision of the vehicle inspection certificate which must be uploaded along with all other pertinent documents in ASYCUDA to process the respective customs declarations”, the notice said.
Licensed customshouse brokers were reminded to liaise with clients and ensure that the inspection certificate is included when the declaration is submitted via ASYCUDA.
“Failure to submit the Inspection Certificate may result in the Customs Declaration not being processed or the vehicles not being released”, the GRA warned.
Vehicles already purchased and shipped prior to February 1, 2025 will not be affected by this stipulation. This means that an extra month’s grace period was provided to importers.
The GRA added that additional authorised agencies will be announced as approved by the authority.
Proliferation
In December last year, Commissioner-General of the GRA Godfrey Statia told the Sunday Stabroek that there had been a proliferation of problems in used vehicles, ranging from mileage changes to defective engines and other parts.
“Emanating from the numerous consumer complaints and in an effort to curb the importation of “Lemon” motor vehicles into Guyana and further to a meeting held with the GRA and importers and auto dealers on December 4th 2024, all are hereby notified that with effect from January 01, 2025, for purchases of vehicles, an inspection certificate signed and issued by a competent Authority in the country of export, to the satisfaction of the GRA, IS REQUIRED FOR THE IMPORTATION OF USED MOTOR VEHICLES (Expect brand new vehicles),” a notice from the GRA had stated.
A `Lemon’ car is one with a significant defect or malfunction that makes it unsafe to drive.
Car sales here have surged over the past five years.
The Guyana Auto Dealers Association (GADA) last year wrote to the GRA asking that the measure be revisited so that only auto dealers found guilty of malpractice would have to supply the certificate.
“On December 4th an advisory was advertised by the GRA stating Auto Dealers and importers are required to submit an inspection certificate from the country of export with effect from January 1st 2025. It was also stated that a meeting was held with GRA and Auto dealer and importers. However, no member of the Guyana Auto Dealers Association was invited this meeting,” the GADA letter stated.
“The cost for an inspection certificate is approximately US$300-$600 which would increase the cost and selling price of motor vehicles. It would be fairer to us if only delinquent dealers are penalized for their actions and one by one added to a list that requires an inspection certificate. A fairer approach to consider is implementing relevant procedures to check imported vehicles when they arrive in Guyana. This would allow for vehicles to be repaired if necessary and inspected before being registered. If not, they are asking for an extension to the January 1st deadline,” it added.