Corruption, outdated systems or a policy of toleration. According to Minister Andrew Baasaron, it does not matter how and why vehicles that were not allowed to enter the country were nevertheless imported; a new state decree must put an end to this practice. The EZOTI minister told KeyNews that he inherited this situation and has already taken some action. Importers cleverly exploited loopholes in the law, thereby circumventing tax obligations.
“I was somewhat tied hand and foot because importers were making use of loopholes in the law. So I had the state decree amended.” According to the minister, this means cars older than five years are classified as collectors’ items. “A 25-year-old Vits or Prado is not a collector’s item. So we amended the law.”
Very old cars are currently being imported which, according to Baasaron, are environmentally polluting. In addition, these outdated vehicles require maintenance more frequently. “So in the long run,” the minister reasons, “the new owner will also suffer from it.”
The minister will also sharply reduce the granting of exemptions. According to Baasaron, exemptions mean a loss of revenue for the government, while the aim is precisely the opposite.
