Used vehicles importers given leeway to comply with clean fuel policy

For the next few months, used vehicles and parts can still be imported without having to prescribe to the new emission standards, a government circular showed.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has deferred the implementation of an order that would have otherwise required such imports to use cleaner fuel.

The latest circular, signed in December last year, gives manufacturers and truck rebuilders more time to comply with Euro 4 emission standards.

“It’s because we are not yet ready for Euro 4,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, who heads DTI’s consumer protection group, said in a telephone interview.

The circular allows a two-month transition period for completely built-up used motor vehicles.

Completely knocked down parts and components for truck rebuilding will have a transition period of six months or until June 30 this year.

Thereafter, imports will only be allowed after it has been determined that the vehicles or the parts are compliant with Euro 4 emission standards, a copy of the circular read.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, who signed the circular, also said in a text message that the transition period was for the local industry to “still make available more affordable rebuilt trucks.”

He also noted there was still a “lack of skilled Euro 4 technicians.”