CMTA questions move to allow import of 10-year-old buses

• Calls for balanced approach to import regulations for commercial vehicles and buses 

The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) yesterday expressed reservations about the decision taken to relax import restrictions on commercial vehicles and buses as the new policy allows the import of buses up to 10 years old, as opposed to the previous limit of 5 years.

While acknowledging the positive step towards easing import restrictions, the association emphasised the need for a sustainable approach to manage foreign currency expenditure on vehicle imports.

With reference to allowing the import of 10-year old buses, CMTA said, “This change in age restriction could lead to very lower purchasing prices for these buses initially. However, the resulting outflow for vehicle repairs & spare parts can reverse this benefit in the coming years.  Such short-term policy measures should be reconsidered and investigated.   

“Buses with a 10-year age or more typically have covered approximately 1 million kilometres, which equates to around 100,000 kilometres per year. The CMTA has also raised concerns of the environmental and safety impacts of buses that are 10-years of age and their road worthiness, especially if they are not properly tested beforehand,” it added.

CMTA also cautioned that the primary beneficiaries of importing older vehicles would be the importers or sellers as these entities could acquire the vehicles at lower costs and then increase their profit margins when reselling them to operators, given the current high demand.

Additionally, the association flagged the potential risk of mileage tampering before reselling these vehicles, a practice that the CMTA strongly believes could become more prevalent in the country if unchecked.

“The CMTA strongly recommends that the relevant authorities take the necessary precautions and implement sustainable policies that benefit all stakeholders,” the association stressed.