Cabinet changes rules; dealers can import 6-year-old vehicles

The government of Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday announced a change to the policy on importing foreign used vehicles to allow dealers to import vehicles that are up to six years old. The previous age limit was four years.

Trade and Industry Minister, Stephen Cadiz, made the announcement at the post Cabinet media briefing.

He explained that about 150 dealers complained to him at a recent consultation about the restrictions on the age limit for vehicles. They also staged a demonstration to demand changes to allow them to import older cars.

Cadiz said while the limit has changed the regulations would still demand that every vehicle imported is roadworthy.

"Any vehicle over five years old is mandated to undergo a pre-registration inspection. So even though the age of the vehicle is being extended from four to six years, it means that any vehicle coming in now, will literally, as you sit down in Licensing Office, go over the pit," he stated.

He also announced a new mandatory three-month limited warranty on all foreign used vehicles sold in Trinidad and Tobago.

"The consumer has a choice in buying a brand new car with a full-blown factory warranty as against a used vehicle with a three-month warranty. That is a choice for the consumer," he said. 

"What we want to ensure is that as the consumer drives the vehicle out of the yard, the engine does not seize up. The transmission does not fall out in the road, you know, major mechanical failure."

The minister also stated that the government has established an import quota of 13,500 foreign used cars each year.