Report regarding importation of vehicles

With reference to the report 'Van-ana split' carried in The People of 17th July, it is notified that the vehicles concerned are not simply 'being kept at Laboratory Wharf pending their clearance'. They have in fact been witheld by Customs following reports filed by Customs Officers that the classification given by the importer at the time of importation was not correct.

Front halves of vehicles complete with engines and axles, as in the present case cannot be released as body parts but must pay their full dues as complete vehicles, including duty, ETI and the Car Registration Fee which is based on a minimum value corresponding to the engine capacity.

As regards the importation of rear parts of vehicles, these are not deemed to comprise the complete vehicle and therefore may be released as car body parts, subject to the payment of duty (where applicable) and ETI. There would otherwise be no other grounds on which they should be witheld by Customs.