Car importers accused of bringing used cars by air

VietNamNet Bridge – More and more luxury cars are coming to Vietnam by air instead of by sea. However, automobile dealers believe that many car importers are ‘dodging the law’ as used cars are not allowed to be brought to Vietnam by air.

The Vantage Roadster, which arrived in Noi Bai airport on June 24

A lot of luxury cars of different brand names, including Porsche, Cadillac, Rolls Royce Phantom and Bentley, have been flown to Vietnam. Analysts say that it costs some $4000 to 10,000 to bring a car to Vietnam by air, a ‘reasonable level’ compared to the cost of being brought by sea, while it is faster and safer.

However, in fact, car importers and owners do not have a choice on whether they can bring cars to Vietnam by air or by sea. Current laws stipulate that only brand new cars can be brought to Vietnam by air, while used cars must be shipped by sea.

A car with the mileage of 10,000 kilometres is considered a used car.

Meanwhile, a well-known car importer in HCM City is claiming that many luxury cars which have been imported recently by air are used cars. “I’m afraid that if this is not stopped, it will create a bad precedent,” he said.

Deputy General Director of Department of Customs Nguyen Van Can said that he had not heard about shipments of used cars by air. However, he has promised to check and clarify the issue.

According to Can, used cars only can enter Vietnam through Hai Phong port, Cai Lan port in Quang Ninh province, HCM City and Da Nang.

Customs procedures must be followed by importers right at the local border gates where importers register for customs clearance. Used imports only get cleared after their quality is assessed by the Vietnam Registration Administration (VRA) and importers pay tax.

VietNamNet, VNE, TT