You’ll be fined if you import vehicles with used tyres below the required measurement- GRA

Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 May 2017, 12:42 by Denis Chabrol

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Wednesday warned vehicle importers that they will be fined if their vehicles are brought in with used tyres that are not in conformity with recently amended laws.

“It must be noted that importers of vehicles not in conformity will be required to pay the fines per tyre prior to the vehicles being released by Customs,” the GRA said.

This new measure will take effect on June 1.  The tax agency says the fine will range from GYD$10,000 to GYD$15,000.

Vehicle importers and the general public were told that effective June 1, 2017, persons importing vehicles with used tyres including the spare, which do not conform to the stipulated standards set out following the recently amended laws will be required to pay fines for each tyre not in conformity.

The GRA said the category of motor vehicles for which the used tyres are restricted includes motor cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, pick-ups, buses and other similar vehicles. The restriction excludes heavy duty vehicles including trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sector and special purpose vehicles.

The restriction on used tyres became effective on April 1, last. However, the GRA said it has been observed that vehicles are still being imported with used tyres. The standard set for used tyres to be allowed, once they are imported with the vehicle, is no less than 6mm in measurement.

This standard was set and is being monitored by GRA in conjunction with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). However, when tyres are imported separately, only brand new tyres shall be allowed into the country. This measure also became effective April 1 in accordance with the amended Law.

The GRA said importers of used tyres on vehicles not in conformity with the 6 mm and over standard will be fined as follows for each tyre:

GRA wishes to remind the public as well that the Customs duty charged on new tyres was reduced from 30 to 15 percent effective February 1, 2017.