Azerbaijan not to increase customs fee on import of cars

Azerbaijan is not expected to increase customs duties on imports of cars not complying with Euro-2, the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee head Aydin Aliyev said.

"At present, the issue of increasing customs duties on import of cars to Azerbaijan, not complying with Euro-2 standard, is not on the agenda," Aliyev said. Earlier, the State Committee proposed to increase customs rates on imported cars because of the anticipated reduction in revenue by reducing the total imports to the country.

He said that the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee expects significant positive results from imposing restrictions on imports of harmful environmental vehicles to the country, as well as hindering the quality of movement.

"Before the Customs combat the import of cars, unfit for exploitation, to the country, now this serious work will be conducted at a higher level", Aliyev said.

Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers issued a decree on measures to bring the requirements on emissions of hazardous substances of cars in Azerbaijan (import and production in the Republic) into line with European standards. According to the decision, environmental standard Euro-2 ( emission of harmful substances) will be imposed for vehicles from July 1, 2010. An action plan to align requirements on emissions of hazardous substances with European standards was approved by the same plan of actions.

According to data provided by experts, about 57,600 tons of carbon monoxide are evolved to the atmosphere by motor vehicles in Azerbaijan within one month. The figure is about 691.200 tons this year.

According to the State Statistical Committee, more than 63.400 cars were imported to Azerbaijan (28.8% less than in 2008).

The total value of passenger cars imported in 2009, amounted to about $455.9 million, which is 29.8% less than in 2008.

According to NGO 'Participants of the property market', proposals for car brands on the Azerbaijani market are formed as follows: Mersedes Benz - 37,53%, Toyota - 8,36 percent, BMW - 11%, VAZ - 6,69%, Hyundai - 6.22%, Nissan-3,58%, Mitsubishi - 3,51%, Opel - 2,96%, Volkswagen-2,31%, other brands - 17.82%.

The share of foreign cars on the market is more than 70%.

There were about 70,000-75,000 cars in 1992. But today their number is close to 1 million.


/Trend/