Digital “folder” for imported used vehicles entering the country through register of imported used cars (MEMO) creates it Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in an attempt to “slow down” the phenomena of offenses identified during customs clearance of vehicles. There are many – usually – unsuspecting drivers who not only bought a car with far more miles than indicated on the odometer, but also may face fines and criminal prosecution from the state for non-payment of VAT and registration fees. At the same time, some scammers import cars with fake documents to avoid customs clearance costs. For example, AADE found tax evasion in a large proportion of imported used cars, for which it is checked whether VAT has been paid. Between April 1 and December 31, 2021, it turned out that 34.2% of the imported used cars checked were not subject to VAT, and the average fine charged per vehicle, according to last year’s announcement, was 6,011 euros.

The goal is to limit the importation of low-quality, low-mileage vehicles and eliminate tax evasion.

According to automotive market participants, these phenomena are quite intense and in fact at a time when consumers are turning to the used car market, as new cars have become more expensive and are often delivered with great delay. On average, there are delays in the delivery of new cars for 6-7 months, while in the Greek market of popular brands there are cases of delays even for a year. So sales of imported used cars are “jumping”, which, according to car market participants, is not very healthy. Greece is the “champion” in Europe for the oldest passenger cars, with an average age of 17 years. “33% of our vehicles are over 20 years old and the average age of trucks is 21 years old,” they note.

With the ministry’s new digital platform launched on Monday, used car importers documents relating to the importation of the vehicle and its circulation must be posted. These documents concern certificates of conformity, foreign technical inspection reports submitted for registration to the Greek registration authority, customs registration certificate, as well as information on the category of the vehicle, brand, cubic capacity, type of fuel, date of first registration in a foreign country, number vehicle arrival declarations, etc. Thus, the platform will store all data on the importation and first registration of used vehicles, which will allow the competent authorities to access them and carry out checks. The platform allows operators to verify the authenticity of vehicle details provided by importers, allowing them to be verified with official dealers and foreign MOTs. According to the ministry, market consolidation is facilitated by the possibility of centralized supervision and control of imported used cars in order to exclude the sale of cars that distort competition (for example, cars that are broken, cars with a changed odometer, etc.). ..etc.).