By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
The Sri Lanka Automobile Association in Japan (SLAAJ) has lodged a formal complaint with the Controller General of the Import and Export Control Department in Sri Lanka, alleging that a certain company is attempting to bring in vehicles manufactured in 2022, violating the restriction on importing vehicles produced after January 15, 2023.
As per the complaint, the importer is pressuring three Japanese agencies responsible for issuing vehicle quality certifications to manipulate manufacturing dates, falsely making it appear that the vehicles comply with import regulations. Allegedly, at least 150 such vehicles were brought into the country this week using altered production dates.
Government policies strictly state that only vehicles manufactured after January 15, 2023, are eligible for import.
However, SLAAJ claims that this company is exploiting certification agencies to bring in 2022 models under fraudulent manufacturing records.
The association further emphasized that such fraudulent activities violate government regulations, and vehicles imported using falsified documents should be barred from entering the Sri Lankan market.
As a solution, SLAAJ has called for these vehicles to be re-exported.
Additionally, the association noted that the first batch of vehicles from Thailand is expected to arrive this month, while the initial shipment from Japan is scheduled for mid-next month.
According to SLAAJ, nearly 2,000 vehicles are expected to be included in Japan’s first shipment.
