Batam checks car imports

JAKARTA (JP): The Batam Industrial Development Authority is requiring that all imports of both used and new vehicles pass a preshipment inspection.

Authority chief Ismeth Abdullah said here on Thursday the move was important to prevent the industrial bonded zone from becoming a dumping site for used cars from other countries.

The regulation affects all four-wheeled vehicles and motorbikes, he said. He added that passenger vehicles such as buses, vans and sedans could only be imported if they were used a maximum of two years.

Ismeth said commercial vehicles which could be imported were those used a maximum of five years.

Heavy equipment such as bulldozers and forklifts are exempt from the regulation if they are in good condition. (07)