Batam checks car imports

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)