Cyprus tightens control over the import of used cars after the Takata airbag scandal

Following the international scandal over defective Takata airbags, the government of Cyprus announced the introduction of strict controls on the market for used car imports from third countries, mainly from Japan, where such parts were most commonly used.

Currently, individuals and companies that import and sell used cars from outside the EU are formally not responsible to buyers for defects subject to recall, even if they involve dangerous malfunctions. Official dealers of new cars are only liable for the vehicles they themselves have imported and which have passed European certification.

Previously, importers were not even required to provide proof of the absence of recalls when selling a car. Only about a year ago a rule was introduced obliging registration authorities or new owners to check the car’s VIN number through Japanese manufacturers’ websites. However, further recall information is not directly communicated to such car owners — they must track the situation themselves.

As a result, buyers of new cars from official dealers remain the most protected: by law they must be informed about ongoing recalls.

To change the situation, the Road Safety Council, headed by Transport Minister Alexios Vafeadis, approved a package of nine measures. These include the creation of a registry of used car importers, who will only be allowed to operate if they fulfill the obligations of official dealers, including recall notifications. The reform also provides for an overhaul of the national single-vehicle approval mechanism (NIVA), mandatory recall checks by VIN before car importation, and the creation of a digital data-sharing platform.

Additionally, the plan foresees training for specialists, stronger inter-agency coordination, and the introduction of a risk-assessment system for targeted inspections.

The Association of Importers of Motor and Electric Vehicles suggested banning the registration of used cars from third countries altogether, except for special vehicles (ambulances, cars for people with disabilities, etc.). However, experts pointed out that a full ban could contradict European legislation, which allows such imports provided competition rules are respected.

Meanwhile, the PANSEA association of car traders, which imports used vehicles, proposed shifting responsibility for such cars onto manufacturers and new car dealers. The commission rejected this approach as unlawful, since cars produced for third-country markets may not comply with EU standards and therefore manufacturers are not obliged to extend European guarantees to them.

All proposals of the working group, prepared on the basis of the Takata case report, were approved and will become part of the reform plan. An important element will be the reactivation of the "Road Safety Unit", which had previously lost its effectiveness.

Minister Vafeadis stated that the state intends to eliminate the weak points of the previous system: "We will not allow mistakes to be repeated. The state will act responsibly and consistently." According to him, this concerns not only technical procedures, but also the direct protection of human life and the strengthening of public trust.