Global Used Car Import Policies at a Glance Greece, Turkey and Angola

Mondo Cars Updated on 2024-01-30

The automotive markets in Greece, Turkey, and Angola face challenges and changes in diversification. The Greek used car market performed well in 2022, with the new car market declining due to global ** chain issues, while Turkey struggled to promote the local electric vehicle industryAt the same time, strict environmental protection and tax policies are implemented for imported vehicles. Due to the economic downturn in Angola and the sluggish sales of new cars, the public is more inclined to used cars imported from overseas, ** customs duties and VAT are levied on imported vehicles, and customs clearance deadlines are set at the same time. The auto market policies of these three countries have been adjusted according to local conditions to meet the needs of their economies and environments.

(1) Basic information:

Location: Europe, Asia and Africa meet and are strategically important.

Basic information: the capital of Athens, the land of land 1320,000 square kilometers with a population of 1,06790 thousand.

Port of Piraeus: One of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, invested and developed by China's COSCO Group, 9 km from Athens.

Greece economic data (2021): GDP is about 211.6 billion US dollars, GDP per capita is 1$980,000.

Belt and Road Cooperation:

In August 2018, Greece became the first developed European country to sign a memorandum of understanding with China.

In 2021, China and Greece** totaled 121500 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 556%。

Exports and imports: China exports to Greece 111800 million US dollars, an increase of 58 percent year-on-year8%;9. Imported from GreeceUS$700 million, an increase of 26% year-on-year.

(2) The second-hand car market

Driving rules: Greece is a left-hand drive country, with about 600 cars per 1,000 people.

Market history: After the world economic crisis in 2008, the Greek new car market soared**, but from 2012 to 2019, it achieved positive growth for seven consecutive years.

New car market data for the past three years:

In 2020, due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, the sales of new cars in Greece fell by 28% year-on-year.

In 2021, the new car market gradually recovered, with 11 vehicles sold throughout the year10,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 267%。

In 2022, due to the global chain crisis and regional conflicts, the delivery of new cars in the Greek market was delayed, and the sales volume fell again, with sales of 590,000 units, down 64%。

Imported used cars:

In the first four months of 2022, new car sales in Greece declined, while imported used car sales grew at double-digit rates.

Delays in new car deliveries,** and dealers not offering discounts are the main reasons for the current situation. According to data from the Greek National Bureau of Statistics, new passenger cars on the road in April 2022 fell by 75%。

The used car market in Greece is thriving:

In the first four months of 2022, new car sales fell 5% year-on-year, while imported used car sales increased by 36% year-on-year9%, accounting for 45% of all car sales8%。

In July 2022, the number of imported used cars increased further, reaching 7,171 units, showing the continued growth trend of the used car market.

Delayed delivery of new cars:Market professionals point out that the problem of delayed deliveries of new cars began last summer, but the situation has not improved, but worsened.

Best-selling used car models: Toyota Yaris, Fiat Punto Multiiet, Volkswagen Polo, Citroen C3, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa and Hyundai i20 are the best-selling used car models in Greece.

New measures: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of GreeceOn January 23, 2022, the "Imported Used Cars** Database" was launched, requiring importers to upload relevant documents on the platform to ensure compliance with imported vehicles, Greece** wants to avoid violations through registration.

These documents relate to the vehicle factory certificate, foreign technical inspection report, customs registration certificate, as well as relevant information about the vehicle category, brand, engine size, fuel type, date of first foreign registration, arrival declaration number and other vehicle information. )

(2) Policies and regulations on the import of second-hand cars

1. Import policy

Greece Used Car Market:

Import requirements: Used cars imported from Greece must meet at least Euro 4 emission standards.

Environmental fees: An additional environmental fee of 3,000 euros and 1,000 euros for used cars with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards will be levied to promote the development of electric vehicles.

Registration process: Imported second-hand cars need to be in METhe MO registry carries out detailed registration, including chassis number, make, model, engine capacity and other information.

Inspections and fines: Random checks of registration information are carried out every 3 months, and inaccuracies can result in fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 euros.

New Energy Vehicle Development Policy:

Subsidy policy: ** for purchasesA subsidy of 8,000 euros for new energy vehicles is provided, and an additional 4,000 euros for island residents can be subsidized.

Tax standards: The taxes paid by enterprises are set according to different standards of carbon emissions, encouraging low-carbon emission vehicles and stimulating the consumption of new energy vehicles.

Difficulty in promotion: Due to the improvement of the traditional fuel vehicle industry chain in Europe, the promotion of new energy vehicles is still facing great difficulties, and the number of ownership is low.

Charging pile construction:Greece already has 3,644 charging piles, 1,598 charging points, and plans to build 8,000.

Market share: In 2022, the market share of new energy vehicles in Greece will be about 18% (including hybrids).

2. Tax policy

Greece imposes different taxes and fees on used cars from the EU and non-EU regionsVehicles from EU member states:The main payment is the registration fee.

Vehicles shipped from third countries to the EU: mainly including registration fees, customs duties, VAT, etc.;

(1) Registration fee: registration fee = (pre-tax retail price of new car - depreciation**) classification coefficient

Depreciation**:Depreciation is calculated as a percentage of depreciation based on the model and vehicle of the used car**;

Classification Coefficients:It is divided into details according to the specifications of the vehicle's CO2 emissions and emission standards.

It is worth noting that hybrid vehicles are exempted from the registration fee by 50%, and pure electric vehicles are not required to pay the registration fee.

(2) Tariffs:Used cars imported into the EU from third countries are subject to an import duty of 10% of the customs value.

(3) VAT:Passenger cars imported from third countries are subject to VAT at 24% of their taxable value.

3. Documents required for import

The original registration certificate of the vehicle in a foreign country.

Certificate, issued by the state transport and communications authority, which reads as follows:

1.The date of classification and circulation in China and its registration number;

2.The date on which it was removed from the vehicle register of the Ministry of Transport and Communications;

3.Engine type, fuel type, chassis number and engine displacement;

4.Factory of the vehicle Manufacturer and type;

5.Details of the owner.

The vehicle's registration certificate in Greece or a copy of its registration certificate.

A statement of responsibility of the interested party stating the identification information and registration number of the vehicle in our country and abroad, and declaring that the vehicle is the same vehicle as the vehicle previously registered and circulated in the country.

(1) Basic information:

Basic information: Spanning Asia and Europe, the capital Ankara, with a land area of 78It is 40,000 square kilometers and has a population of 85 million.

Economic data (2021): GDP is about 796 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 11%, and the per capita GDP reaches 9407 US dollars.

Middle Earth** (2021): $34.2 billion, up 42% year-on-year.

Exports and imports: China exports 291 to Turkey500 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 422%;China imports 50 from Turkey500 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 351%。

(2) The automobile market

Automotive industry: Turkey is a left-hand drive country, with about 250 cars per 1,000 people. ** One of the largest industrial sectors in Turkey, it is a manufacturing hub for several European and Japanese manufacturers, while meeting domestic demand and exporting to Europe, the Levant and North Africa.

Market volatility: The volatility of the lira over the past decade has had an impact on market stability, with the automotive market declining in the second half of 2017 and **35 in 20181%, 2019**228%。

Sales in 2021: 7370,000 units, down 46%, and passenger cars increased by 57 year-on-year5%, light commercial vehicles increased by 77 year-on-year2%。

New energy development in 2023: With fierce global competition, Turkey has taken action to promote the development of the local electric vehicle industry, which can produce 1.5 million vehicles per year, 70-80% of which will be exported to Europe. Signed a customs union** agreement with the European Union, following Europe's carbon-free plan, hoping to become a hub for electric vehicle production.

Export-oriented industries: Turkey's automotive industry is mainly exported to other countries, accounting for about 75%-80% of production. The EU countries are its main export markets, especially in the passenger car sector.

Production growth: According to the Turkish Automobile Manufacturers Association, from January to May this year, Turkish automakers produced about 6160,000 vehicles, an increase of nearly 20% year-on-year.

Used Car Imports: Turkey via multiple ports such asPorts such as Istanbul Port, Ambari Port, Gimlik Port, Sanson Port, Trabzon Port, Iskenderun Port, Mersin Port, and Izmir PortImported used cars:

Best-selling used models: Best-selling second-hand models include Toyota Hiace, BMW 3 Series, Toyota Gaia (GAIA), Toyota Mark X, Toyota Noah (NOAH), Toyota Supra, Porsche 911, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Prius, etc.

(3) Policies and regulations on the import of second-hand cars

1. Import policy

Import of used car permits: The import of used cars in Turkey requires permission from the Ministry of **, and there is no limit on the age of the vehicle, but it is necessary to regularly go to a Tovturk authorized test center for testing.

Customs declaration: Imported vehicles need to be declared and registered at the customs and submit a certificate of conformity issued by the Ministry of Industry and Science and Technology or its authorized agency.

Different ways for different groups of people:

a.Vehicles for personal use:Entering Turkey with a vehicle for personal use requires registration on the passport, and Turkish residents are not allowed to temporarily import vehicles.

b.Diplomat Vehicle:Diplomats who return home permanently are allowed to import used cars that are not more than 3 years old.

c.Non-Turkish Residents:Imported foreign registered vehicles are eligible for tax exemption and are allowed to drive on the road for 24 months from the date of importation.

Electric Vehicle Exports:

Companies that export electric vehicles need to be owned in TurkeyAt least 140 authorized service stationsand set up a ** service center. Provisions may affectImported cars from China, which is exempt from this restriction on goods imported into EU countries.

A number of companies are seeking to revise or postpone the implementation of this provision, arguing that it is almost impossible to meet the requirements.

2. Tax policy

Taxes and fees for imported used cars:Imported used cars from Turkey are subject to customs duties, VAT, special consumption tax, etc.

The customs duty rate is 10% and the VAT rate is 18%.

Adjusted for 2020:In November 2020, Turkey announced an increase in the import of automobiles.

The total tax rate for imported vehicles with a displacement of 1,600 ml or more will be increased from 60% to 80%, and the total tax rate for high-end imported vehicles will be increased from 160% to 220%.

Electric Vehicle Tax Adjustments:In February 2021, Turkey** changed the excise tax on electric vehicles from the current one3% to 15% to 10% to 60%. Experts believe this could hinder the adoption and adoption of electric vehicles in Turkey.

Turkey Tariff Adjustment:

According to the ** decision of March 2023, Turkey has made a significant increase in the number of pure electric vehicles (HS code: 8703.) imported from China80.10.11 and 870380.10.19)An additional tariff of 40% is imposed, bringing the cumulative tariff to 50%. Previously, the tax rate on new energy electric vehicles in various countries was 10%.

This is much higher than the world average, and the tax rate on car imports in many countries is generally around 10%. This high tariff has attracted attention, and some industry insiders believe that it may exceed the standard of "punitive high tariff", which is usually used in the event of a war or anti-dumping investigation.

Possible barriers: This behavior is believed to be a possible indication that the barriers will face a gradual escalation in the process of China's new energy vehicle exports.

3. Documents required for import

Commercial invoice. Certificate of Origin.

Original Bill of Lading (BOL) – Chassis and engine numbers must be shown.

Proforma invoice. Original purchase on a commercial invoice.

An insurance policy.

Original Certificate of Ownership and Registration.

Passport.

(1) Basic information:

Angola Overview: Angola is located in southwest Africa, the capital of Luanda, with a population of 32.87 million.

Economic indicators: Angola's GDP in 2021 was US$70.3 billion, up 12 percent year-on-year7%, with a GDP per capita of $2,201.

Bilateral**: In 2021, the bilateral ** amount between China and Angola was 235200 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 446%, China's exports are 24900 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 423%, imports 210US$300 million, a year-on-year increase of 449%。

(2) The automobile market

Car status: Angola is a left-hand drive country, with about 36 cars per 1,000 people.

New car sales: New car sales reached an all-time high in 2014, but since 2015, the economic downturn has led to a downturn in the new car sales market, with only 2,276 new car sales in 2021.

Second-hand car market: Angolan people mainly rely on used cars imported from overseas as a substitute for new cars, mainly through Luanda, Durban and other ports. Best-selling used car brands include Volkswagen, Renault, Chevrolet, Jeep, Ford, Honda, Mazda, etc.

(3) Policies and regulations on the import of second-hand cars

1. Import policy

Import Restrictions and Enforcement: The National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) emphasizes compliance with Order No. 155 20**, which prohibits the import of used vehicles that have exceeded the specified age limit.

The provisions of the ** Order, which came into force on June 1, 2020:The maximum import period is five years for used light vehicles, eight years for used heavy vehicles, and three years for used motorcycles, from the date of the first registration of its manufacturer.

An ANTT spokesperson reminded importers to comply with local laws and that no vehicle may be imported without ANTT approval. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, while in some cases, the car may be returned to the country of origin.

Types of Used Car Imports: Diplomats in Angola usually carry out temporary imports, and final imports are for vehicles intended for resale or personal use.

2. Tax policy

Used cars imported into Angola are subject to customs duties and VAT. The details are as follows:

1.Tariffs are determined according to the type of vehicle imported:

a.For temporarily imported vehicles,Angola allows vehicles to stay at the port for 2 years, with the possibility of an extension of one year, subject to a fee40-45% of CIF landings** (CIF).As an agreed deposit, it will be refunded when the vehicle is re-exported.

b.For permanently imported vehicles, the duty is 10% (5% for pickups)., plus the corresponding VAT. In particular, it is indicated that the vehicle should be cleared upon arrival at the port of Luanda, and if it is cleared more than 30 days after arriving in Angola, it willA 5% fee for landing** is charged

2.VAT is determined according to the type of fuel and displacement of the vehicle:

Depending on the type of vehicle and displacementApplicable %and other different tax rates:

It is important to note that the vehicle should be cleared at the port of Luanda and if it is cleared more than 30 days after arrival in Angola, a 5% fee will be charged for landing**.

3. Documents required for import

Original purchase invoice.

A copy of the entry visa.

A letter of employment (must indicate the name, position, and company of the person who will accept the vehicle hired by the company).

Copies of passports with Angolan entry visa stamps.

Contributor Cards" and "Resident Cards" are duplicated one by one.

A declaration of value signed by the shipper.

Packing a single one in English or Portuguese.

Tax ID (Import License).

A copy of the ticket showing a valid return coupon.

If the vehicle is imported for the company, an import license is required.

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