Since 2010, when the EU directive on problematic vehicles was issued, Cypriot authorities failed to establish a regulatory framework for the supervision and thorough inspection of used cars, according to an investigation ordered by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades after the Takata airbags chaos. 

The investigation, conducted by a designated officer, sought to determine why no oversight body was ever created for vehicle inspections. According to Brief, the report was reviewed by Transport Ministry Director-General Marina Ioannou, who prepared a related policy note. Based on this note, Minister Vafeades briefed the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Following the Cabinet meeting, Vafeades stated that the briefing outlined events from 2010 to the present. He also referenced the 2017-2018 Road Transport Department (TOM) circular and EU Regulation 2018/858 but did not disclose further details.

A key takeaway from Vafeades’ remarks is that he has ordered a deeper investigation into the issue. He committed to submitting a new proposal next week to examine events from 2010 onward and establish the actual facts.

Previously, in an interview with Brief, the minister indicated plans to draft legislation regulating professional used car sales. The bill will also aim to combat illegal trading and unfair competition within the sector.

The administrative investigation found no disciplinary liability concerning the 2017 TOM circular, which was directed at the Association of Motor Vehicle Importers (SEMHO). The report concluded that the circular could not have included specific provisions for handling "grey" vehicles by other entities.

Since 2010, thousands of vehicle owners have never been informed about manufacturer recalls, defective parts, or potential safety hazards.

The report acknowledges that a parallel circular should have been issued, outlining procedures for handling recalls of grey market vehicles, a practice now in place.

According to the Ministry's report, there is no evidence that political or special interest pressures influenced the lack of regulatory action. In 2017, it was clarified that importers are not responsible for vehicles entering Cyprus without EU approval.