Prompted by the issues that arose with defective TAKATA airbags and the recalls of imported used cars from Japan, MPs Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis, Nikos Sykas, and Stavros Papadouris submitted a proposal for a law recommending changes in the import process for both used and new cars, as well as during the MOT inspection.

Specifically, the proposed law suggests that during the periodic technical inspection of vehicles, there should also be a simultaneous check for the presence of unsuitable or defective components. Additionally, when registering any new or imported vehicle, a relevant form should be completed if it contains defective or unsuitable parts.

OffsiteNews contacted two of the three proponents of the law, Mr. Stavros Papadouris and Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis.

Regarding the proposed law, Mr. Stavros Papadouris stated that it has two aspects. His part seeks to establish a safeguard for the future to ensure, as he emphasized, that "we do not find ourselves in the same situation again as with the TAKATA airbags."

In particular, the proposed law states that regardless of who is selling a car—whether it is a dealership, an importer of used cars, a private lot, or an individual who decided to bring a car for personal use or later resale—a safeguard is introduced.

Specifically, on the day the car is registered or when someone wishes to transfer ownership of the car, they will be required to provide the relevant authority (the Department of Road Transport) with a certificate proving that on the day of the transfer, the car is not under recall.

If someone imports a car subject to recall, they will need to ensure, whether they are a professional or a private individual, that the defective component is replaced before selling it. The ultimate goal is for the consumer, driver, or new owner to know that at the moment they acquire the car, it has been inspected. If a new recall arises in the future, the new owner will handle the necessary procedures.

However, on the day the car is delivered, the system will ensure that the vehicle has been inspected, thereby avoiding future unpleasant situations, he concluded.

For his part, Mr. Hadjiyiannis stated that during MOT and SVA technical inspections, recall parameters will also be checked. He further stated that if a car is subject to recalls, it must be inspected. It may not pass the MOT or SVA. Therefore, in cases where recalls exist, the car will not be allowed to be imported into Cyprus.

However, as OffsiteNews has learned, the parliamentary transport committee, where this specific proposed law will be discussed today, will seek the opinion of experts on whether this proposal can be practically implemented and whether its application can significantly alleviate the issue of defective components in imported cars from third countries.