GRA issues warning over used tyres

Importers of vehicles are at risk of being fined if their vehicles are brought in with used tyres that are not in conformity with recently amended laws, says the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The  GRA in a statement published on its website yesterday, said the new measure will take effect from June 1, 2017; fines will range from $10,000 to $15,000 per tyre.

“The restriction on used tyres became effective on April 1, last. However, it has been observed that vehicles are still being imported with used tyres. The standard set for used tyres to be allowed (once they are imported with the vehicle) is no less than 6mm in measurement,” the statement said.

This being said, persons importing vehicles with used tyres including the spare, which do not conform to the stipulated standards set out following the recently amended Laws will be required to pay fines for each tyre not in conformity.

“This standard was set and is being monitored by GRA in conjunction with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). However, when tyres are imported separately, only brand new tyres shall be allowed into the country. This measure also became effective April 1 in accordance with the amended Law,” the statement added.

The category of motor vehicles for which the used tyres are restricted includes motor cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, pick-ups, buses and other similar vehicles. The restriction excludes heavy-duty vehicles including trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sector and special purpose vehicles.

The GRA said importers of used tyres on vehicles not in conformity with the 6 mm and over standard will be fined as follows for each tyre:

The GRA also reminded  that the Customs duty charged on new tyres was reduced from 30 to 15 percent effective February 1, 2017.