19 January 2018 11:05 am
It was to have come into effect from January 1 as mentioned in the 2017 Budget.
“This decision has been taken after considering a request made by motor vehicle importers and manufacturers for more time to make the required adjustments and comply with the proposed emission standards and safety measures,” the ministry said in a statement.
It said the import of vehicles, which did not carry airbags and seat belts for the driver and the front passenger, Anti-Locking Breaking System (ABS) standards and three-point seat belts at the rear would not be allowed from July 1.
“As this rescheduling of the implementation is made based on the industry representations, the dealers, importers and manufacturers are strictly advised to refrain from establishing any Letter of Credit (LC) for the import of motors vehicles, which do not comply with the specified standards with an estimated arrival date after July 1, 2018.
Further details on the implementation of the new standards for vehicles, including the types of vehicles will be notified by the respective implementation agencies shortly,” the statement said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)