Importing a wide range of used goods, some used car parts and vehicles more than five years old will be banned, Abdullah Ahmed Zainal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said in a statement. The ministry circulated the statement to relevant departments for enactment with the beginning of the new Hijra year. It will be illegal to import various used goods such as electrical appliances and clothes, the statement said. The statement also includes a requirement that local tire retreading factories have their products checked at laboratories licensed by the ministry. The ministry directed its inspectors to check the tires sold in local markets and ensure that factories are complying with regulations. In addressing used car parts, the statement said only major components such as transmissions, differentials and engines can be imported. These parts should be reconditioned, free from grease and oil, packed in boxes and have certificates of compliance and labels showing that they have been reconditioned, the statement said. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is allowing used vehicles less than five years old to be imported, if they are checked by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization or other similar organizations that are licensed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Importing used cars more than five years old for the purpose of using their parts is not permitted, the statement said.
