Fate of Car Imports in Iran Hanging in Midair

EghtesadOnline: Iran’s Court of Administrative Justice issued a verdict last week temporarily demanding suspension of the newest government directive which pushed up car tariffs up to 65%. On Monday the minister of industries responded by saying he had not received the court order.

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15 February 2018

Mohammad Shariatmadari says, “As per law, an order issued by CAJ can suspend or abolish a government ruling. However, the ministry has not received such an order yet. We heard about it through the media.”

“The government’s latest amendments to auto import rules still stand,” Shariatmadari was quoted as saying by ISNA.

The government of President Hassan Rouhani introduced the new auto import tariffs in the closing days of 2017. The higher customs duties, especially tariffs on hybrid cars resulted in a public outcry and culminated in a complaint filed with the CAJ, according to Financial Tribune.

On Tuesday the public relations manager of CAJ, Mohsen Ghaemi said, “The court order has been sent to the government’s legal department.”

He said “following the court order, implementation of the [government’s latest auto imports] directive must be suspended in its entirety. Non-compliance with the court order is tantamount to breach of law.”

As the row between the government and CAJ goes on to take new proportions, the price of imported cars is going through the roof with avaricious dealers and importers charging prices as they deem fit. With no visible oversight over the dubious business practices of importers and the army of agents selling imported vehicles, it is the people and car buyers who always get a raw deal.