The Association of Importers of Motor and Electric Vehicles (SEMIO), a member of OEB, considers it necessary to take a public position in relation to the statements of the Minister of Transport, as presented in his article “In Business News” on 04.12.2025.
SEMIO emphasizes the Minister’s admission that the uncontrolled import of used vehicles from third countries – without European type approval – takes place in Cyprus to a much greater extent than in any other member state of the European Union. This phenomenon has been repeatedly pointed out by SEMIO and that it is a unique case in Europe, as it constitutes a serious deviation from the provisions of European Regulation 858/2020 (hereinafter the “Regulation”). It is noted that what SEMIO repeatedly pointed out regarding the non-implementation of the Regulation, was also confirmed by the findings of the Report of the Investigative Committee dated 11.07.2025, which explicitly states that, despite the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 from September 2020, the Republic of Cyprus did not proceed either then or until today to adopt the required implementing provisions.
At the same time, SEMIO notes the Minister’s statement that there is a significant gap in the responsibility of economic operators who import used vehicles from third countries, especially in matters of information and recall management. In practice, consumers who buy such vehicles do not receive any official information about existing recalls from “grey” importers, while at the same time the relevant legislation defining their responsibilities does not apply.
SEMIO agrees with the Minister’s position that the responsibility for recalls lies with the organization requesting the European type-approval and emphasizes that this responsibility includes both informing the owners and arranging or replacing the affected parts, when required. Furthermore, SEMIO points out that the Minister’s statements regarding
The Regulation leaves no room for the choice of “stricter” or “looser” standards. On the contrary, it requires uniform and mandatory application of its rules in all cases. Even where alternative technical requirements are envisaged, these must offer an equivalent level of safety and not just different or looser criteria.
The unprecedented practical issuance and systematic use of NIVA certificates in Cyprus for commercial imports of used vehicles is an abuse of procedure and a violation of the Regulation. This procedure, which is reserved exclusively for “individual” vehicles, reverses the purpose of the Regulation, which is to ensure uniform rules and a high level of safety in the European market. Most importantly, however, it leaves drivers and citizens of Cyprus exposed to increased risks — from incomplete recalls to serious road safety issues.
SEMIO has never supported or sought to restrict the Cypriot citizen to the purchase of a used or new vehicle. On the contrary, it calls for the full and correct implementation of the provisions of the Regulation, so that every vehicle imported into Cyprus has the European safety and emission standards. Our goal remains one: to protect the lives and safety of all our drivers and fellow citizens.
