Automobile Market: Radiation Monitoring In Force Again

11 years, 6 months ago - 17 May 2013, Le Matinal

The relief only lasted a month. After removing the radiation monitoring of second-hand vehicles and spare parts imported from Japan in April, the government decided to reintroduce the measure Thursday. Reason given: to ensure that no product contaminated with radioactive elements are introduced into the country.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the decision to impose control on the second-hand vehicles and spare parts from the country of the rising sun was in March 2011, following the nuclear accident at Fukushima.

A technical committee was established to monitor the situation closely since the incident. The committee had recommended the lifting of the control as a result the risk of contamination was minimal. However, thereafter, apprehensions have arisen. The government has decided, in the interest of the public, to reintroduce controls that existed before.

Thus, the 'Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 1999' and 'Consumer Protection (Importation and Sale of Second-Hand Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2004' were amended Thursday. Imported vehicles and spare parts must be checked for radiation before their boat and will be subject to inspection by the Radiation Protection Authority on arrival. In addition, importers must have a bank guarantee certifying that their products comply with the Mauritian standards.