DTI defers rule on Euro 4 compliance

By Janina C. Lim
Reporter
The Department of Trade and Industry has put on hold the implementation of a rule banning the importation of engines and used motor vehicles that are not compliant with the Euro 4 emissions standard.
Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the deferment was made through the issuance of Memorandum Circular 18-16, and was in response to a clamor by a group of truck rebuilders to move the effectivity of DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 18-04 to next year.
The DAO, issued last year, seeks compliance of emission standards for the importation of used motor vehicles and parts and components under the Philppiine Clean Air Act of 1999.
The policy, which would prohibit the entry of truck engines and auto components that are not Euro 4, was supposed to take effect Jan. 1 this year.
“Request lang nila wag muna kasi di pa ready, wala pa mekaniko at di pa maafford ng mga tao, ng regular SME na kailangan ng trucks,” Mr. Lopez told reporters last week. (They requested the deferment because they’re not ready, there are no mechanics yet and people can’t afford [the purchases under the new rule]).
“We’re listening naman. Basta papapasa sa (So long as their orders pass) motor vehicle inspection, emission tests,” he added.
Under the memo circular, signed Dec. 17, 2018, the DTI gave stakeholders a transition period of two months for importation of completely built up used motor vehicles.
A longer transition period, totaling six months, was given for those importing completely knocked down parts and components for truck rebuilding activities.
After the said transition period, concerned items will only be granted a compliance certificate once these are determined compliant with Euro 4 standards.
The clearance for the importation of truckbuilding parts will also be determined on whether they derive from vehicles that are included in the DTI’s list of models approved for rebuilding.
Since 2016, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau has been issuing Certificates of Conformity only to Euro 4 vehicles. The certificate is a requirement for initial registration of vehicles with the Land Transportation Office.