VICTORIA, Seychelles, Motor vehicles dealers who do not react to product recalls from car manufacturers will be fined or have their licence revoked, under the revised Vehicle Importation Policy 2023 approved by Cabinet recently. The principal secretary for Trade within the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade, Francis Lebon, gave the details during a press conference held yesterday morning at the Trade division, Maison Esplanade. He was accompanied by principal secretary Patrick Andre and the director policy and safety Bertrand Loze from the Ministry of Transport.
Mr Lebon said the policy establishes that it is necessary to have a product recall mechanism for motor dealers so they remain responsible to communicate the information to consumers and give them the necessary recourse any time there is a product recall on a particular brand of vehicle. It will become an offence and it will carry fines and penalties for dealers who do not react to recall notices issued by manufacturers, he told reporters. The aim is to ensure that the consumer is always informed and protected.
He explained that the policy has been revised to address gaps that emerged in the original framework and to align the country with international best practice. The new rules introduce clearer timelines for dealers to respond to recall notices, set out the documentation that must be kept, and outline the steps that the licensing authority can take when a dealer fails to comply. The penalties have been set at a level that the ministry considers both proportionate and dissuasive.
Mr Lebon also noted that the revised policy includes provisions for the protection of consumers who purchase second-hand vehicles. Under the new rules, dealers will be required to provide a clearer picture of the history of a vehicle, including any previous accident damage, before the sale is completed. The ministry believes that this will reduce disputes and improve confidence in the local motor trade.
The principal secretary added that the policy will be reviewed again in two years to assess its effectiveness and to make any necessary adjustments. He encouraged members of the public who have questions about the new rules to contact the Trade division or visit the ministry website for further information. Mr Lebon was speaking as the government continues its wider effort to modernise the regulatory framework governing consumer protection in Seychelles.
