Regulations to Prevent Import of Motor Vehicles with Known Defects into Singapore
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns regulations for importing defective vehicles and the response to Honda Vezel recalls, as raised by Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and Mr Ang Hin Kee. Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that importers must verify safety standards before registration and notify the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of any post-registration defects. He noted that non-compliant dealers face fines up to $50,000 and that LTA initiated legal actions following the April 2016 recall of Honda Japan vehicles. As of September 2017, 42% of affected vehicles have been rectified, with importers required to verify repairs against manufacturer specifications. Minister Khaw Boon Wan affirmed that LTA continues to investigate non-compliance to ensure the safety of all vehicles, including those for hire.
Transcript
5 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport whether there are regulations in place to prevent the import of motor vehicles into Singapore that have known defects or have been subject to a manufacturer's recall.
6 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) when was the LTA notified and made aware about the manufacturer's recall and rectification of Honda Vezel vehicles owned by Uber in Singapore; (b) what were the actions taken in this case; (c) how does LTA ensure that all imported vehicles are safe, especially when they are used as vehicles for hire and reward; and (d) what actions will be taken against corporate entities or individuals who knowingly violate safety measures or ignore safety concerns.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Importers and dealers must provide documentary proof that their motor vehicles meet international vehicle safety standards before the motor vehicles can be registered for use in Singapore. Should defects be uncovered after registration, they are required to notify the Land Transport Authority (LTA), affected vehicle owners and prospective buyers of the defects and also arrange to recall and repair the vehicles. Vehicle owners must also produce their vehicles for rectification after receiving recall notices from their importers or dealers, after which it is the duty of importers and dealers to verify that the rectifications have been done in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications and update LTA on the rectification progress. Importers and dealers who do not comply with the vehicle recall regulations will be fined up to $2,000 for each vehicle, subject to a maximum fine of $50,000.
In April 2016, LTA was informed of Honda Japan's recall of their Honda Vezel cars, some of which are owned by Lion City Rental, a subsidiary of Uber. LTA immediately informed all importers and dealers of affected vehicles to recall the vehicles for rectification. LTA also requested the Automobile Importer and Exporter Association and the Singapore Vehicle Traders Association to remind their members to begin recalling affected Honda Vezel cars for rectification.
Out of the 113 importers and dealers who sold affected Honda Vezels, 89 have notified their customers of the recall and started rectifying the vehicles. Of the remaining 24 importers and dealers who have not done so, LTA has taken legal action against three and is investigating the rest. As of 4 September 2017, 42% of all affected Honda Vezels have been rectified.