Right-hand drive cars may face new restrictions during certification, reports infohub.kz.
The Ministry of Trade and Integration has prepared amendments to vehicle certification rules that would complicate imports through "gray" schemes. In particular, authorities propose banning the issuance of documents for cars with converted steering wheels and tightening control over the emergency SOS system check.
The amendments prohibit issuing a vehicle safety certificate (SBKTS) for cars whose right-hand drive has been converted to left-hand drive. Without this document, it is impossible to register a car in Kazakhstan.
Requirements for testing the emergency SOS system are also being tightened. Accredited laboratories will be required to maintain continuous video recording of the check with mandatory recording of the VIN code. During the test, a specialist must turn on the ignition, activate the SOS button, wait for a response from the emergency service operator, and confirm that the call is a test. The recording must be kept for at least three years.
The Ministry of Trade believes this will help eliminate cases of issuing certificates without an actual vehicle inspection. Additionally, the amendments clarify the procedure for vehicle identification and the grounds for suspending or canceling the SBKTS.
The document has already undergone public discussion and has been sent for further approval. Once adopted, the new requirements will become mandatory for laboratories conducting vehicle certification.
Earlier it was reported that Kazakhstan may adopt the experience of other countries to combat illegal car imports, and Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev sharply criticized "gray" car dealers.