Myanmar Used Car Import Roadblock Removed

Myanmar used car dealers & importers can now import later-model used vehicles following a government decision to ease restrictions at the beginning of September, said Yangon-based dealers.
Dealers that have already imported and sold 100 vehicles may apply to import used models dated from

2008 to 2011, said U Soe Htun with Farmer Auto.

Previously dealers could import and sell models manufactured from 1997 to 2007, while later used models were restricted to personal imports only.

“We welcome the change in policy, as we need to worry about less paperwork and can now sell more varieties of cars,” said Shwe Baho Auto official Ko Nyi Nyi Zaw.

He added that although Shwe Baho had not yet completed the requisite forms to import the later models, it supports the policy as it will attract customers to dealers who formerly imported their own used vehicles.

Other dealers were less optimistic the eased rules may jump-start profit margins in an increasingly competitive sector, as more dealers set up shop.

“The car trading market for us is currently slow,” said SKK Auto official Ko Chan Kyaw Kyaw.

“However the policy is changed, I don’t think it can change the overall situation.”