The Belarusian Automobile Association (BAA) has expressed concern over the growing number of cars imported by private individuals.
According to BAA-Consult, during the first two months of the year, individuals imported 16,300 passenger cars, 11% more than in the same period last year, including 9,000 vehicles with internal combustion engines, 6,100 electric vehicles, and 5,100 hybrids. The entire volume of imports came from countries outside the EAEU.
The BAA notes that two out of three cars imported by citizens are resold within the first months.
“This indicates that private import has ceased to be a tool for personal consumption and has turned into a mass, uncontrolled commercial channel. Such a situation directly hinders the implementation of the development strategy of the BELGEE plant and threatens the stability of official dealers,” the statement said.
The BAA believes this situation arises due to differences in recycling fees, which are significantly higher for legal entities. In addition, benefits under Decree No. 140 are actively used for certain categories of citizens.
