The national government has decided to lift the importation of auto parts in order to foster competition and reduce component prices. This measure was announced through Decree 196, recently published in the Official Bulletin. Federico Sturzenegger, Minister of Deregulation, emphasized that excessive protection of the automotive industry, which has hindered the importation of auto parts, has also contributed to having lower quality vehicles in the market, which in turn has increased risks on the roads.
According to what is established in article 8 of the decree, all components intended for vehicles, whether manufactured in the country or imported, can now be marketed without the need to obtain prior authorization. In addition, manufacturers and importers will be responsible for ensuring that these parts meet the required specifications.
In this regard, the possibility of certifying safety upon importation has been enabled through the "Vehicle Safety Certificate." Sturzenegger explained that before this change, to import a mass-market car from countries like the United States or Europe, it was required to certify its suitability and compliance with environmental standards, which he considers an obsolete procedure since it has already been tested and approved in developed markets.
The minister highlighted that mass imports will not require Import Licenses for Components or Environmental Certification Licenses if they have recognized international certificates, which reduces unnecessary state interventions in the importation process. This measure aims to streamline and simplify the procedures for importing auto parts and foster competition in the automotive market.
