France, Strasbourg, June 22 / Trend A. Maharramli, U. Ismayilova /
Trend interviews the State Customs Committee head Aydin Aliyev, who is on visit to Strasbourg
The State Customs Committee has organized an exhibition of samples of the cultural heritage under the title "Cultural Diversity in Azerbaijan" in Strasbourg. The exhibition was held within the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers in March adopted a resolution on the measures to bring requirements on harmful substances of cars in Azerbaijan in accord with the European standards.
From July 1, the ecological standard Euro-2 will be applied to the cars launched into circulation in the country. By the same decision an action plan was approved to bring requirements on emission of harmful substances by vehicles, launched into circulation in the country, with European standards.
Trend: What limitations will be imposed as a result of introduction of the new ecological standard for Azerbaijan?
Aliyev: According to the Azerbaijani Government's decision, from July 1 of 2010, the country passes to the ecological standard Euro-2, which means compulsory monitoring of quality standards of vehicles at customs points. The introduction of ecological standard Euro-2 in Azerbaijan first is necessary both in terms of protection of ecology and environment, and in terms of transport security.
Besides improving the quality of vehicles, using this standard will also mean compliance of the used fuel with the standard Euro-2.
The limitations on vehicle import will affect production year of vehicles, depending on the producer country, from what obtaining permission for its import into Azerbaijan will also depend. Limitations on the models of cars will not be observed, as it envisages exactly state of the vehicle. All vehicles that leads to some suspicion will be sent for diagnosis.
Q: Will the introduction of the Euro-2 standard reduce the import of vehicles into Azerbaijan?
A: Till 2008, import of vehicles into Azerbaijan has increased dramatically, but in 2008-2009, the import into the country began to decline. In January-May of 2010, vehicle imports in the country slightly increased. This increase was approximately 3-4 percent. It is good that the decline in import of vehicles in Azerbaijan has been prevented, as import of vehicles is taxed, which leads to the replenishment of the public budget.
Q: Will there be any change in the amount of customs duties on import of vehicles as a result of the Euro-2 introduction?
A: Any changes regarding the amount of customs duties in Azerbaijan are considered during the discussion of the public budget for 2011. And so this issue can be considered in the autumn, during the discussion of the public budget for 2011.