WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1263/97 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Rules governing the import of used heavy vehicles to Greece
Date: 1997-04-11
Institutions: European Parliament, KAKLAMANIS
Subjects: Greece, commercial vehicle, free movement of goods, import restriction, infringement of EU law, infringement procedure (EU), sale, trade regulations, used goods













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91997E1263

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1263/97 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Rules governing the import of used heavy vehicles to Greece  


Official Journal C 021 , 22/01/1998 P. 0034 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1263/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (11 April 1997)Subject: Rules governing the import of used heavy vehicles to GreeceThe adoption of onerous new provisions governing the sale of used heavy vehicles in Greece has caused great consternation among importers of used vehicles in that country. According to an article that appeared in the reputable periodical 'Trochoi kai TIR', the new rules governing the import and sale of heavy vehicles in Greece mean that whereas until 8 February 1997 the classification of these used vehicles in Greece depended on the fulfilment of a series of alternative conditions - for example, either the age of the vehicle (seven years from the date of construction), or possession of an exhaust certificate in accordance with the provisions of Directive 88/77 (1) -, after 8 February 1997 a vehicle must meet both the above conditions.These provisions constitute a barrier to the movement of goods in the European Union and the professional activity of importers.In addition, the Greek authorities have recently reduced the seven- year period to six years from the date of first registration; vehicles that have already been legally imported and issued with classification certificates (and also used lorries and buses imported henceforth in accordance with the new conditions) must be classified within two years.Given that the situation has become very difficult for dealers and other workers in this sector, would the Commission give its views on this subject and say to what extent the above rules are compatible with Community legislation and what measures it intends to take should this not be the case?Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1997)The legislation alluded to by the Honourable Member (Article 2 of Law No 2465/1997 issued by the Greek Ministry of Transport and Communications - Greek Official Gazette No 28 of 26 February 1997, p. 415) would indeed seem to reinforce the restrictive nature of the earlier measures adopted by the Greek authorities limiting the sale of certain heavy vehicles previously registered in another Member State. The relevant earlier measures comprise, in particular, Article 1(5), (6) and (7) of Law No 2052/1992 (as amended), and Ministerial Decision No 12792/958.The Commission has instituted infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty, since the legislation in question may constitute a measure having equivalent effect to quantitative restrictions and so be contrary to Articles 30 and 36 of the EC Treaty. The Greek authorities' response is currently being examined.