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Solution to seized big bikes remains unclear
A solution to regulate 14 seized large capacity motorbikes, previously imported into Laos despite prohibition, remains unclear, officials have said. In June, customs officials launched an inspection in Vientiane and seized the 14 motorbikes whose engines exceeded 250cc – which are prohibited from being imported into the country. Although according to relevant regulations, only bikes with engines under 250cc are allowed to be imported into Laos, many larger bikes have been seen on the road. Customs officials said these big bikes could have been brought into the country via irregular channels and customs fees were likely unpaid. An owner of a local motorcycle distribution business in Vientiane said like other distributors he was not permitted to import bikes whose engines exceeded 250 cc. However, he himself had observed motorcycles whose engines even reached 1,000cc running on roads in Vientiane.
According to the recent report, the number of big bikes in Laos was not available because they were illegally imported so there was no database. Talking to Vientiane Times on condition of anonymity, some larger capacity motorcycle owners said they should be allowed to ride their bikes legally and that they would be pleased to pay customs, tax and other fees according to the law and regulations. One owner said the Asean Community was due to be realised and Laos should be opened up.
Source: Vientiane Times (Latest Update September 23, 2015)
A solution to regulate 14 seized large capacity motorbikes, previously imported into Laos despite prohibition, remains unclear, officials have said. In June, customs officials launched an inspection in Vientiane and seized the 14 motorbikes whose engines exceeded 250cc – which are prohibited from being imported into the country. Although according to relevant regulations, only bikes with engines under 250cc are allowed to be imported into Laos, many larger bikes have been seen on the road. Customs officials said these big bikes could have been brought into the country via irregular channels and customs fees were likely unpaid. An owner of a local motorcycle distribution business in Vientiane said like other distributors he was not permitted to import bikes whose engines exceeded 250 cc. However, he himself had observed motorcycles whose engines even reached 1,000cc running on roads in Vientiane.
According to the recent report, the number of big bikes in Laos was not available because they were illegally imported so there was no database. Talking to Vientiane Times on condition of anonymity, some larger capacity motorcycle owners said they should be allowed to ride their bikes legally and that they would be pleased to pay customs, tax and other fees according to the law and regulations. One owner said the Asean Community was due to be realised and Laos should be opened up.
Source: Vientiane Times (Latest Update September 23, 2015)