Cyprus Customs has launched closer inspections of used car imports after officials detected suspiciously low values being declared for vehicles arriving from other EU member states.
Speaking to Sigma, Customs Department spokesperson Giorgos Constantinou said the declared prices were often unrealistically low.
“We have observed prices being declared in other countries that were ridiculously low. In some cases, they were even lower than the market value of a bicycle,” he said.
The findings have prompted increased checks on imports of used cars, with authorities investigating potential customs and tax irregularities.
How the vehicles reach Cyprus
According to Constantinou, the vehicles typically originate in the United Kingdom before passing through another EU country, such as Bulgaria, after first entering the European Union via the Netherlands.
He explained that the cars are cleared through customs either in the Netherlands or Bulgaria before being transferred to Bulgaria or neighbouring countries, where they are registered through local procedures.
Once registered, the vehicles acquire EU status and are subsequently imported into the Republic of Cyprus as European vehicles.
Possible circumvention of national rules
Customs officials also believe the practice may enable importers to bypass Cypriot legislation governing used vehicles imported directly from non-EU countries that are more than five years old.
Constantinou noted that the legislation falls under the responsibility of the Department of Road Transport and said the relevant ministry should also take measures to address the issue.
Inspections reveal suspected forged documents
Authorities have already inspected a significant number of vehicles, contributing to delays in processing imports. During the inspections, officials identified numerous cases involving forged or altered documentation.
While EU member states are expected to take the necessary follow-up actions, Customs estimates the suspected scheme could ultimately cost Europe several million euros.
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