Filenews 24 May 2025
The Association of Importers of Motor and Electric Vehicles (SEMIO) expresses its deep concern about the distorted image – as it characterizes it – that has been created regarding charges in vehicle recall procedures, following recent public statements.
According to a relevant press release, the official importers and distributors of cars in the Cypriot market always operate on the basis of European and National Legislation. For years, the member companies of SEMIO have been systematically carrying out recall campaigns, both for new and used vehicles, as long as they have a European Type Approval – regardless of who has imported or placed them on the market – fully implementing European standards and directives of the manufacturers, as they note.
In fact, as they underline, the recalls on "grey imported" vehicles – i.e. vehicles without European Type Approval, which have been imported from third countries by third parties (other traders or individuals) and were not intended for circulation in the European Union – are not an obligation of official distributors who are members of the SEMIO. Nevertheless, they say, several official distributors, in consultation with the manufacturing companies, voluntarily undertake the replacement of TAKATA airbags in such vehicles, with the safety of citizens in mind. Recently, the Minister of Transport himself admitted that about 60% of the vehicles circulating in Cyprus – i.e. about 350,000 vehicles – are grey imports from third countries, which do not have European Type Approval.
The relevant charges cover the necessary administrative costs and are absolutely legal, they note, explaining at the same time that the charges concern exclusively "grey imported" vehicles, for which the European recall obligations do not apply and do not receive the support of the manufacturers applied to vehicles with full European certification.
SEMIO considers it its duty to responsibly inform the owners of these vehicles that the replacement of TAKATA airbags can be carried out in the authorized workshops of official distributors who have taken special measures to increase their ability to provide their services and some have even created specially designed temporary replacement areas in order to speed up the replacement of airbags within the limited time frame.
SEMIO calls on all owners of these vehicles to act immediately, scheduling appointments, in order to avoid future inconvenience or additional costs that may arise when the operations of the garages return to normal and some temporary spaces cease to operate.
In the press release, they note that it is important to emphasize that the problem of the uncontrolled import of grey vehicles into Cyprus has been communicated to the government, the Parliament and the European Commission. Many manufacturers have already expressed their concerns about the safety of drivers in Cyprus, precisely because of the presence of these vehicles that do not meet basic European safety and emission standards, they add.
According to the Association of Importers of Motor & Electric Vehicles, grey imported vehicles:
- They do not have basic security systems such as e-Call.
- They are accompanied by manuals and warnings in languages that are not understood by users in Cyprus.
- They have mechanical systems unsuitable for European road conditions with different suspension and brake systems.
- They do not comply with the European Union's emissions and recyclability standards.
In addition, as they note, vehicles imported into the Cypriot market from grey importers lack the appropriate after-sales support, such as manufacturer's warranties, or software upgrades, stressing that as vehicles become more complex, proper monitoring is critical to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicles.
SEMIO respects the needs of all consumers and recognizes that not everyone has the opportunity to acquire a new vehicle. For this reason, they fully support – as they clarify – a used vehicle market in Cyprus that maintains high quality standards and meets European standards. Their goal is clear: for every driver in Cyprus to feel safe in their vehicle, regardless of whether it is new or used.
SEMIO and its member companies state in their announcement that once again they remain by the side of the citizens, prioritizing responsibility and prevention. "We are the ones who invest over time in infrastructure, know-how and human resources, to ensure that road safety in Cyprus is not a privilege, but a basic right for everyone," they conclude in their press release.
