The CITA webinar entitled: ‘Used Vehicles’ was held on the 16th of December 2020 and it focused on the work undertaken by UNEP – United Nations Environmental Programme – and the Environmental and Transport Inspectorate of the Netherlands regarding how to ensure the suitability of used cars in international trade. This landmark, first-of-its-kind based on an in-depth analysis of 146 countries between 2015 and 2018, highlights that 14 million used light-duty vehicles were exported worldwide. Some 80% went to low- and middle-income countries: African countries imported the largest number of used vehicles (40%) in the period studied, followed by countries in Eastern Europe (24%), Asia-Pacific (15%), the Middle East (12%) and Latin America (9%).
The report found out that some two thirds of them have ‘weak’ or ‘very weak’ policies to regulate the import of used vehicles. Poor quality used vehicles also lead to more road accidents. According to the report, many countries with ‘very weak’ or ‘weak’ used vehicle regulations, also have extremely high road traffic death rates.
However, it also shows that where countries have implemented measures to govern the import of used vehicles – notably age and emissions standards – these give them to access high-quality used vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars, at affordable prices. Countries that have introduced used vehicles regulations also see safer fleets and fewer accidents.
UNEP calls for action to regulate the trade through the adoption of a set of harmonized minimum quality standards. These measures would ensure that used vehicles contribute to the creation of cleaner and safer fleets in recipient countries.
