The national standards watchdog is preparing to roll out a national vehicle inspection scheme it said would protect used car buyers from hidden defects and strengthen oversight of imports, while boosting consumer confidence and road safety.
A partnership agreement for introducing the scheme is expected to be signed later this year with global vehicle inspection specialists in Japan, EAA Company Limited.
The proposed National Vehicle Import Conformity Assessment and Pre-Certification Programme.
Is being led by the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) in a collaborative project with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
BNSI said the venture seeks to ensure that imported vehicles are independently inspected before they leave the exporting country, giving consumers greater confidence that the vehicles they buy are safe, roadworthy and accurately represented, while supporting fair and efficient trade.
BNSI director Hadyn Rhynd said: “For many Barbadians, purchasing a motor vehicle is one of the largest financial investments they will ever make. They deserve the confidence of knowing that the vehicle they are buying is safe, roadworthy and accurately represented.
“Unfortunately, hidden issues such as accident damage, flood damage, corrosion, odometer tampering and mechanical defects are often impossible to detect from online listings alone. This initiative is about giving consumers greater protection and greater confidence before they make that investment.”
Compliant importers and distributors should see little change to their existing operations, he added.
“There will be no additional local fees, no extra paperwork and no additional delays after vehicles arrive in Barbados, as inspections will be completed before shipment.”
The standards official said consumers will benefit from greater confidence in the condition of imported vehicles, while responsible businesses can expect improved transparency, fewer disputes and increased public trust.
Beyond improving vehicle safety, the partnership will provide technical cooperation, training and knowledge transfer to strengthen the national quality infrastructure, he added.
Digital verification systems, including electronic certificates and secure verification technologies, will be introduced, which positions Barbados to keep pace with international best practice, said Rhynd.
“As BNSI continues to reposition itself as a partner in national development, this initiative represents more than a new inspection programme. It is an investment in safer roads, stronger consumer protection, responsible trade and greater confidence in the products and services that Barbadians rely on every day.”
The initiative has also progressed through technical discussions with EAA Company Limited. A delegation is expected to visit Japan to complete technical due diligence and finalise implementation arrangements, with the partnership agreement targeted for signing later this year.
In preparation for the new vehicle inspection scheme, the BNSI hosted a national awareness seminar that brought together government agencies, vehicle dealers, importers, insurers, financial institutions and consumer representatives to discuss the proposed programme and gather feedback.
(EJ)
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