Cars are being illegally imported to Myanmar through forty routes along Myanmar border, according to the Deputy Minister Dr. Pwint San of the Ministry of Commerce on July 23 at Naypyitaw.
From 2011-2012 financial year to 2013 June in new Government administration, more than 2007 cars without license have been seized in three states, and one Region by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Revenue.
“There are about 40 routes through which (unlicensed) cars can enter Myanmar. We are planning to open car showrooms with the respective car companies for the public to be able to buy cars with installment system for convenience use,” said Dr. Pwint San upon the queries of MP Toe Win of Taninthayi Region Constituency (12).
Five key smuggled routes are in Kachin State, two in Kayah State, 17 in Kayin States, 4 in Taninthayi Region, 12 in Shan State altogether 40 routes.
At present a mobile team made up of Custom Department, Myanmar Police Force, township administrative, merchants association are keeping a close watch for smuggled cars along these routes. The ad-hoc, mobile team is lead by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Department. Moreover, the Ministry of Home Affairs, border guards, village administrative group, and militia are checking the illegal entering of without license cars.
According to the seizures made by the Ministry of Commerce, cars entering Myanmar illegal are coming from Thailand and China border areas.
The Ministry of Commerce has seized 596 cars worth over K. 17.811 billion between 2005 and 2011.
Source: Eleven Media
See this article for more information on trading restrictions on foreigners in Myanmar.
