Turkmenistan, an arid country in Central Asia that has rich cultural heritage, has started becoming more open to international business especially in automobiles. In its quest to modernize its fleet, the nation has enacted laws governing the importation of used motor vehicles commonly from China. The paper will provide an overall look at Turkmenistan’s regulatory framework on imports of used cars from China and will be concentrating on importation policies, taxation and documentations requirements.

Introduction to Turkmenistan’s Automotive Market

Changes in the global economy have impacted on the automobile industry. The new car market in Turkmenistan was hit hard by local challenges and economic shifts across the world. Only 600 newly vehicles were sold in the country last year, marking a significant drop on its market of recent years. An approximate value worth $2.57 million for small vehicles imported into Turkmenistan from UAE was recorded in 2021. This shows how heavily the country depends on imports of automobiles to satisfy local demand. The car industry has seen more of Turkmenistan’s automotive brands being engaged in collaboration with China’s automotive brands especially in the automotive sector. For instance, significant locomotive orders were delivered in May 2023 between the two countries while new energy buses from JAC Motors and Yutong were put into operation in Turkmenistan in June 2023.

Import Policies for Used Cars from China

To guarantee quality and safety, Turkmenistan has specific import policies governing used cars that enter the market which are as follows:

•   Importation of vehicles that are over five years old from the date of production is strictly prohibited.

•   The country also bans damaged or wrecked vehicles, high-speed sports cars, cars with an engine displacement over 3.5 liters, passenger cars with less than two airbags, and motorcycles with a speed exceeding 120 kilometers per hour.

•   Additionally, there is an interesting regulation that allows only white, silver, and other light-colored cars to be imported while black cars are prohibited.

Taxation Policy for Used Car Imports

The taxation policy for used car imports in Turkmenistan is detailed and based on the vehicle's age and engine displacement:

•   Tariffs are based on a combination of the vehicle price and a rate per milliliter of engine displacement with the percentage increasing as the vehicle grows older.

•   Here are the tariff rates:

   -    Less than one year (including brand new): Vehicle price * 2% + $0.1/ml

   -   1-2 years: Vehicle price * 10% + $0.3/ml

   -   2-3 years: Vehicle price * 25% + $0.5/ml

   -   3-4 years: Vehicle price * 40% + $1/ml

   -   Over 4 years: Vehicle price * 50% + $1.5/ml

Documentation Required for Used Car Imports

The following documents make up a comprehensive set that must be produced during the importation process:

•   Invoice

•   Automobile details (type, brand, year of manufacture, VIN, engine number)

•   Importer information (name, address for individuals or enterprises)

•   Bill of Lading

•   Export Certificate

Market Dynamics and the Future Outlook

Despite the challenges it has faced, Turkmenistan’s automotive market is showing promise for growth while recovering gradually from the impact of pandemic. The regulatory framework in place seeks to strike a balance between the need for modernized means of transport and safeguarding consumer interests as well as public safety.

Summary: The regulatory framework in Turkmenistan for importing used cars from China aims at maintaining high standards of vehicles on its roads as well as promoting trade and economic development. Chinese exporters can effectively penetrate the Turkmenistan market if they understand import policies, taxation structure, and documentation requirements. These regulations will be instrumental in shaping Turkmenistan’s automotive industry going forward as it evolves over time.

Please note that used car import tax rates and policies may change over time or be adjusted according to the latest regulations from the government. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm the most current tax information with relevant tax and customs authorities before importing.