Garage letter now mandatory for importing four-wheelers to Maldives

Ministry of Transport has amended the regulations to require a garage letter before importing any vehicle into Maldives except for two wheelers.

Under the Sixth Amendment to the Road Motor Vehicle Registration Rules, importers of four-wheelers must now submit documentation proving the availability of an approved parking space for the vehicle, alongside other required documents.

According to the amendment, the following must be submitted when applying to import a four-wheeler:

- A copy of a valid permit for a garage, showroom, or warehouse where the vehicle will be stored

- National ID card of the importer

- Company registration certificate

- A copy of the manufacturer’s certificate or invoice, and an export certificate for heavy vehicles.

- Relevant deregistration certificate for used deregistered vehicles.

The designated official from the ministry will inspect the declared garage to ensure there is enough space for the vehicle. Only vehicles that meet the age requirements for registration will be granted import permits, even if all documents are provided.

The amendment also defines the maximum age limit for different categories of vehicles that can be registered.

- Used motorcycles and auto-cycles under 250cc are not eligible for registration.

- Motorcycles and auto-cycles cannot be registered if over 3 years from manufacture date.

- Cars, vans, base Land Rovers of a carrying weight of 1 tonne not eligible if over 5 years old.

- Vehicles between a carrying weight of 1 to 4 tonnes not eligible if over 7 years old.

- Heavy vehicles with over 10 tonnes of carrying weight cannot be registered if over 15 years old.

Although the regulations prohibit the import of vehicles beyond the specified age, the Ministry of Transport retains the authority to issue permits for eligible vehicles as outlined under Annex 6 of the regulations.