New rules require garage letter for importing 4-wheelers into Maldives
The new rule will come into effect in 90 days.
The regulations governing the registration of motor vehicles in the Maldives have been amended to require a garage letter for all four-wheeled vehicles prior to importation. The changes were officially published in the Government Gazette on Sunday.
According to the revised rules, any vehicle—other than two-wheelers—can only be imported with prior approval from the relevant ministry. The updated requirements include:
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Submission of a letter of permission from a garage, showroom, or warehouse confirming the storage location of the vehicle.
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Verification by the ministry that sufficient parking space is available at the location mentioned in the letter.
The new rule will come into effect in 90 days.
The amendments also introduce restrictions based on the age of vehicles eligible for registration. The following categories of used vehicles will not be registered under the new regulations:
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Motorcycles and auto cycles with an engine capacity of 250cc or less that are more than three years old from the date of manufacture.
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Cars, vans, and base Land Rovers that are more than five years old and have a carrying weight of less than one tonne.
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Vehicles with a carrying weight between one tonne and less than four tonnes that are more than seven years old.
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Vehicles with a carrying weight of 10 tonnes or more that are 15 years old or older.
The ministry retains the authority to approve the registration of underage vehicles through a separate procedure specified for such cases.
