MANUFACTURING DEFECTS OF IMPORTED VEHICLES

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Communications and Information what measures are being taken by the Registry of Vehicles to ensure that vehicles imported into Singapore are free of manufacturing defects and safe on our roads.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications and Information (Mr Ho Kah Leong) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

Sir, the ROV requires all cars imported into Singapore to meet the same standards as those required in the country of manufacture. Standards have been in existence for a long time and do not vary significantly from country to country. They cover safety standards and checks on manufacturing defects.

Besides relying on the certification of standards by the car manufacturing countries, the ROV also conducts a thorough check on prototypes before the particular model of car is allowed to be imported, to ensure general compliance with stated standards. The test is similar to the mandatory periodic inspections required for all Singapore registered vehicles.

Most of the cars imported into Singapore are from large international companies. These manufacturers have a vested interest to maintain their reputation and manufacturing standards, not only in Singapore but internationally. Hence, whenever manufacturing defects are discovered, the manufacturers do not hesitate to request their local agents to check and rectify these defects.