About 30 applications have been lodged to import cars under a new policy targeting farmers, which gives a prohibition exemption for vehicles no more than 20 years old specifically for farming.

Cabinet announced the policy change in April this year where only farmers were able to import 4-wheel drives and light truck vehicles that are no more than 20 years old and fit for purpose. The current law prohibits the importation of any vehicle that is more than 10 years old, only vehicles that are 10 years old or less from the year of manufacture are allowed.   

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Seuseu Tauati confirmed receiving around 20 to 30 applications from farmers in Samoa under the new government policy.

He explained that the process in which the M.A.F. does is an assessment to confirm if the applicant does have a plantation or farm and a support letter is then provided to assist in their application process.

Dr. Seuseu said in some cases an assessment is not needed if the Ministry is aware that the applicant owns a plantation or farm. He then added the applications are then referred to the Ministry of Customs and Revenue (M.C.R.) for their own assessment based on the requirements highlighted.

Queries have been sent to the M.C.R. C.E.O., Fonoti Talaitupu Taefu on the new policy but no official response has been received. 

The change under the Customs (Prohibited Import) Amendment Order 2023 was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Customs and Revenue, Tuala Iosefo Poinifasio effective on 25 August 2023. 

The order states that any 4-wheel drive pickup truck, land cruiser pickup truck, or lightweight truck classified under the Schedule is exempted from Prohibition Order 2(i) and (ii) if such vehicle imported into Samoa was manufactured no more than 20 years prior to the date, such vehicle enters Samoa, is imported into Samoa by an individual for farming purposes, and has been approved in writing by the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries or delegate to be used for farming purposes. 

Furthermore, the order noted that vehicles that are imported into Samoa under Order 2J must not exceed 250 vehicles per year, must not be imported by any car dealer with the intention for such vehicles to be sold or rented out for commercial purposes, and must be granted prior approval by the C.E.O. M.A.F. before such vehicle is imported into Samoa. 

The tariff line for lightweight truck schedule sets out 8704.21 for pickup trucks of a g.v.w less than or equal to 2 tonnes but not exceeding 5 tonnes. A farmer who imported his truck under the new policy a month ago said he paid an estimate of $11,000 for freight and duty costs to bring in a truck that his children bought for him.