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Philippines issues law banning used car imports

MANILA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The Philippines has banned the import of used vehicles to support the growth of the local automotive industry, Trade Secretary Manuel Roxas said on Tuesday.

"To discourage illegal importation of used motor vehicles, fines shall no longer be imposed, instead, these vehicles shall be subject to outright seizure without redemption," Roxas said in a statement.

He said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved an executive order imposing the ban.

The trade secretary said the ban covers the importation of used cars, sport utility vehicles, passenger vans, pick-ups, and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight of less than 2.5 tonnes.

These type of vehicles constitute more than 85 percent of the local automotive industry

Some imports of heavier light trucks and buses will be allowed, Roxas said.

(US$1 = 53.745 pesos)