Parallel importers compete on a level playing field

WE would like to comment on the article "Distributors rue parallel import advantage" by Samuel Ee (BT, July 6) on the alleged advantage enjoyed by parallel importers. Based on the following points, you may agree with us that parallel importers are not given any special privilege or advantage but rather are competing on an equal playing field with the authorised distributors.

All OMVs declared are carefully assessed by Customs, and parallel importers are subjected to the same import rules and tax structure as authorised distributors.

There is no double standard in assessing a vehicle. The Additional Registration Taxes (ARF) are imposed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) based on the declared OMV that is approved by Customs, according to the make and model as well as specifications of the veh…