Debt on scrap collection came to the new owner: what threatens the purchase of used foreign car

Owners of used imported cars are increasingly faced with an unpleasant surprise: the requirement of customs to pay the recycling fee to the full commercial rate. In this case, the violation could be allowed by the very first owner who imported the car into the country.

What's the catch? Individuals are entitled to preferential scrap collection only if the car is intended for personal use and will not be sold within 12 months. If the car is sold before this time, customs considers it a commercial import and recalculates the amount. The year is counted strictly from the date of registration of the customs incoming order, and not from the date of re-purchase.

Can the account come to the new owner? Yes, notifications often fly along the chain of current owners. However, the Russian Supreme Court clarified that the liability of the current owner depends on whether he knew about the violation during the purchase. However, the proceedings take a lot of time and nerves.

How to protect yourself before buying? Standard checks for accidents and deposits are not enough. Be sure to run the VIN code through the service of the Federal Customs Service. Ask the seller for an extract from the EPP and a copy of the customs receipt order to verify the legality of the application of the benefit.

If a letter from the FCS has already been received, it cannot be ignored. Check your calculations and dates carefully. If you disagree, prepare written objections and appeal the claim.

It is extremely difficult to recover money from a private individual who has already disappeared or declared bankruptcy through the court. It is much safer to buy a car from trusted dealers. Reputational risks force large companies to either solve the problem with the first seller, or return money and change the car to the buyer.