AmCham arrow Publications arrow Topics Archive arrow Topics Archive 2003 arrow Vol.33- No.12 arrow Issues: Need for Inspection?
Issues: Need for Inspection? PDF Print E-mail

Considering the small number of U.S.-made cars coming into the market, American companies hope that Taiwan will decide to accept U.S. safety standards.

 

Taiwan, like much of the rest of the world, is moving toward adoption of European (ECE) safety inspections standards for automobiles. The U.S. government has supported this trend at meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, preferring it to any effort by Taiwan to develop its own unique safety standards. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is expected to soon announce a three-phase implementation schedule, with major phase-in dates occurring in 2006, 2008, and 2011, under which increasing numbers of components will be governed by the regime.

All of the "Big Three" U.S. auto manufacturers make cars in Europe, and these vehicles naturally meet European safety standards. But as pointed out by one member of the AmCham Transportation Committee, "There is really no reason why the American safety standard cannot be accepted in addition to the European one."

The U.S. auto companies hope that, given the small number of U.S. cars imported into Taiwan each year by the Big Three -- currently 1,200 units out of the total of 300,000 sold in this market -- the government will recognize the U.S. certification instead of requiring an additional procedure. U.S. auto company executives emphasize that U.S. safety standards, or FMVSS, are widely regarded around the world as extremely stringent.

According to another member of the Amcham Transportation Committee, "Any vehicle that has passed the U.S. safety standards will be safe on any road, anywhere in the world. Retesting the limited number of U.S. autos imported into Taiwan each year would, therefore, be redundant."

In addition, redesign costs to bring these automobiles into line with European safety inspection standards would be cost prohibitive, given the limited numbers involved. U.S. auto company executives are therefore calling upon the Taiwan government to show flexibility and understanding, while expressing appreciation for past efforts on the part of the government to take the time to listen to their concerns.

"Again, this is not really an issue of safety, but more of a procedural issue," said the second committee member. "We therefore hope that it can be resolved satisfactorily."
 
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