Cyprus is implementing new regulations from 11 February 2025 requiring proof that vehicles are not subject to safety recalls before they can be registered or transferred to new owners.
The measure, announced by the Transport Minister, affects M, N and O category vehicles and aims to prevent the circulation of vehicles with defective or unsuitable components.
For new vehicles, certification must be provided by the manufacturer’s representative or distributor. Used imported vehicles require the importer to certify the vehicle is not under recall during registration, whilst the buyer takes responsibility for this declaration during ownership transfers.
The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has identified approximately 80,000 vehicles currently under recall. Owners of these vehicles must have their airbags replaced before they can sell their vehicles.
Under the decree, all vehicle registrations and transfers must be accompanied by certification that the vehicle is not subject to recall and has been entered into the distributor’s database for future recall notifications.
Exemptions apply to vehicles without a manufacturer, those too old to have recall records, or those without a manufacturer’s representative in Cyprus. In these cases, owners must submit declarations supported by certificates from manufacturer websites or certification bodies approved by the DRT.
The DRT is working to strengthen its owner notification system and plans to integrate affected vehicles into manufacturer databases or partner with foreign certification bodies with access to manufacturer registries.
The measures will remain in effect for the duration of the emergency provisions specified in the legislation.
