Egypt Bans Import of Tuk-Tuk Components to Bolster Minivans

Minister of Trade and Industry Nivine Gamea issued a resolution to halt the import of the basic components of three-wheeled “tuk-tuk” vehicles, including the base, chassis and engine.

The decision will come into force from the day following its publication in the Egyptian Gazette.

It comes within the framework of implementing the state's plan aimed at developing the transportation system and providing safe vehicles to maintain the safety of citizens, according to the ministry's statement on Tuesday.

In this context, Gamea explained that this decision came after a careful study by all concerned agencies, and aims to replace the “tuk-tuk” with a safe means of transportation, in implementation of the presidential initiative of replacing vehicles with clean energy, especially “natural gas”, as the government aims to make  minivans an alternative to tuk-tuks.

The Minister of Trade indicated that the decision also aims to legalize the conditions of "tuk-tuk" vehicles deployed in all governorates by granting licenses to vehicles that meet the technical requirements approved by the licensing authorities, while studying the availability of financing mechanisms for those wishing to replace the "tuk-tuk" vehicle with a car. Minivans are powered by natural gas.

The ministry had formed a committee to set rules and mechanisms to replace three-wheeled vehicles with mini-vans, where the committee ended up issuing a number of recommendations that were submitted to the Prime Minister, who directed the swift implementation of these recommendations with the aim of improving the citizen’s lifestyle and provide safe transportation for citizens.

It is worth noting that resolution was issued to stop the import of three-wheeled tuk-tuks, motorcycles and their chassis for the purpose of trading.