ORANJESTAD (AAN): The distinction between vehicle importation and road usage regulations was clarified this week as Aruba Customs Controls Car Imports DTI Controls Road Use, according to Roderick Croes, Director of Aruba Customs (Douane).
In a recent interview, Croes explained that when a vehicle is not legally prohibited from entering Aruba, Customs allows its importation. However, Customs does not regulate whether that vehicle complies with the technical or traffic rules established by Dienst Technische Inspecties (DTI).
The clarification that Aruba Customs Controls Car Imports DTI Controls Road Use comes amid public discussions regarding vehicles that may not meet certain road safety standards but are still permitted to enter the island.
Croes emphasized that there is an important legal difference between a vehicle being prohibited from entering Aruba and being prohibited from being used on Aruba’s public roads. The first falls under the authority of Customs, while the second is the responsibility of DTI.
According to Croes, the primary role of Customs is to ensure that all import documentation is in order, that the declared vehicle value is accurate, and that all applicable import duties are paid. Customs verifies invoices, assesses customs value, and confirms that all required fees are settled before clearing the vehicle for entry.
If a vehicle, for example, has lighting features or specifications that may not align with DTI regulations, this does not automatically prevent it from being imported. “These vehicles are not prohibited from being imported. Once Customs has verified the documentation and duties, our role in that process ends,” Croes stated.
The principle that Aruba Customs Controls Car Imports DTI Controls Road Use highlights the division of responsibilities between institutions. DTI is responsible for regulating how vehicles are used on Aruba’s roads and whether they comply with traffic and safety standards.
Croes stressed that it is up to DTI to inform and educate vehicle owners about the regulations governing road use. This includes rules related to vehicle modifications, lighting systems, and other technical standards that may affect road safety.
The same applies to newly imported vehicles that may not immediately meet certain DTI or traffic regulations but are still legally allowed to enter the country. While Customs ensures proper importation procedures, DTI oversees inspection and approval for road use.
The clarification aims to ensure the public understands that Aruba Customs Controls Car Imports DTI Controls Road Use under separate legal frameworks, each with its own responsibilities.
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