Officials have implemented a new government policy, which allows farmers to import farm-specific vehicles without manufacturing age restrictions, and given approval for five trucks.

The new policy, introduced by the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) administration, exempts farmers from importing vehicles not more than 20 years for farming purposes.

The Ministry of Customs and Revenue, which gives the final approval and is the implementing agency of the new policy, has received more than 10 applications. 

Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer, the Ministry's Chief Executive Officer, Fonoti Tiai Taefu said eight applications from the 10-plus applications have completed assessment under the new policy. 

“A total of five vehicles have been given approval under this order,” said Fonoti. “The requirements for this particular order have extended to the inclusion of a confirmation letter of the farm from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.  

“In addition to this confirmation letter, the applicant/owner of the vehicle should also submit an application letter addressed to the Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Customs and Revenue and copy to M.C.R.  

“The application letter should also include ownership documents, photo (side and front) and fitness testing reports of the vehicle.”

The C.E.O. also stressed the importance for farmers keen on utilising the policy to know that the vehicles should not be more than 20 years old. 

Recently the C.E.O. for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Seuseu Tauati said they received around 20 to 30 applications from farmers expressing interest to import 4-wheel drives and light truck vehicles under the new policy.  

He said that the process under which the M.A.F. does its assessment is to confirm if the applicant does have a plantation or farm of which a support letter is then provided to assist in their application process.

In some cases, according to the C.E.O. of the Ministry, an assessment is not needed if the M.A.F. is aware that the applicant owns a plantation or farm and therefore provides the support letter for their application. 

Cabinet announced the policy change in April this year where only farmers were able to import certain vehicle types that are no more than 20 years old and fit for purpose. 

The current law prohibits the importation of any vehicle that is more than 10 years old, only vehicles that are 10 years old or less from the year of manufacture are allowed for importation into Samoa.  The new policy came into effect on 25 August 2023 with local car dealers prohibited as the vehicles are not intended to be sold or rented out for commercial purposes.