EU Bans Export of Unsafe Used Cars, Raising Stakes for Uganda’s Vehicle Market

KAMPALA — The European Parliament has approved landmark legislation that will ban the export of unsafe and highly polluting used vehicles from the European Union, a move expected to reshape the second-hand car market in Uganda and across Africa, where imported used vehicles dominate the roads. The legislation, adopted by 437 votes, requires EU member states to stop exports of vehicles that fail roadworthiness tests, are irreparably damaged or no longer meet European safety and emissions standards. The rules, which cover a vehicle’s entire lifecycle, must be implemented within five years, although some EU countries are expected to act sooner. For Uganda, where the overwhelming majority of vehicles are imported second-hand, the reforms could improve road safety and air quality but may also push up the cost of importing cars as lower-quality vehicles disappear from the European market. The new rules require every exported used vehicle to carry a valid roadworthiness certificate, effectively preventing dealers from shipping cars that would be illegal to drive in Europe. “This is the first major exporting bloc to say that if a vehicle is not fit for European roads, it should not be exported elsewhere,” the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which helped shape the legislation, said. Uganda among countries heavily reliant on used imports Uganda imports tens of thousands of used vehicles annually, most arriving through the Port of Mombasa before entering via Kenya. Data from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) show motor vehicle imports consistently rank among the country’s largest import categories. Passenger cars account for the majority of imported vehicles, with Japan remaining Uganda’s largest source, followed by the United Kingdom, Singapore and, to a lesser extent, European Union countries. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda registered more than 2 million vehicles by 2025, with motorcycles making up the largest share. Passenger cars accounted for several hundred thousand registered vehicles, while the national fleet continues to grow by tens of thousands of vehicles each year. Industry estimates indicate that more than 80% of cars imported into Uganda are used vehicles, many between eight and 15 years old. Across Africa, UNEP estimates that used vehicles make up up to 90% of national vehicle fleets, while in countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, around 95% of newly added vehicles each year are second-hand imports. Implications for Ugandan buyers The legislation is expected to reduce the availability of cheap but mechanically unsound vehicles that have historically found buyers in developing countries. Many of these vehicles arrive with defective braking systems, missing airbags, damaged emission-control equipment or engines that would fail mandatory inspections in Europe. While buyers often save on the purchase price, those savings are frequently offset by expensive repairs, higher fuel consumption and increased maintenance costs. Vehicle dealers in Uganda may increasingly source better-maintained cars or diversify imports from markets outside Europe, although those exporting countries could eventually adopt similar restrictions. China has already introduced mandatory inspections for used vehicles before export, while UNEP is encouraging other major exporters—including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States—to introduce comparable standards. Road safety and pollution Public health The reforms also carry significant public health implications. Transport remains the world’s second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, producing 8.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2024, according to UNEP. Air pollution contributes to an estimated 7.9 million premature deaths globally each year, while Africa records road traffic death rates nearly three times higher than Europe, the agency said. Uganda continues to grapple with road safety challenges. Official figures show the country records thousands of road crashes annually, with speeding, vehicle defects and human error among the leading causes. East Africa already tightening standards The EU decision complements reforms already underway within the East African Community (EAC). In 2022, EAC partner states adopted Euro 4-equivalent emissions standards for imported cars and light commercial vehicles, alongside Euro IV standards for heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions across the region. UNEP has supported similar reforms across West, Central and Southern Africa while advocating cleaner fuels that allow modern emission-control technologies to function effectively. The European legislation also comes after Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg introduced restrictions between 2023 and 2025 on exports of low-quality fuels previously shipped to African markets.