A smart search engine for pre-owned vehicles launched by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology, ESMA, has proven a resounding success since its launch on May 1st, resulting in 1, 185 successful search attempts, with dealers and conumers receiving certificates of conformity from ESMA for 318 cars.
The sophisticated web portal is professionally optimised to regulate the imported used car market and prevent the entry of any car that has been severely damaged and might pose a threat to public safety.
"The new electronic platform ensures the safety and security of road users in the UAE," said Abdullal Al Maeeini, Director-General of ESMA, who has expressed satisfaction at the results achieved hitherto by the electronic engine which, he said, is the first of its kind in the region to provide a reliable database that can be easily accessed and retrieved in a few minutes from internationally recognised and trusted sources.
The new system completely prohibits the registration of any used cars imported to the UAE through the traffic system, unless they receive a certificate of conformity from the ESMA.
He stated that the car can be registered in the traffic system in the local market under the new rule, however it will prohibit the insurance companies from insuring the cars that have been badly damaged according to the exportation statement of the supplier country.
The past three days witnessed search attempts for 4,669 cars made in the US, 1120 made in Canada and 715 European-made vehicles, he said, reiterating that any cars that may pose a threat to public safety will be rejected by the automated system.
Up to 1400 cars were turned down by the system in its experimental stage last month for failing to conform to the criteria set by ESMA.
The new technology is part of ESMA's plan to provide electronic and regulatory infrastructure and advanced mechanism to develop technical standards and requirements for the control of used vehicles imported by the country.

Source: WAM