Romanian Govt To Submit Car Tax Amendments To EC By Feb ’08- Econ Min

EU tax commissioner Laszlo Kovacs said last week that even if infringement procedures stop before referring Romania to the European Court of Justice, the Romanian authorities should guarantee that they would give the money back to car taxpayers; otherwise the European Commission will pursue infringement procedures against Romania’s car tax regime. 

Vosganian said that Romania would amend its car tax legislation by correlating the first registration tax to the car’s market value and allowing population to appeal the taxes.

The minister added that the amendments will be introduced by government ordinance and will include a series of technical regulations.

The European Commission last week took the second step in the infringement procedure against Romania regarding its car tax, giving the country a two-month deadline to amend its legislation. If Romania fails to comply, the Commission may refer it to the European Court of Justice.

The Commission feels the tax applied by Romania discriminates against used cars brought into the Romanian territory from other member states.

Vosganian said Romanian authorities are open to talks with EU officials in order to avoid a trial.