15-Day Deadline for Free TAKATA Airbag Replacement in Cyprus

The Parliamentary Committee on Commerce has given the Consumer Protection Service (ΥΠΚ) a 15-day deadline to implement legislation regarding the free replacement of TAKATA airbags. Otherwise, the Committee will consider legislative intervention.

DISY MP Nikos Sykas stated that approximately 35,000 vehicles in Cyprus are affected by the recall. He emphasized the need to ensure consumers are not charged for the airbag replacement.

AKEL MP Kostas Kostas highlighted that EU regulation 858/2018 stipulates that inspection and replacement of defective components, such as airbags, must be provided free of charge. He also pointed out that despite the relevant legislation, some dealerships are still charging for vehicle inspections.

The President of the Ecologists Movement, Stavros Papadouris, pointed out that the continuation of charges creates a de facto situation that violates the regulation. He expressed concerns that this practice may extend to other car recalls.

The Committee also discussed the bill on electricity storage by SMEs, aiming to simplify licensing procedures for energy storage facilities and electricity generation stations from renewable sources.