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Civic groups cry foul as gov’t cedes due to trade-imbalance fears
All imported gasoline-driven passenger cars were due to be required to install emissions testing devices from January next year, but overseas manufacturers have been given a break by the government, which decided to postpone enforcement of the plan by two years. The Ministry of Environment in June 2004 initially announced the schedule for introducing the devices, known as on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. The devices are used to control engine function and diagnose engine problems. They are also viewed as effective in reducing air pollution, as they warn the driver if emissions reach abnormal levels. According to the ministry on December 21, manufacturers of small-sized automobiles and import cars will now be required to install the OBD system by 2009, while the measure will be applied as scheduled to import car companies selling more than 10,000 units yearly on the Korean market. Environmental organizations have criticized the government’s delay, saying that the distinction made between the size of car importers is meaningless, as there is currently no import carmaker selling more than 10,000 cars annually in South Korea.Kim Jin-seok, an official of the ministry, said, "If European carmakers can’t sell their products on the South Korean market due to the OBD system requirement, it could result in a trade imbalance between South Korea and European Union (EU) countries, which can become a serious problem," admitting that the government had delayed the measure in consideration of import carmakers. In response, Lee Seong-jo of the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement, said, "The government also postponed application of an emissions-controlling measure for imported cars just before its implication day in 2005." The continued repetition of such incidents will inevitably invite public distrust in the government’s environmental policies, added Lee. Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]
