Bolivia drops bill on undocumented vehicle regularization amid contraband worries

The Bolivian Automotive Chamber warned that any plan to nationalize undocumented vehicles would not curb smuggling, calling for stronger border controls and technical measures. The chamber noted that about 1.5 million undocumented vehicles circulate in Bolivia, with roughly 250,000 regularly refueled from drums, many linked to contraband trade. It argued that past regularization attempts have incentivised smuggling rather than solved it and suggested a state‑funded renewal program combined with tighter border monitoring.

In parliament, Libre party deputy Germain Caballero confirmed that the proposed regularization law will be withdrawn after criticism from both Bolivia and Chile. He highlighted concerns that many undocumented vehicles enter from Chile and are tied to theft and illegal trafficking, and said the initiative will be reconsidered only under different conditions.