Authorized car dealers and retailers seek exemption from the ban on store operations

SARAJevo, (Patria) - The Association of Authorized Car Dealers and Retailers of FBiH, operating within the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH, has sent a request to the Government of FBiH, the Federal Civil Protection Staff, the Coordination Board for Economic Stabilization, and the Government of Tuzla Canton for an exemption of sales and service centers from the decision to extend the suspension of store operations from March 27, 2020, while observing all precautionary measures and reduced working hours.

As justification for the submitted request, it is stated that sales and service centers have minimal needs for client contact. In this regard, service steps include: online or telephone appointment scheduling, contactless customer reception while observing the recommended measures of wearing protective masks, gloves, using disinfectants, washing and servicing vehicles, and electronic payment for services rendered or possibly via cash register, while taking all precautionary measures. On the other hand, the operation of vehicle sales centers includes: online communication, online vehicle offer configuration, communication and sending offers via email or telephone, advance payment electronically, electronic vehicle ordering, and vehicle delivery while observing all prescribed measures and maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5 meters, the Chamber of Commerce announced.

Members of the Association remind that in their previous letter they emphasized that the current situation directly threatens the operations of authorized car dealers and retailers, of which there are about 150 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, employing around 3,000 workers.

The ban on operations jeopardizes the livelihoods of employees and the sustainable business of authorized car dealers and retailers. According to the steps for operating sales and service centers described above, minimal client contact is ensured. Additionally, they point out that the frequency of people in sales and service centers at this time is far lower than in some grocery stores, bakeries, and some other stores exempted from the suspension order.

In order to mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, ensure the continuation of business after the crisis ends, and reduce the risk of layoffs for a large number of workers, the Association of Authorized Car Dealers and Retailers hopes for the adoption of the request for an exemption of sales and service centers from the decision to suspend store operations, while observing prescribed precautionary measures and reduced working hours.