KABUL - The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) criticized the Afghan government for not putting adequate checks on the importing of low-quality second-hand goods in Afghanistan. According to the ACCI, over two billion dollars worth of used goods and spare car parts are imported into Afghanistan every year, ultimately weakening the country's own manufacturing industry.

For many years, Kabul markets have been hot spots for the second-hand goods trade. Although it was completely stopped during the civil war period, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 the trend has again emerged and grown larger than ever before.

The ACCI does not consider the used goods trade illegal, but the quality of them and the effect the trend may have on the market for goods produced in Afghanistan is what it considers problematic.

"Without a doubt, the importing of second hand goods will harm production in Afghanistan and weaken our companies," said Khan Jan Alakozai, the deputy head of ACCI.

ACCI officials said the second-hand goods are primarily consumed by impoverished Afghans who cannot afford to buy the same goods fresh off the shelf.

Reportedly, most of the used goods in Afghanistan are imported from Europe or make their way off of coalition military bases in Afghanistan. Second-hand clothing is said to be the most popular type of goods traded.

In addition, older car models and spare parts are imported at cheap rates to Afghanistan from Europe. ACCI officials said second-hand spare parts are primarily imported into Afghanistan through Spin Boldak and Torkham.

These markets also facilitate expired food item sales. ACCI said this was of particular concern as it could lead to the spread of bacterial diseases.

The ACCI officials urged the government to take steps to limit the importing of second-hand goods. (Tolo News)