BARVIDA presses for conditional EV imports

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has demanded the withdrawal of the ban on used and reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that conditional imports would make modern cars more affordable for ordinary and middle-income buyers.
The association made the demand at a human chain and press conference in front of Ananda Cinema Hall in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on Saturday.
BARVIDA President Abdul Haque said the new import policy published on 24 August has completely barred the import of used and reconditioned EVs, limiting access to environmentally friendly vehicles at comparatively lower prices.
“New EVs are still beyond the reach of many people. Reconditioned EVs at lower prices could reduce transport costs for ordinary consumers while accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles,” he said.
BARVIDA proposed initially allowing imports of EVs up to five years old, provided their batteries have a minimum State of Health (SOH) of 70%. It also called for mandatory inspection and certification by an authorised agency before import.
The association recommended prohibiting vehicles that have been affected by floods or fire, involved in serious accidents or suffered structural damage.
It said controlled imports could encourage investment in charging stations, servicing, battery diagnostics and recycling, while creating skilled jobs in EV-related technologies.

BARVIDA also argued that wider EV use would reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and help save foreign currency, while supporting the government’s target of having 30% of vehicles run on electricity by 2030.
The association proposed a “Battery Recycling and Safe Disposal Framework” and sought continued customs and tax incentives for charging infrastructure, servicing and battery recycling.
Former BARVIDA president Habibullah Don said keeping new EV imports open while banning reconditioned ones was discriminatory.
“We want permission to import both new and reconditioned EVs. Buyers should decide whether they want a new or reconditioned car,” he said.
Former president Abdul Mannan Chowdhury Khosru said the industry was seeking a “realistic, balanced and forward-looking policy”, rather than opposing government policy.
“A ban can bring a market to a halt, but a proper policy can build an industry,” he said.
BARVIDA Secretary General Riazur Rahman called for the relevant provision of the import policy to be amended and conditional imports of used and reconditioned EVs to be reinstated.