BARVIDA seeks restoration of permission to import reconditioned EVs

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has demanded the restoration of permission to import used and reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), saying the latest import policy has imposed “discrimination” on the reconditioned motor vehicle sector.

The association made the demand at a press conference at Dhaka Club on Wednesday, where its President Abdul Haque read out a written statement.

Under the previous import policy, used EVs could be imported, but the new import policy published on 24 August completely bans the import of used and reconditioned electric cars, BARVIDA said.

The association argued that the ban would deprive consumers of access to newer vehicle technology at comparatively affordable prices.

It said countries including the United Kingdom, Georgia, New Zealand, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan allow the import of used EVs subject to different age limits and conditions.

BARVIDA urged the government to restore the facility instead of imposing a blanket ban, proposing a regulated framework based on vehicle age, safety and technical standards.

Under its proposed framework, the association called for initially allowing the import of used and reconditioned EVs up to five years old.

It also proposed considering a minimum battery State of Health (SOH) of 70% and making certification of battery lifespan mandatory for locally assembled, locally produced and imported new EVs to protect consumer interests.

BARVIDA further proposed mandatory inspection and certification by authorised agencies before import, while banning EVs that have been damaged by floods, fire or serious accidents or have suffered structural damage.

It also called for a battery recycling and safe disposal framework and continuation of tariff and tax incentives to encourage investment in charging stations, servicing, battery diagnostics and recycling facilities.

The association urged the government to review the current value-based duty and tax structure for EVs introduced in the national budget and determine a more rational structure in consultation with stakeholders.

It also proposed periodically evaluating the policy and reconsidering the age limit and other conditions based on the results.

BARVIDA President Abdul Haque said the association had already conveyed its demands to the relevant ministries and the highest levels of government.

“We hope the democratic government will withdraw the ban in the public interest,” he said, adding that the association could organise human chains and keep showrooms closed if its demands were not considered.

BARVIDA argued that a balanced EV policy was necessary to simultaneously address environmental protection, fuel and foreign exchange savings, consumer affordability, investment, employment, charging infrastructure and the development of the country’s future EV industry.

Association Secretary General Riaz Rahman, former presidents Abdul Mannan Chowdhury Khasru and Md Habib Ullah Don, former secretary generals Mahbubul Haque Chowdhury Babar, Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Mohammad Shahidul Islam, and other current and former leaders were present at the press conference.