The duty on imports of electric cars in EEU zeroed till September 2017

Almaty. July 14. Silkroadnews – Customs duties on imports of electric vehicles into the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) has been reduced until September 2017, BelTA informs.

“The duties have been reduced for a while. If such a measure to be extended next year depends on development of electric vehicles and market infrastructure, as well as the Union members’ plans to launch a mass production of electric vehicles,” the agency quoted board member (minister) in charge of Trade of the EEC Veronica Nikishina saying on Wednesday.

It is specified, the customs duty rate for electric passenger cars is reduced from 17% to 0% and for commercial vehicles of weight up to 5 tonnes – from 15% to 5%. This decision does not apply to the vehicles with hybrid systems and plug-in hybrid cars.

“The electric vehicles market in the EEU countries is still extremely sensitive to price. From February 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, a zero rate of import duty was already applied for the electric cars,” the statement said.

In 2015 684 electric cars were imported into the EEU countries, mainly from the U.S., China and Japan. In January-April 2016 only 28 cars were imported. The duties lowered shall encourage the use of environmentally friendly transport within the EEU and build the conditions for the formation of the electric vehicles market. The widespread use of electric passenger and commercial cars should facilitate the development of charging infrastructure facilities, the EEC officials believe.