The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (Barvida) has urged the government to withdraw the ban on used and reconditioned electric vehicle (EV) imports and allow them under strict conditions.
The association made the demand at a human chain and press conference in front of Ananda Cinema Hall in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, yesterday.
Barvida President Abdul Haque said the new import policy, published on August 24, completely bans the import of used and reconditioned EVs.
The restriction would deprive ordinary and middle-income consumers of access to relatively affordable, modern and environment-friendly vehicles, he said.
“New EVs are still beyond the reach of many people,” Haque said, adding that allowing reconditioned EVs at lower prices could help reduce consumers’ transport costs and boost EV adoption.
Barvida proposed allowing imports of EVs that are no more than five years old, with a minimum battery State of Health (SoH) of 70 percent.
It also called for mandatory inspection and certification of imported vehicles by authorised agencies before shipment to protect consumers.
The association proposed banning EVs that have been damaged by floods, fire or serious accidents, as well as vehicles with structural damage.
According to Barvida, a regulated reconditioned EV market could spur investment in charging stations, servicing, battery diagnostics and recycling.
It could also help develop a skilled workforce in EV-related technologies, it said.
The business body further argued that wider EV adoption would reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and save foreign currency over the long term.
It said allowing reconditioned EV imports could also help the government meet its target of having electric vehicles account for 30 percent of the country’s motor vehicles by 2030.
Barvida proposed a “Battery Recycling and Safe Disposal Framework” for the safe storage, reuse and disposal of used EV batteries.
It also demanded continued tax and duty incentives for investment in charging infrastructure, EV servicing and battery recycling.
Former Barvida president Habibullah Don said allowing new EV imports while banning reconditioned ones was discriminatory against businesses in the sector.
“We want both new and reconditioned EVs to be allowed. Consumers should decide whether they want to buy a new vehicle or a reconditioned one,” he said.
Don said Barvida wanted to contribute to the government’s goal of building a trillion-dollar economy and was ready to generate more revenue for the state.
“We appeal to the prime minister, finance minister and commerce minister to withdraw the ban on reconditioned EV imports and open up the business opportunity,” he said.
Former Barvida president Abdul Mannan Chowdhury Khasru said the association was not opposed to the government’s policy.
“Our demand is for a realistic, balanced and forward-looking policy for the industry,” he said.
“A ban can stop a market, but the right policy can build an industry.”
Barvida Secretary General Riazur Rahman called for amendments to the relevant provisions of the import policy and restoration of conditional permission to import used and reconditioned EVs.