BARVIDA seeks restoration of permission importing used, reconditioned EVs

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has urged the government to restore the facility to import used and reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that 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.

Barvida has been contributing about 85 percent of the vehicle supply to the country’s transport sector for more than three decades.

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 import order for these vehicles must be restored. This issue concerns the interests of the people,” Haque said.

He questioned the rationale behind restricting used and reconditioned EVs from Japan when such vehicles are being exported to 71 countries, including the United Kingdom.

Haque said similar concerns had been raised when reconditioned hybrid vehicles were first introduced in Bangladesh.

However, hybrid vehicles have since gained widespread acceptance and now account for a major share of vehicles in the country’s market.

He argued that Japanese reconditioned EVs should also be considered safe because they come with manufacturer-backed guarantees and undergo established inspection procedures.

He further claimed that EV batteries could remain operational for 15-16 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

Japanese reconditioned EV vehicles are being imported with 7 to 10 years of age in many Asian, European and developed countries ,he added.

According to Haque, 29,349 electric vehicles were imported from Japan last year.

Sri Lanka, with an economic condition similar to Bangladesh’s, topped the list by importing 4,512 units of reconditioned vehicles from Japan last year, with New Zealand, which has strong compliance with environmental and climate standards, ranking second.

He said BARVIDA members were willing to contribute to the national exchequer through duties and taxes while providing consumers with more affordable environmentally friendly vehicles.

Former BARVIDA President Abdul Mannan Chowdhury said the import of EVs should not be prohibited to protect the interests of a particular group.

BARVIDA Secretary General Reazur Rahman said the association also supports the government’s goal of building a “Green Bangladesh.”

“We also want a Green Bangladesh. But used and reconditioned electric vehicles should not be completely banned,” he said, arguing that Bangladesh should follow the example of developed countries where Japanese EVs are already being used.

The association called on the government to reconsider the prohibition and introduce a regulated import framework that would ensure vehicle safety, battery quality, environmental compliance and consumer protection while allowing people greater access to affordable electric mobility.

BARVIDA leaders said they would continue discussions with the government and other stakeholders but warned that they would launch programmes, including street protests, if their demands were not addressed.