Russia introduces zero duties for imported electric cars

The Eurasian Economic Commission's Council has set zero customs duties for imported light electric cars until September 2017 in Russia, Armenia, Belarus Republic, Kazakhstan and Kirghizia.

Russia introduces zero duties for imported electric cars

The Eurasian Economic Commission's Council has set zero customs duties for imported light electric cars until September 2017 in Russia, Armenia, Belarus Republic, Kazakhstan and Kirghizia.

The rate of customs duties applied to light electric cars will reduce from 17% to 0% and from 15 to 5% for electric trucks whose weight is equal to or less than five tonnes. The decision will take effect from the second day of September 2016.

The new EEC rules will not extend to hybrid engine cars or "plug-in hybrid" cars.

EEC Minister of Trade Veronica Nikishina noted that the reduction of the customs duty was a temporary measure: "The prolongation of this benefit to the next year depends on how the electric market and necessary infrastructure will develop and whether the mass production of the cars will be launched in member countries of the Union".

Previously, zero duties set for electric cars were in effect in Russia, Armenia, Belarus Republic, Kazakhstan and Kirghizia from 01 February 2014 through 31 December 2015. A total of 684 electric cars were imported in 2015 to member countries of the EEU primarily from the USA, China and Japan with only 28 being delivered in January to April 2016.