Uzbekistan Sees Fourfold Increase in EV Import Costs with New Fees
Uzbekistan Implements New Utilization Fees for Electric Vehicles
As of today, Uzbekistan has enacted significant changes to the utilization fees for electric vehicles (EVs), particularly targeting those less than three years old. Effective May 1, the utilization fee has surged to 45 million UZS (approximately 120 base calculation units), marking a fourfold increase from the previous amount of 11.25 million UZS.
For electric vehicles older than three years, the increase is also notable but slightly less drastic. The fee has been adjusted from 33.75 million UZS (90 BCUs) to 78.75 million UZS (210 BCUs), reflecting a 2.3 times increase. This adjustment seeks to align the costs associated with EVs with the broader economic framework in Uzbekistan.
Recent reports illustrate the practical implications of these changes. For instance, the Changan Deepal S07, which has a customs value of $22,800, now incurs a heightened import charge, rising from $3,600 to a staggering $6,200 due to these new fees.
A recent video circulating on social media highlights the updated customs fees for the BYD Song Plus Champion. As of the new regulations, the vehicle faces a total customs cost of 83.86 million UZS, comprised of a customs fee of 937,000 UZS, a 12% VAT amounting to approximately 37.923 million UZS, and the new utilization fee of 45 million UZS.
In conjunction with these changes, there are discussions surrounding the introduction of a new HS code for extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). These vehicles operate using both electric and internal combustion engines but primarily run on electricity.
While a resolution signed by the Prime Minister on January 31 mandates the development of a formal procedure for the effective utilization of the collected fees within two months, there has yet to be an official update on the implementation of this system. Until clarity is provided, the fate of the funds collected through these utilization fees remains uncertain.
This significant policy shift aims to bolster the country’s transition toward electric mobility, but the lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds raises questions among consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
