Energy ministry to consider easing imports of new, electric vehicles

Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirko Šarović has met with representatives of the Federation of BiH (FBiH) Chamber of Commerce to discuss an initiative to reduce taxation and improve the regulatory framework for imports of new and electric vehicles (EVs).

Having in mind BiH’s obligations under European energy and pollution prevention directives, including global trends in the automotive industry, it was agreed to initiate broad public debates on possible legislative changes in this sector, the ministry said in a statement.

Dramatic changes will occur in the electric car market in the next five to ten years, and BiH must act accordingly, Šarović said, noting that last year, nearly a million electric cars were sold in the world, with the number doubling each year, while only 18 EVs are registered in BiH.

BiH is one of few countries in Europe that does not offer any incentives for imports of electric vehicles, Šarović added.

According to the ministry’s statement, creating conditions for imports of EVs is important in order to increase the use of renewable energy sources and fight pollution. Unfortunately, BiH holds the first place in Europe by premature mortality due to air pollution, and it is estimated that 30% of pollution originates from vehicles’ exhaust gases, the ministry said.

This is the reason why participants in the meeting highlighted the initiative to consider introducing a stricter standard than the current Euro 4 concerning imports.