BiH set to scrap import duty on electric cars

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) 5% import duty on electric cars could soon be temporarily suspended, while the 15% tariff on hybrid vehicles could be cut to 5%. Duty-free imports of electric vehicles and a 5% tariff on hybrid vehicles would be in force until the end of 2022, according to a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.

The zero tariff on electric cars and the new import duty on hybrid cars would apply to new vehicles that do not have a preferential status under existing free-trade agreements between BiH and other countries, according to the ministry.

The goal is to reduce air pollution and harmonize import duties on new vehicles with other countries in the region

The move would encourage imports of this type of vehicles, bringing multiple benefits to BiH, including reduced air pollution and environmental impact as well as improved traffic safety.

The decision would also harmonize BiH’s import tariffs on new vehicles with those applied in other countries in the region.

In 2019, BiH banned imports of used cars with a Euro 4 engine and new cars with a Euro 5 engine

In mid-2019, BiH banned imports of used cars fitted with a Euro 4 engine and new cars with a Euro 5 engine. The purpose of the ban, according to previous reports, was also to help reduce air pollution, as well as meet EU accession requirements in terms of CO2 emissions.