First electric vehicle import permit handed over

The government has handed over today the first electric vehicle import permit to the recipient nominee under the newly-launched scheme for migrant workers.

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara handed over the permit to the first recipient.

Daham Perera, the authorized representative on behalf of the Sri Lankan migrant workers who imported the vehicle, received the import permit from Minister Nanayakkara.

The minister on the occasion noted that the decision to allow Sri Lankan migrant workers who remit money through official channels to import an electric vehicle has been much appreciated and inquiries in this regard by workers are increasing on a daily basis.

Any Sri Lankan who lives, works or holds dual citizenship in a foreign country are eligible to import an electric vehicle under the scheme. Those sending US$ 20,000 or more between May 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, can obtain a permit to import an electric car.

Those who remit US$ 3000 or more via official channels from  May 1, 2022 to May 1, 2023 are eligible to import an electric motorcycle.

The minister emphasized that it is mandatory remittances directed to Sri Lanka are sent through the legal channels such as the banking system to be eligible for this benefit. The minister further said that it was also mandatory that 50% of the money sent has been converted into rupees. He said the motorcycle or the car can be imported for a value not exceeding 50% of the amount remitted.

"Importing vehicles into Sri Lanka is currently prohibited. But only foreign workers who send dollars to the country have the facility to import an electric vehicle. So make the most from this opportunity. Enjoy this reward. As ministry, we fully support it. Similarly, the tax levied on the import of luxury vehicles will also be revised in the future," the minister said.

The permission is only to import electric vehicles. These vehicles should be unused ones. Either brand new or mileage should be '0'. Similarly, it is mandatory to import within one year of the first registration, he said.

As the ministry, we expect the battery pack and electric motor of this imported vehicle should have a warranty period of at least three years. This should be certified by the manufacturer, importer and exporter. It should also be ensured that the battery is disposed in accordance with international electric vehicle road safety standards and approved procedures. The remittances sent to Sri Lanka can be converted into rupees and the taxes for this can be paid. They must also be subject to Department of Motor Vehicles compliance. A car should have done at least 200 km after charging once. Similarly, a report of all money remitted to Sri Lanka should be submitted through the relevant bank.

The minister further said that the relevant application and information can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Labour or the Foreign Employment Bureau. He said after producing proof that money has been remitted through official channels and the documents related to the importation of the vehicle, the measures to initiate providing the vehicle import permit can be carried out.

The vehicle imported in this way cannot be transferred to a third party until two years after its registration. The minister also said for persons wanting to transfer ownership before two years facilities have been provided to do so by making a payment in US$ equivalent to 10% of the CIF value of the vehicle. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)