NEDA asks for 'public insight' for zero tariff policy review for e-vehicles

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday called on the public to share their insights on the potential inclusion of electric motorcycles in a list of electric vehicles that enjoy lower tariffs.

In an emailed statement, NEDA called on interested parties to participate in the public hearing to be conducted by the Tariff Commission, and voice their opinions on the implementation of Executive Order 12 which took effect on February 20, 2023.

Under Executive Order 12 which lowered tariff rates for electric vehicles and their components to 0% from 5% to 30% previously, a review is mandated one year after its implementation.

While the order covered most electric vehicles, this did not include two-wheeled electric vehicles with maximum speeds of over 25 kilometers per hour.

“The review shall carefully consider all the views and comments of stakeholders, taking into account the current market conditions. The review aims to ensure that we meet the policy objectives of EO 12 by further encouraging the adoption of EVs and fostering the growth of the domestic EV market,” NEDA said.

“NEDA calls on interested parties to participate in the public hearing and share their insights on the implementation of this crucial policy, which aims to enhance the country’s energy security as we strive for social and economic transformation in the coming years,” it added.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan last year said the mandatory review would focus on the possible inclusion of electric motorcycles in the import tariff exemption, as he said this would “help Filipinos choose sustainable means of transportation.”

“The inclusion of e-motorcycles in the import tariff incentives will take center stage once the mandatory review of Executive Order No. 12 Series of 2023 takes effect nine months from now,” he said last May.

For its part, the Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) said it has yet to be consulted for the review, but it supports having zero tariffs for electric motorcycles.

“We were not being informed as to amendment of EO 12 and we are very clear that to develop proliferation of the EV industry, we should consider two-wheel bevs to be included on zero tariff,” he said in a separate mobile message.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda has filed a bill which aims to include electric motorcycles in the list of electric transportation exempted from import duties, as these are the most affordable electric vehicles, and may be a possible solution to congestion. —Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/ VAL, GMA Integrated News