Bangladesh’s reconditioned vehicle importers have sought permission to bring in used electric vehicles (EVs) under strict conditions, arguing that the move could cut prices by half, expand access to clean transport and support the development of an electric vehicle ecosystem.
The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (Barvida) made the proposal after the government’s Import Policy Order 2026–2029 barred the import of used and reconditioned electric vehicles, according to the association.
Barvida said the restriction could limit consumer access to EV technology at a time when Bangladesh is seeking cleaner transport solutions. Instead of a complete ban, the association has proposed a controlled import framework with safeguards on vehicle age, battery condition and technical standards.
Under the proposed framework, used and reconditioned EVs would be allowed with a maximum five-year age limit, a minimum 70 per cent battery State of Health (SOH) requirement, mandatory pre-import inspection and certification by authorised agencies.
The association also recommended preventing the entry of vehicles damaged by floods, fire, major accidents or structural defects. It called for a battery recycling and safe disposal framework to manage future environmental risks from growing EV use.
Barvida President Abdul Haque told TIMES that four- to five-year-old reconditioned electric vehicles could be sold at around half the price of brand-new models, making EVs affordable for a wider group of consumers.
He said developed countries generally do not prohibit used vehicle imports and cited Sri Lanka’s import of around 6,000 Japanese used EVs as an example of how access to reconditioned vehicles can help middle-class consumers shift towards cleaner transport.
A reliable company’s EV, after five years of use abroad, can remain operational in Bangladesh for more than a decade with a battery replacement during its lifecycle if required, Abdul Haque said.
Allowing controlled imports would increase competition in the market, put downward pressure on prices, help more people purchase environmentally friendly vehicles and eventually increase government revenue through higher market activity, he added.
The association said the reconditioned vehicle sector has contributed to Bangladesh’s economy for nearly five decades by supplying affordable vehicles, creating businesses in workshops, spare parts, servicing, transport and logistics and generating government revenue.
Barvida said EVs should not be viewed only as vehicles but as part of a broader industrial transition involving technology, investment, skilled manpower and future manufacturing opportunities.
The association linked wider EV adoption with energy security, saying Bangladesh spends significant foreign currency on imported liquid fuels. Increased use of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles could gradually reduce dependence on fossil fuels, it said.
However, Barvida acknowledged that EV growth requires a wider support system beyond vehicle imports. Charging stations, battery diagnostics, servicing facilities and recycling systems would be necessary to support long-term market development.
The association said EV expansion could create new technical skills in areas such as high-voltage safety, battery management systems, software diagnostics, charger repair and battery recycling.
Barvida also argued that used EV imports would not weaken domestic EV manufacturing. Instead, imports could help create the foundation for a local automobile industry through servicing, spare parts, technology transfer, assembly and eventually production.
The association cited several countries where used EV imports are allowed under controlled conditions rather than through complete bans.
It said the United Kingdom allows used EV imports up to 10 years old under certain conditions, while Georgia permits vehicles up to six years old, Kenya up to eight years and Saudi Arabia up to five years. Barvida also referred to New Zealand, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Australia as countries with different regulatory arrangements for used EV imports.
According to the association, these markets have focused on technical standards, safety checks and environmental safeguards while allowing consumers access to used electric vehicles.
Barvida said Bangladesh’s EV policy should balance environmental protection, fuel savings, foreign currency conservation, consumer affordability, investment growth, employment creation and industrial development.
The association has requested the government amend the relevant provision of the Import Policy Order 2026–2029 and issue a notification allowing conditional imports of used and reconditioned electric vehicles.
