New rules announced for electric vehicles

Over the last week, new rules for the import and sale of electric vehicles have been announced, as the military administration continues to prioritize their rollout despite the lack of sufficient electricity supply to meet demand from existing grid customers. 

A round-up of new developments is below: 

MoC announces EV import rules

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has announced rules for importing electric vehicles during a pilot project. It made the announcement in The Mirror on 21 February.

Companies importing EVs must possess a showroom operating license. In the event that a company does not have this license, they must meet the following requirements:

• Be registered with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA)
• Have a sale agreement for each brand of vehicle that is being imported and distributed
• Obtain a permit from the National Level Committee for Electric Vehicles and Related Industries Development

Importers must also abide by the rules, standards, and import quotas set by the committee. Additionally, they must plan for insurance, availability of spare parts, and maintenance services in advance.

A bank guarantee equivalent to Ks50m must also be submitted to the Central Bank of Myanmar.

In order to register at the Road Transport Administration Department (RTAD), companies importing EVs must apply for a purchasing license from the Ministry of Commerce.

These rules apply only to battery electric vehicles and will be in effect from January 1st until December 31st.

MIC announces EV industrial codes under promoted sector

The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) announced on 15 February industrial codes for electric vehicles that will receive certain tax exemptions in accordance with the agreement with the State Administration Council (SAC) to set EVs and its related industries as a promoted investment sector.

The codes are based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC), Rev.4, but are subject to modification to align with the UN Statistical Commission's industrial codes.

The promoted investment sectors now include the following industrial codes, which may be granted exemptions from customs duties and local taxes, or receive tax relief on construction, purchasing and importing equipment.

Assembly, production, and maintenance services 

Electric vehicles production with the application of renewable energy

Science, research and development

U Win Pe inspects EV charging station

Military-appointed Deputy Minister for Construction U Win Pe visited the construction site of an EV charging station at Yangon Central Railway Station in Mingalar Taungnyut Township, according to The Mirror. 

No further details were mentioned about the visit.

According to the outlet, the following companies are building the below charging stations:

Separately, YCDC News reported that NPK Motors is building a charging station at Thapyae Kone Market in Naypyitaw to charge MG Myanmar EV vehicles. 

Charging stations are also reportedly being constructed in the following areas: 

• Naypyitaw Council Area
• Thukataw Housing
• Myoma Market
• Thapyae Kone Market
• Municipal Guest House
• Bawga Thiri Highway Bus Terminal
• Yangon-Mandalay Expressway milepost 1/0 toll gate 
• Phyu Bus Terminal at milepost 115/0 
• Naypyitaw Bus Terminal at milepost 210/0
• Thikone Bus Terminal at milepost 284/0 
• Sakar Inn Bus Terminal at milepost 352/0
• Yangon International Airport
• Mandalay City Ring Road
• Theikpan Road
• Kyone Patt Road
• Mandalay Region highway bus terminal 

Earlier this month, YCDC News reported that 150 EV charging stations are planned to be built in Myanmar as part of a pilot project.

According to the outlet, 38 of the stations are to be constructed along the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway.