• Preliminary checks launched on imports from other EV manufacturers
• No irregularities found so far beyond detained Chinese vehicles
• Importers may secure release of detained EVs with bank guarantees
• Expert panel appointed to resolve dispute over motor capacity

In addition to the recent detention of Electric Vehicles (EVs) from a Chinese manufacturer, the Sri Lanka Customs has now launched preliminary inquiries to determine whether issues related to the declaration of motor capacity exist in EVs imported from other manufacturers, according to Customs sources.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Sri Lanka Customs Director General Seevali Arukgoda stated that they were at present looking into whether other manufacturers of EVs imported to Sri Lanka had also understated the actual motor capacity of their vehicles, which was a requirement for calculating the applicable taxes.

However, he noted that inquiries into these other EV manufacturers had only just begun and that they were still at a preliminary stage.

Responding to a query on whether investigations had been initiated against any particular import or manufacturer, he stated: “No, not yet. First, we have to check if there is any wrongdoing before commencing investigations. We are still in the preliminary inquiry stage.”

However, Arukgoda said that as of now, preliminary inquiries had not revealed any motor capacity issues in the EVs of other manufacturers.

He further stated that the Customs intended to release all EVs detained over the motor capacity issue, provided the respective importers submitted a bank guarantee.

In the ongoing legal proceedings in respect of the EVs currently detained by Sri Lanka Customs, it was revealed that a Technical Expert Committee had been appointed to resolve the prevailing dispute regarding EV motor capacity.

The committee comprises Prof. Y.M.R. Amarasinghe, Prof. J.P. Karunadasa, a representative from the Government Analyst’s Department, and a representative from the Department of Motor Traffic.