The Samoa Government is moving to make it easier to import electric motor vehicles by introducing tax concessions.
Newsline Samoa reports new legislation is to be introduced in October to remove excise taxes on electric vehicles.
Minister for Customs and Revenue, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, believes electric vehicles will be more noticeable when more start arriving by the end of 2021.
“Public interest will take a while to pick up but it’s also good to move carefully to see how it shows up in the long run,” Tialavea told the newspaper.
There are about 6 electrical and hybrid cars in Samoa with two motorcycles in use by the Ministry of Police.
“The loss of revenue from the removal of the tax was weighed up carefully against the benefits and a cleaner and safer environment from climate change holds the greater good for Samoa,” said Tialavea.
“VAGST will still be in effect as well as 5% excise tax on spare parts for these cars.”
