Armenia to Propose Extension of Electric Vehicle Import Privileges Beyond 2026

Armenia will propose to extend the duty-free import of electric vehicles from third countries into Armenia and other EAEU member states even after 2026. This was stated today by the Minister of Economy of Armenia, Gevorg Papoyan, during the government's report on the implementation of the 2023 state budget in the National Assembly.

The minister noted that from January to May 2024, Armenia has already consumed nearly half of the annual duty-free quota of 8,000 electric vehicles established by the EAEU.

Papoyan reminded that according to the preliminary agreement at the EAEU level, electric vehicle imports will no longer be exempt from customs duties after 2026. He believes that the Armenian side still has significant time to negotiate with partners for extending the privileged regime.

He pointed out that while only a few electric vehicles were imported into Armenia in 2018, several hundred were brought in 2021, and over 7,000 in 2023. “If this trend continues, by the end of 2024, our citizens may have to import vehicles beyond the quota, which will involve customs duties. This once again shows that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly in demand in our country,” noted the minister.

It is worth mentioning that the quota of 8,000 electric vehicles has also been reaffirmed for 2025 in Armenia. In case of exceeding the established quota, a 15 percent customs duty has been set for electric vehicles imported to the EAEU. The duty-free quotas operate for all EAEU countries, except Russia (which has refused them to develop its own electric vehicle production).