Tariff Commission backs inclusion of e-motorcycle on import tax breaks

The Tariff Commission (TC) has recommended including e-motorcycles in its list of electric vehicles (EVs) eligible for import tax breaks.

According to its website, the commission submitted a report of its review of Executive Order (EO) 12 to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on April 15, suggesting the reduced rates.

The EO 12 was enacted to complement the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) to create an industry for EVs in the country and help reduce carbon emissions, in compliance with the Philippines' commitment to the Paris Agreement. It modifies the tariff rates for EVs to help mainstream their use among Filipinos.

Currently, e-motorcycles or two-wheeled electric vehicles with maximum speed of over 25 kilometers per hour are still subject to a 30% tariff rate.

The TC ended its public hearings on the mandatory review of the executive order last month, where EV stakeholders pushed for the inclusion of e-motorcycles in tax incentives.

The commission's report will be subject to several deliberations before its final update. — VDV, GMA Integrated News