In a significant development for the electric vehicle sector, the Zarqa Free Zone is poised to facilitate the clearance of over 1,400 electric vehicles. This comes in light of the Jordanian government’s recent initiative to halve the special tax on electric cars, as announced by Mohammad Bustanji, the President of the Jordan Free Zone Investor Commission (JFZIC), on Tuesday. According to Bustanji, the initiative has already led to the clearance of more than 200 vehicles, which have successfully obtained their license plates and exited the free zone, as reported by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
He elaborated that an additional 1,200 vehicles have passed the necessary inspections to meet required specifications and standards. These vehicles are currently awaiting the finalization of an electronic connection between the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) and the Licensing Department to complete the clearance and licensing process. Looking ahead, Bustanji indicated that the clearance rate is expected to sustain itself at approximately 500 vehicles daily until early next week. By the end of today, over 600 customs declarations are anticipated to be processed.
He also mentioned efforts are underway to clear and license between 300 to 400 vehicles each day in the upcoming days. He praised the collaborative efforts between customs officials, the licensing department, and teams within the free zone, which have been essential in managing the heightened demand. Investor Haitham Qteishat, who specializes in electric vehicles, commended the efficiency of the clearance process, acknowledging that the tax reduction has significantly enhanced investor confidence and expedited the movement of vehicles through the clearance system.
The government’s recent Cabinet decision is particularly noteworthy, as it lowers the special tax on fully electric vehicles with a customs value ranging from JD10,000 to JD25,000 from 40% to 20%. This reduction serves as a considerable incentive for investors in the electric vehicle market, aiming to stimulate further growth in the sector.
