The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has banned the importation of used electric vehicles with a battery life below 80%.
- The Quality Inspection Services Inc. (QISJ) will determine the quality of second-hand electric cars imported into the country from Japan, the UK, UAE, Thailand, South Africa, and Singapore.
- According to a notice issued on Feb 19, imported goods should conform to the standards set by verification agencies before any sale is made.
- Lithium-ion batteries used in EVs have a low recycling rate making them potential E-waste.
The directive from KEBS will ensure that used electric vehicles that are imported will have a long battery life and prevent an accumulation of discarded batteries.
The notice follows another importation restriction for vehicles registered before 2017. KEBS had issued these guidelines to ensure that vehicles imported into the country are roadworthy and safe. A similar restriction extended to electric vehicles will further help regulate its budding market.
Electric Vehicles are set to replace fuel-powered cars and motorcycles to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in cities globally.
