Ukraine Exempts Hybrid Cars from Emergency Import Duties

The Ukrainian government has exempted hybrid vehicles with engine capacities of 1,000 to 2,200 cubic centimeters from the special customs duties on car imports, local media said.

According to the state-run newspaper The Government's Courier, the exemption, effective from April 20, 2013 to Feb. 28, 2014, has been approved by the country's Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade.

Local experts have regarded the move as positive, since the tax exemption will not affect local manufacturers, which do not produce hybrid cars, and will likely improve environment.

In mid-March, Ukraine imposed emergency tariffs of 6.46 to 12.95 percent on auto imports to encourage domestic production. The new special duty took effect from April 13.