WILLEMSTAD – Growing dissatisfaction among importers in Curaçao over the inconsistent application of the zero-tariff policy on electric vehicles has led to renewed calls for clarity from the government. Importers claim that the Customs Department is applying the measure—intended to promote sustainable mobility—unevenly and without clear guidance. 

In 2023, Minister of Finance Javier Silvania announced that both electric vehicles and their components would be exempt from import duties. The measure was introduced as a key incentive to support the transition to cleaner transportation on the island. However, in practice, importers say that customs officials interpret the regulation differently from case to case. 

One importer of electric pickup trucks, speaking anonymously, pointed out a contradiction: “When importing a pickup with a gasoline engine, the vehicle is classified as a passenger car and receives a lower tariff. But when the same model is powered by electricity, Customs suddenly classifies it as a freight vehicle—making it ineligible for the zero-tariff policy.” 

“That doesn’t make sense,” the importer said. “It seems that the type of engine is being treated as more important than the actual function of the vehicle. This goes against the minister’s stated goal of promoting sustainable energy.” 

According to a government publication dated July 17, 2023, the zero-tariff policy was supposed to apply to a wide range of vehicles, including electric freight trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and specialized vehicles such as fire trucks, cranes, and cement mixers. There was no mention of any explicit exclusion for certain pickup models. 

The importer warned that this lack of clarity creates legal uncertainty and discourages the adoption of electric vehicles. “Both businesses and individuals wanting to switch to sustainable transportation are left uncertain about the financial implications of their decision.” 

Importers are now urging the Minister of Finance to issue clear definitions and enforce consistent guidelines so that the zero-tariff policy is applied uniformly and in line with its original intent. Without a standardized approach, they argue, the government's incentive for cleaner transport will lose its effectiveness.