A controversy has erupted in Sri Lanka regarding the detention of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) imported by John Keells Computer Group (JKCG), the authorized agent for BYD vehicles in the country. According to reports, Sri Lanka Customs has detained nearly 1,000 BYD EVs, citing misrepresentation of motor power. However, JKCG has argued that the detention is selective and discriminatory, as third-party imports of BYD vehicles are not being detained.
The issue began when Sri Lanka Customs detained a large consignment of BYD EVs imported by JKCG, stating that the motor power of the vehicles had been misrepresented. The customs authority claimed that the vehicles were undervalued, which could result in a loss of revenue for the government. As a result, the detained vehicles were not released, sparking a dispute between JKCG and the customs authority.
JKCG has taken the matter to court, arguing that the detention is unjustified and discriminatory. The company’s counsel has informed the court that the customs authority has acted selectively, detaining only the BYD vehicles imported by JKCG, while allowing third-party imports of the same vehicles to pass through without issue. This, JKCG argues, is a clear case of discrimination and has resulted in significant losses for the company.
Following judicial intervention, Sri Lanka Customs has agreed to release over 500 of the detained BYD EVs. The decision is seen as a victory for JKCG, which has maintained that the detention was unwarranted and unfair. The company has stated that it has complied with all relevant regulations and laws, and that the detention was an attempt to unfairly target the company.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in Sri Lanka, particularly in the automotive sector. The country’s customs authority has been accused of being overly aggressive and selective in its enforcement of regulations, which can result in significant losses for companies and undermine investor confidence. The release of the detained BYD EVs is seen as a positive development, and it is hoped that the incident will prompt a review of the customs authority’s procedures to ensure that they are fair and transparent.