Gov’t to allow import of used electric car batteries — Environment Ministry

AMMAN — The Government of Jordan is to allow electric and hybrid car owners to import used car batteries, subject to environmental and pre-shipment requirements.

Prior to the decision, car owners were not allowed to import any batteries. However, the recent decision now allows for the import of used, but not new batteries, according to the Environment Ministry.

“There are mandatory requirements for importing car batteries,” Ministry of Environment spokesperson Ahmad Obeidat told The Jordan Times in an interview.

Obeidat listed the requirements for importing car batteries: Electric or hybrid car owners should complete a form at the Ministry of Environment and have a registered car that has been manufactured within the past three years.

“Batteries should be imported only for personal use, subject to the condition that the importer shall complete a certificate from the Ministry of Environment to Customs authorities,” Obeidat stated. 

“Each car owner is allowed to import one car battery every three years, and the battery has to be used and in a very good condition”, Obeidat added.

Obeidat noted that pre-shipment inspection in the exporting country is mandatory. The inspection centre in the exporting country must issue a certificate that validates the condition of the imported battery. 

The certificate then has to be approved by the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation (JSMO), he added.

The last step is then to dispose the old car battery, Obeidat continued.

“Electric and hybrid car owners who wish to replace their car battery will be required to pay JD173 as disposal fees,” Obeidat said. 

Car batteries are classified as hazardous waste. As a result, their storage, handling and disposal are controlled by the Ministry of Environment, Obeidat added. 

The decision may come into effect as of next month, Obeidat noted.