Kenya’s tax appeal tribunal has upheld a decision by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to classify a consignment of electric bikes from Ebee Mobility as fully built units rather than assembly parts. This ruling deals a significant setback to the e-mobility startup. Ebee had argued that the bikes were imported in parts for local assembly, which would have qualified for a lower 10% tax rate.
However, KRA maintained that the shipments included complete e-bikes, missing only the batteries, and should attract a 25% import duty, 16% VAT, and an excise duty of $81 per part. The tribunal stated in its ruling, “The tribunal finds and holds that the Respondent (KRA) was justified in reclassifying the Appellant’s (Ebee Mobility) imported products from HS Code 8714.91.00 (imported parts) to HS Code 8711.60.00 (fully built imports).”
KRA initially demanded $53,302 in back taxes from Ebee in November 2023 before reducing the figure to $20,857 after Ebee applied for a review. KRA’s filings indicated that Ebee had declared its shipments under a preferential tariff code meant to promote local assembly.
However, a post-clearance audit found that the imported units were essentially complete bicycles, lacking only batteries, which should be taxed as fully assembled products. Ebee argued that its batteries were sourced from Kenyan companies, which should qualify the imports as locally assembled products.
Ebee Mobility faces tax setback
The tribunal disagreed, emphasizing that the motor, not the battery, was the key component that defined an electric bike. “Even if the bicycle has a battery, and there is no motor to convert the electrical energy to kinetic energy to propel the bike, then the battery has no value in turning the bike into electrical,” the tribunal stated. This ruling could have broader consequences for Kenya’s e-mobility industry, particularly for companies that rely on importing parts for local assembly.
The decision may affect two-wheeler and electric vehicle assemblers like BasiGo, Ampersand, and Spiro, as it sets a precedent that motors in imported parts can determine tariff classification. Industry stakeholders have previously expressed concerns that unclear tax policies could discourage local assembly by making imports more expensive. Kenya has positioned itself as an emerging hub for e-mobility, and tax incentives have been a key part of encouraging EV adoption.
However, the tribunal’s decision raises questions about the consistency of Kenya’s tax policies in supporting the sector. It is unclear whether Ebee Mobility will appeal the ruling or push for policy revisions that offer clearer tax guidelines for partially assembled electric bikes. The decision could also prompt other e-mobility startups to reassess their import strategies or explore alternative assembly models to ensure they qualify for lower tax rates.
Image Credits: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
