Electromagnetic compatibility concerns lead to Leapmotor import ban

Reports about the ban on the import of Leapmotor vehicles from China into Uzbekistan have spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion. The Technical Regulation and Inspection Authority has issued a statement clarifying the situation.

Recently, Leapmotor's C16 model underwent testing in a laboratory setting. “The results showed that this vehicle does not meet international standards, particularly the safety requirements set by the United Nations. (It exceeded the permissible limit by 16 times),” the statement said.

Testing conducted by the State Center for Scientific Testing and Quality Control on March 10 revealed non-compliance with the requirements for "priority and resistance to external electromagnetic radiation (broadband electromagnetic interference)," according to test protocol SB-0309-388/25.

“Electromagnetic compatibility (EMS) is a critical test conducted to minimize the effects of electromagnetic fields between electronic devices and systems. Such tests are vital for vehicles, as electromagnetic fields can severely impact the safety of electronic systems in cars. Furthermore, the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health is also a significant concern. Studies indicate that high levels of electromagnetic fields can negatively affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize products that comply with international standards when selecting a vehicle and to purchase through official dealers,” the statement continued.

The testing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMS) in Uzbekistan is carried out at a specialized laboratory located in the Piskent district, accredited to the international Uz DSt ISO/IEC 17025:2019 standard.

Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers issued a decision regarding additional measures for financing the establishment of a recycling infrastructure for electric vehicle batteries. As per this decision, starting May 1, 2025, utilization fees for imported electric vehicles will increase based on the year of manufacture, ranging from 45 million UZS to 78.5 million UZS. Previously, for electric vehicles less than three years old, the utilization fee was 11.25 million UZS, which was calculated at 30 times the basic calculation amount (BCA). Now, it will be 45 million UZS, calculated at 120 times the BCA. For electric vehicles older than three years, the fee has increased from 33.75 million UZS (90 BCA) to 78.75 million UZS (210 BCA).