No. As of October 2026, Australia has no China-specific tariff on electric vehicles. Under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), cars that qualify as Chinese-originating enter at a zero customs duty rate, and EVs valued under the fuel-efficient luxury car tax threshold are duty-free for any origin. Importers still pay 10% GST and, above the threshold, a 33% luxury car tax. These measures apply to complete vehicles classified under heading 8703. EV chargers are usually classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 85 (for example 8504.40 for many charging units and 8544 for charging cables), so they generally do not pay the vehicle duty.
Key Takeaways
- Australia has no China-specific tariff on EVs as of October 2026.
- ChAFTA-originating cars enter duty-free; GST and luxury car tax may still apply.
- The 2026–27 LCT threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles is A$91,661.
- Chargers can also use ChAFTA, but safety and EMC compliance is the main task.
Why Chinese EVs Enter Australia Duty-Free
ChAFTA entered into force on December 20, 2015. According to DFAT, Australia’s tariffs on goods from China reached 100% elimination by January 1, 2019. Preferential treatment is not automatic, however. The goods must meet the agreement’s rules of origin, and the importer needs a certificate of origin or declaration of origin when customs asks for it. Goods that fail the origin rules pay the general rate instead.
Separately, Australia’s Electric Car Discount removed customs duty from July 1, 2022 on electric cars with a customs value below the fuel-efficient luxury car tax threshold. A 2026 Treasury review found that most EV imports in 2025 were already covered by a free trade agreement, and most of the rest faced a 5% rate.
Taxes That Still Apply (2026–27)
| Charge | Rate or threshold | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty, ChAFTA-originating car | Free | Chinese-built cars with valid origin evidence |
| Goods and services tax (GST) | 10% of the value of the taxable importation | Most imported goods, including cars and chargers |
| Luxury car tax (LCT) | 33% of the amount above the threshold | Cars above the threshold |
| LCT threshold, fuel-efficient vehicles | A$91,661 | 2026–27 financial year |
| LCT threshold, other vehicles | A$80,809 | 2026–27 financial year |
Thresholds come from the Australian Taxation Office and change each financial year. The Australian Border Force also requires a vehicle import approval before any road vehicle is shipped, whatever its value.
What This Means for EV Chargers Imported Into Australia
Charging equipment does not need a vehicle import approval and is not subject to LCT. Chargers made in China can also qualify for ChAFTA preferential treatment, provided they meet the product-specific rule of origin and you hold the right origin paperwork. GST still applies. In practice, the bigger hurdles for chargers are electrical safety and EMC compliance:
- Register as a responsible supplier and meet the electrical equipment safety rules; our guide to SAA, RCM and EESS explains the steps.
- Confirm the tariff classification and origin with a licensed customs broker or an ABF advance ruling.
- Ask your supplier for a ChAFTA certificate of origin with each shipment that needs one.
- Declare the true country of origin and value. Claiming preference on goods that do not qualify can lead to duty demands and penalties.
EVDANCE manufactures in its own Shenzhen factory, so origin documents come from the producer rather than a middleman. For Australian homes and fleets we supply Type 2 products such as the EV-ACT3204PE 22 kW wallbox and the EV-ACS3210E portable charger. See how we compare to a trading company when you check origin claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a 5% tariff on Chinese EVs in Australia?
Not for cars that qualify as Chinese-originating under ChAFTA, which enter free. The 5% general rate mainly matters for vehicles from countries without a trade agreement, and even then EVs below the fuel-efficient LCT threshold are exempt.
Do I need a certificate of origin for chargers from China?
To claim the ChAFTA rate, you need origin evidence. DFAT notes a waiver for consignments with a customs value under A$1,000. Check current ABF rules for your shipment.
Could Australia add tariffs on Chinese EVs?
Policy can change. Australia and China agreed in 2025 to review ChAFTA, so confirm the current position before you commit to a shipment.
Related Reading
- EV Charger Certification for Australia: SAA, RCM and EESS Explained
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
- Chinese EV Charger Manufacturers: Factory, Trading Company or Marketplace Seller?
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
