Canada no longer charges its 100% surtax on Chinese electric vehicles. Since March 1, 2026, up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs a year can enter at the regular 6.1% duty, but only with a shipment-specific import permit. The measure covers vehicles, not chargers. EV chargers have their own tariff codes and generally never paid the vehicle surtax, though importers should confirm their classification.
Key Takeaways
- Canada repealed its 100% surtax on Chinese EVs on March 1, 2026.
- Up to 49,000 Chinese EVs a year now enter at 6.1% with a permit.
- The surtax and quota cover vehicles, not EV chargers.
- Charger importers should focus on HS code, certification and accurate declarations.
Does Canada Have Tariffs on Chinese EVs?
Yes, but far lower than before. The timeline as of October 2026:
| Date | Measure | Rate on Chinese EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Before Oct 1, 2024 | Most-favoured-nation duty | 6.1% |
| Oct 1, 2024 | China Surtax Order (2024) | 6.1% + 100% surtax |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Canada-China preliminary arrangement announced | Surtax still in force |
| Mar 1, 2026 | Surtax repealed; import quota begins | 6.1% within 49,000 vehicles a year |
The quota year runs from March 1 to the end of February. Global Affairs Canada issues permits in two six-month periods of 24,500 vehicles, with unused volume carried into the second half. Imports without a permit are prohibited, and no further imports are allowed once the annual quota is used.
Is Canada Removing Tariffs on Chinese EVs?
Partly. The 100% surtax is gone, but the 6.1% duty stays and the quota caps volume. Under the arrangement, the quota grows 6.5% a year. The share reserved for EVs with a free-on-board price of C$35,000 or less starts at 10% in year two and rises to 50% by year five. The Canada Gazette notes that the arrangement will be reviewed after three years, so the rules could change again.
Why Did Canada Put Tariffs on Chinese EVs?
When it announced the surtax in August 2024, the Department of Finance cited:
- China’s state-directed policy of overcapacity and non-market practices.
- Weak labour and environmental standards in EV supply chains.
- The need to protect Canada’s auto jobs and its growing EV supply chain.
- Alignment with similar measures by the United States and the European Union.
The government later traded the surtax for lower Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola, seafood and other farm goods.
Why the Surtax Never Applied to EV Chargers
The surtax and the new quota list specific vehicle tariff items in headings 8702, 8703 and 8704. Charging equipment is not a vehicle. Wallboxes and portable chargers are usually classified in Chapter 85, for example 8504.40, and cables often under 8544. A charger importer therefore pays the duty for that code, not the EV surtax or quota.
- Confirm your HS code with a licensed customs broker or a CBSA advance ruling.
- If you also import steel or aluminum items, such as pedestals, check Canada’s separate surtax list for those goods.
- Certification matters more than tariffs: chargers sold in Canada need approval by a recognized certification body (see how listing works). Our Canada EV charger import guide explains cUL, CSA and duties.
- Declare origin and value accurately; misdeclaration can lead to reassessments and penalties. Agree who pays duties up front, as covered in FOB vs DDP.
EVDANCE is a factory-direct manufacturer in Shenzhen with a 3-year standard warranty and private label from 100 units. Canadian distributors can review our distributor program or our OEM program, and our team can share HS code data and origin documents for your broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese-made EV chargers need a Canadian import permit?
The permit requirement in the 2026 order covers listed vehicles. Chargers are not on that list, but confirm with your broker for your product.
What happens when the EV quota runs out?
No more permits are issued for that period, and imports of quota vehicles without a permit are prohibited.
Could Canada bring the surtax back?
Policy can change. The arrangement is due for review after three years. Check Global Affairs Canada notices for current rules.
Related Reading
- Canada EV Charger Import Guide: cUL, CSA and Duties
- UL and ETL Listing for EV Chargers
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
