Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Mexico charges a 50% import tariff on new electric cars from countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Mexico, and China is one of them. The change came from a decree published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on December 29, 2025. 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. The decree does not list the usual charger codes, but it does raise some steel, aluminum and wiring lines.
Key Takeaways
- Mexico charges 50% on new Chinese electric cars since January 1, 2026.
- The decree targets non-FTA countries; China has no FTA with Mexico.
- Common charger codes such as 8504.40 are not on the decree list.
- Steel articles and vehicle wiring lines were raised, so classify each item carefully.
What the December 2025 Decree Changed
The decree amended the rates of a long list of tariff lines in Mexico’s General Import and Export Tax Law. Partners with a free trade agreement keep their preferential rates, so in practice the new rates hit imports from non-FTA countries such as China. A transitory article lets the Ministry of Economy create specific mechanisms for imports from non-FTA countries to protect supply of inputs.
| Tariff line in the decree | Description | New rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8703.80.01 | New passenger cars with only an electric motor | 50% |
| 8703.60.99 and other 8703 lines | Plug-in hybrids and other cars | 50% |
| 8704.60.02 | New electric goods vehicles | 50% |
| 8501.32.06 | Motors designed for electric vehicles of 8703.80 | 25% |
| 8544.30.99 | Ignition and other wiring sets of a kind used in vehicles | 25% |
| 7308.90.99, 7326.90.99 | Other structures and articles of iron or steel | 35% |
The rates were verified on the official text on October 16, 2026. Confirm the current rate for your code before shipping.
Does It Cover EV Chargers?
Not directly. Heading 8504.40 (static converters, where many charging units are classified) and subheadings 8544.42 and 8544.49 (insulated conductors fitted or not with connectors, often used for charging cables) do not appear in the decree’s list. Their existing rates stay in force. Two cases deserve a closer look:
- Steel pedestals or mounting posts shipped separately: if they are classified as articles of iron or steel, such as 7308 or 7326, they may fall on lines raised to 35%.
- Vehicle-specific wiring: 8544.30 covers wiring sets used in vehicles, which is a different code from a charging cable. Do not assume one code for every cable.
- Mixed shipments: each item is classified on its own merits unless it is presented as part of a complete charger.
Mexico’s charging market is growing; we covered the growth in charging connections earlier this year. Accurate classification protects that growth from surprise duty bills.
How Charger Importers Should Prepare
- Ask a licensed customs broker in Mexico to confirm the code and rate for each item before you order.
- Keep certificates of origin from the producer. Where an FTA applies, origin must be proven, not stated.
- Declare the true origin. Routing goods through a third country to change their declared origin is illegal and can trigger duties, fines and seizure.
- Decide early who pays duty and clearance costs; our FOB vs DDP guide compares the options.
EVDANCE ships from its own Shenzhen factory and provides HS code data and producer origin documents for each order. Distributors in Mexico can review our distributor program, and site owners can see our commercial charging solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the 50% rate aimed only at China?
The decree sets general rates that apply to all countries without a trade agreement with Mexico. China has no such agreement, so Chinese-built cars pay it.
Do US or Canadian EVs pay 50% in Mexico?
Goods that qualify for preferential treatment under a trade agreement can use the lower agreement rate. Qualification depends on origin rules.
Could the rates change?
Yes. The decree allows the Ministry of Economy to set specific mechanisms, and future decrees can amend rates. Check the Diario Oficial before shipping.
Related Reading
- EV Charging News: Mexico’s Charging Connections Grow 17.5% in First Half of 2026
- 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
