Yes. As of October 2026, the United States, the European Union, Mexico and Brazil all charge high duties on electric cars made in China, and Canada limits them with a quota. The United Kingdom and Australia have no China-specific tariff on EVs. These measures apply to complete vehicles under heading 8703, not to EV chargers, which are classified under different headings and generally do not pay the vehicle surtax.
Key Takeaways
- The US, EU, Mexico and Brazil charge high duties on Chinese-made EVs; Canada uses a quota.
- The UK and Australia have no China-specific EV tariff as of October 2026.
- These tariffs target vehicles under heading 8703, not chargers.
- Confirm your charger’s classification and the current rate before shipping.
Tariffs on Chinese EVs by Country (October 2026)
The table summarizes the vehicle duties we verified on official government sources as of October 15, 2026. Rates change often, so confirm the current notice before you ship.
| Market | Duty on a new Chinese-made EV | China-specific? |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2.5% base duty, plus a 100% Section 301 tariff on Chinese EVs and a 25% Section 232 tariff on imported autos | Yes (Section 301) |
| Canada | 6.1% inside an annual quota of 49,000 vehicles with an import permit; the 100% surtax was repealed on March 1, 2026 | Yes (quota) |
| European Union | 10% base duty plus countervailing duties of 7.8% to 35.3%, depending on the exporter | Yes |
| United Kingdom | 10% standard duty plus 20% import VAT | No |
| Mexico | 50% on new electric cars from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico, since January 1, 2026 | No, but China is covered |
| Australia | No China-specific tariff; EVs valued under the fuel-efficient luxury car tax threshold enter duty-free; GST and luxury car tax may apply | No |
| Brazil | 35% import tax on assembled electrified vehicles from July 2026, for all origins | No |
How Much Are Tariffs on Chinese EVs?
The answer ranges from zero to well over 100%. In the US, the three layers add up to 127.5% before any other duties that may apply. USTR confirmed in February 2026 that existing Section 301 tariffs on China, which reach 100% on some products, stayed in place after the Supreme Court ruling on emergency tariffs. Congressional researchers note that the Section 232 auto tariff is charged in addition to Section 301 duties.
In the EU, a car from an exporter in the highest category pays 10% plus 35.3%. In Mexico, the December 2025 decree set the rate for new electric cars at 50%. The UK applies its normal 10% third-country duty on electric cars from China.
Does Australia or Mexico Have Tariffs on Chinese EVs?
- Australia: no. There is no extra duty aimed at China. Lower-priced EVs are duty-free, and the Australian Border Force collects 10% GST and a 33% luxury car tax on the value above the threshold where it applies.
- Mexico: yes, in effect. The 50% rate applies to countries without a free trade agreement with Mexico. China has no such agreement, so Chinese-built cars pay it.
We could not verify current figures for Turkey and India on official sources, so they are not in the table.
What This Means for EV Charger Importers
Vehicle tariffs follow the vehicle’s tariff heading. Chargers usually fall in Chapter 85, for example 8504.40 for many charging units or 8544 for charging cables. So a charger buyer generally does not pay the EV surtax or quota rules. Chargers still face their own duties, and in the US Chinese chargers carry separate China tariffs; our guide to importing EV chargers into the US covers them.
- Confirm your product’s classification with a licensed customs broker or a binding ruling.
- Declare the true origin and value. Misdeclaring origin or routing goods through another country to avoid duties is illegal and can bring penalties and seizure.
- Agree who pays duties in your contract; see FOB vs DDP.
EVDANCE is a Shenzhen factory, founded in 2011, that exports chargers to 30+ countries. We supply HS code data and origin documents with every order. Browse our product range or our distributor program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tariffs on Chinese EVs in the UK?
Only the standard 10% duty that applies to cars from any country without a UK trade deal, plus VAT. As of October 2026 there is no extra China-specific duty.
Do EV chargers pay the 100% US tariff on Chinese EVs?
Generally no. That tariff covers vehicles. Chargers have their own HTS codes and duty rates, which can include other China tariffs. Check your exact code.
Will these tariffs change?
They may. Several governments reviewed their measures in 2026. Always check the official notice on the day you ship.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- Canada EV Charger Import Guide: cUL, CSA and Duties
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
