Customs Duties on Cars from China in 2026: How They Are Calculated

Customs payments are the least clear part for a buyer and the most common cause of a surprise final amount. We break down the structure honestly.

What the payments consist of

• Duty — depends on age, engine displacement and customs value.
• Recycling fee — fixed rates, depend on engine size and category.
• VAT — for legal entities and in certain schemes.
• Customs clearance fee — a relatively small fixed amount.

What affects the amount most

First — engine displacement. Second — vehicle age: cars older than 3 and older than 5 years are calculated at other rates. Third — customs value, which is not always equal to the purchase price.

Practical takeaway: a hybrid with a small engine and an EV are almost always cheaper on duties than a 3.0 L naturally aspirated car of the same class.

Why hybrids and EVs are more cost-effective

Hybrids often have an engine volume of 1.5–2.0 L, while the main thrust comes from the electric motor. For EVs the duty is calculated differently, and the recycling fee for private import can be significantly lower.

Common Mistakes

• Calculating duty at the old rate and old table.
• Forgetting the recycling fee when planning a budget.
• Understating the customs value off the cuff — customs will adjust it.
• Not accounting for rates changing during the year.

How We Calculate

The full quote is prepared before the deal and fixed in the contract: duty, recycling fee, clearance, logistics and insurance. The final amount does not drift during the process — unless the exchange rate changes, which is also specified in advance.