Import Taxes for Chinese Cars
Understand the import duties, taxes, and fees involved in importing cars from China. A country-by-country breakdown of what you'll pay at customs clearance.
When importing a car from China, the purchase price is only part of the total cost. Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees at your destination country can add significantly to the final price. This guide explains what to expect.
What's Included in the FOB Price
DriveSino's prices are quoted FOB (Free on Board), which includes the vehicle cost, domestic transport to the Chinese export port, and loading onto the vessel. It does NOT include: sea freight, marine insurance, destination port handling, import duties, or local taxes. For shipping costs and options, see our car shipping from China guide.
Common Import Duty Rates by Region
Africa: Import duties for used cars vary widely. Kenya: 25–35% + 16% VAT + excise duty based on engine size. Nigeria: 35% duty + 7.5% VAT + levy. Ghana: 5–20% duty + 12.5% VAT + special import levy.
Middle East: GCC countries generally have lower duties. UAE: 5% duty. Saudi Arabia: 5% duty + 15% VAT. Customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value.
Southeast Asia: Duties can be high for built-up vehicles. Philippines: 15–30% duty + 12% VAT. Indonesia: 25–50% duty + 11% VAT + luxury tax.
Europe: EU countries charge 10% duty on cars from China + VAT (19–27% depending on country). Note: Some Chinese EV brands face additional tariff scrutiny.
Americas: USA: 2.5% duty for passenger cars + 0.5% processing fee. Brazil: 35% duty + 18% state VAT + 7% PIS/COFINS.
Reducing Your Tax Burden
Some countries offer duty relief for hybrid and electric vehicles. Check our Chinese electric cars for export guide for EV-specific import incentives. We recommend consulting a local customs broker in your country before placing an order, as duties and tax rates are subject to change.
Get a Full Landed Cost Estimate
Contact DriveSino for a complete landed cost estimate for any vehicle in our inventory. We'll help you calculate the total cost including shipping, insurance, and estimated duties based on your destination country. Browse our inventory to get started.
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