Import Cars from China to Europe

Europe is one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese-built vehicles. From affordable electric city cars to luxury SUVs, importing cars from China to Europe offers compelling value. Chinese brands like BYD, NIO, MG, and XPENG have established official European operations, while joint-venture models (BMW, Mercedes, VW made in China) offer identical quality at lower prices.

Why Import Cars from China to Europe?

Chinese-built vehicles offer several advantages for European buyers. Chinese EVs, in particular, are priced 20–40% below comparable European models while offering longer range, more advanced technology, and higher equipment levels. Brands like BYD, MG, Geely, and NIO are leading the charge, with the best Chinese cars to import offering exceptional value for European buyers.

Joint-venture vehicles manufactured in China (BMW iX3, Mercedes EQA, Tesla Model 3/Y) are identical to their European-made counterparts but often available at lower prices. Many European buyers are discovering that Chinese electric cars for export offer the best technology-to-price ratio in the market.

Shipping Routes & Transit Times

Vehicles from China arrive at major European ports via RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container shipping. The main Chinese export ports are Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Ningbo. Key European destination ports include:

• Rotterdam (Netherlands) — Europe's largest port, serving as the primary hub for northwest Europe. Transit time: 29–41 days. View Netherlands shipping details
• Hamburg & Bremerhaven (Germany) — Major auto handling ports with dedicated vehicle terminals. Transit time: 29–42 days. View Germany shipping details
• Southampton & Tilbury (UK) — Primary UK vehicle entry points. Transit time: 30–42 days. View UK shipping details
• Le Havre & Marseille (France) — Atlantic and Mediterranean entry points. Transit time: 30–44 days. View France shipping details
• Barcelona & Valencia (Spain) — Mediterranean access for southern Europe. Transit time: 31–43 days. View Spain shipping details
• Genoa & Naples (Italy) — Italian entry points for southern European distribution. Transit time: 31–43 days. View Italy shipping details
• Gdansk & Gdynia (Poland) — Baltic entry for central and eastern Europe. Transit time: 30–42 days. View Poland shipping details
• Gothenburg & Oslo (Scandinavia) — Nordic entry points. Transit time: 31–45 days. View Sweden shipping details | View Norway shipping details

Shipping freight from China to Europe ranges from approximately $5,000–$5,700 depending on the port and shipping method (RoRo is typically cheaper than container). See our car shipping from China guide for detailed information.

Import Duties & Taxes

Importing a car from China to the European Union involves several costs:

• Import Duty: 10% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value for passenger cars
• VAT: 19–25% depending on the EU member state (e.g., Germany 19%, Netherlands 21%, Sweden 25%)
• Customs Clearance: ~$650 for EU customs processing
• Homologation: ~$3,950 for EU type approval (if the vehicle is not already EU-certified)
• Registration Tax: Varies by country (e.g., CO₂-based tax in the Netherlands, weight-based in Germany)

See our import taxes for Chinese cars guide for a detailed breakdown by country.

Popular Chinese Vehicles for Europe

European buyers have a strong preference for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The most popular Chinese cars for the European market include:

• BYD Atto 3 / Seal / Dolphin — BYD's Blade Battery technology and competitive pricing make these top choices. Read the BYD Export Guide
• MG4 Electric — Europe's best-selling Chinese EV, offering up to 450 km range at a price that undercuts European competitors. Read the MG Export Guide
• NIO ET5 / ES6 — Premium EVs with battery-swap technology. Read the NIO Export Guide
• XPENG P7 / G6 — Smart EVs with advanced driver assistance (XPILOT). Read the XPENG Export Guide
• Geely Zeekr 001 — High-performance electric shooting brake. Read the Geely Export Guide
• BMW iX3 (China-made) — Identical to the German-made version at a lower price

Browse our inventory of export-ready vehicles or check our guide on best Chinese cars to import for more options.

Country-by-Country Shipping Options

DriveSino ships to the following European countries with dedicated port information and freight pricing:

• United Kingdom — Southampton, Tilbury (London), Liverpool
• Germany — Hamburg, Bremerhaven
• Netherlands — Rotterdam
• Belgium — Antwerp, Zeebrugge
• France — Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk
• Spain — Barcelona, Valencia, Algeciras, Bilbao
• Portugal — Lisbon (Setubal), Leixões (Porto)
• Italy — Genoa, Naples, La Spezia, Livorno
• Greece — Piraeus (Athens), Thessaloniki
• Malta — Valletta
• Poland — Gdansk, Gdynia
• Sweden — Gothenburg, Stockholm
• Norway — Oslo, Bergen
• Denmark — Aarhus, Copenhagen
• Finland — Helsinki, Turku
• Romania — Constanta
• Bulgaria — Varna, Burgas

Documentation & Homologation

Importing a car from China to Europe requires proper documentation. China's export regulations are handled by DriveSino, including Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading, and Commercial Invoice. On the European side, you may need:

• EU Type Approval (WVTA) — Required for new vehicle registration. Many Chinese EVs already have EU certification
• COC (Certificate of Conformity) — Confirms the vehicle meets EU standards
• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — For vehicles without full EU type approval
• NOx and CO₂ certificate — Required for tax and registration purposes

Get Started

Ready to import a car from China to Europe? Browse our inventory of inspected, export-ready vehicles or contact our team for a personalized quote including shipping to your preferred European port.