Import Duties from China to European Union
European Union import duty rates for goods originating in China. No bilateral FTA — MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates apply.
FTA Status
None
Duty basis
CIF
VAT
20%
Tariff system
EU TARIC
No Bilateral FTA
European Union applies MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tariff rates to goods from China. No preferential trade agreement is currently in force between these two markets.
China → European Union Trade Highlights
- →No FTA — MFN rates apply. EU-China CAI (investment agreement) frozen
- →Additional tariffs on Chinese EVs: +17.0–35.3% on top of 10% MFN (since Oct 2024)
- →Anti-dumping duties on steel, solar panels, e-bikes, aluminium, ceramics, and more
- →CBAM applies to steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, and hydrogen imports
- →China is the EU's largest source of imports (~€500B annually)
Key Products: China → European Union
European Union MFN rates · CIF basis · click for full breakdown
| Product | HS Code | MFN Duty | FTA Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Apparel | 61 / 62 | 12% | EU–Vietnam: 0–12% | Details → |
| Laptops & Computers | 8471 | 0% | — | Details → |
| Solar Panels & PV Modules | 8541.40 | 0% | — | Details → |
| Furniture | 9403 | 3.7% | — | Details → |
| Footwear & Shoes | 6402–6405 | 17% | EU–Vietnam: 0–12% | Details → |
| Steel Flat Products | 7208–7211 | 0–4% | — | Details → |
| Electronic Components | 8534 / 8542 | 0% | — | Details → |
All European Union Duty Rates
| Smartphones & Mobile Phones | 8517.12 | 0% | Details → |
| Passenger Cars | 8703 | 6.5% | Details → |
| Used & Second-Hand Cars | 8703 | 6.5% | Details → |
| Trucks & Commercial Vehicles | 8704 | 6.5% | Details → |
| Perfume & Fragrances | 3303.00 | 5.1% | Details → |
| Aluminium Profiles & Windows | 7610 | 6% | Details → |
| Automotive Parts & Components | 8708 | 3.7% | Details → |
| Tyres & Pneumatic Tyres | 4011 | 4.5% | Details → |
| Motorcycles & Scooters | 8711 | 6% | Details → |
| Cosmetics & Skincare | 3304 | 1.7% | Details → |
| Food Supplements & Vitamins | 2106 / 3004 | 0–9.6% | Details → |
| Fabrics & Technical Textiles | 5208 / 5512 | 6.5–12% | Details → |
| Jewellery & Precious Metals | 7113 / 7114 | 2.5% | Details → |
Importing into European Union: what you need
Customs is run by each member state (Zoll in Germany, Douane in France, Agencja Celna in Poland) under the Union Customs Code; rates come from the Common Customs Tariff and TARIC.
Registration. An EORI number issued by the member state where the importer is established. Non-EU sellers either appoint an indirect customs representative or ship DDP through a carrier that acts as declarant.
Low-value shipments. Goods worth €150 or less were duty-free until 30 June 2026. Since 1 July 2026 a flat €3 customs duty applies to each tariff heading in a low-value parcel sold through IOSS (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), until normal duties take over in July 2028. VAT is due from the first euro, collected at checkout under IOSS or at import.
Documents customs will ask for
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin for preferential rates (statement on origin or REX statement)
- Import licence or certificate where the product is regulated
Charges on top of duty
- Import VAT at the rate of the member state of import (17–27%)
- Excise on alcohol, tobacco and energy products
- Anti-dumping duties on specific product/origin pairs (TARIC additional codes)
- CBAM certificates for iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers and hydrogen above the 50-tonne annual threshold
Watch out. VAT, not duty, is usually the bigger number — a 3% duty on a €10,000 shipment is €300, while 20% VAT on the duty-paid value is over €2,100. VAT-registered importers recover it; consumers do not.
How Import Duty Is Calculated
CIF value
Product cost + international freight + insurance
Import duty (tariff rate)
MFN rate applies — no preferential rate available for China origin
VAT (20%)
Charged on CIF value + duty. Collected at customs clearance.
Use our Import Duty Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator for a full cost breakdown.
Calculate your exact cost
Enter your product, value, and shipping cost for a full landed cost estimate.
Landed Cost Calculator →China → Other Markets
Other Origins → European Union