March 5, 2026

Introduction of permit requirement to import Chinese-made electric vehicles to Canada

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) published instructions to inform importers of the rules and procedures governing the administration of the quota for imports of electric vehicles (EVs) from the People's Republic of China (China).

A shipment-specific import permit issued by GAC is required for all imports of the chinese EVs identified in the instructions. Imports of such EVs that are not accompanied by a permit are prohibited.

Eligible EVs imported under this quota are assessed at a most-favoured-nation tariff rate of 6.1%.

The quota year runs from March 1 to February 28 or 29, each year.

Links:

- GAC Notice Serial No. 1162 Import of Electric Vehicles from the People's Republic of China

- Customs Notice 26-05 Permit requirement to import Chinese-made electric vehicles to Canada