EU Customs Duty on China Electronics Imports
1 resources tagged with "Customs Duty"
Customs duty is the tariff charged when your China-made electronics enter the EU customs union, calculated on the CIF value against the product's TARIC code. Many finished electronics carry a 0-4% conventional duty rate, but import VAT (typically 19-25% depending on the member state) is the larger cash line, and CBAM reporting now touches certain metal-heavy goods. Duty and VAT are assessed at the first EU port of entry — Rotterdam and Hamburg are the common gateways.
When you import, the duty rate hinges on the correct TARIC classification, and you'll need CE marking under RED for any radio device before goods clear. The common pitfall is treating import VAT as a cost when, as a VAT-registered business, you can usually reclaim it — the real cost is the duty rate plus any anti-dumping measures on specific categories.
Guides (1)
FAQ
How much customs duty do I pay on electronics imported to the EU?
Most finished consumer electronics fall in a 0-4% duty band, but the exact rate depends on the TARIC code. Some categories carry anti-dumping duties, so confirm the classification before you commit.
Is import VAT the same as customs duty?
No. Duty is a non-recoverable tariff on the goods; import VAT (19-25% by member state) is charged on the duty-inclusive value but is usually reclaimable if you're VAT-registered.
Do I need CE marking before customs clearance?
Yes — radio electronics need CE marking under the RED directive, and customs or market surveillance can hold non-compliant goods. Have the EU Declaration of Conformity ready.
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